What Is Colloidal Oatmeal And What Are The Benefits?
Colloidal oatmeal is a natural ingredient that is popular because of its many health benefits. According to an article published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology , this oatmeal is a sedative due to its pharmacological use.
In fact, this product is readily available in a variety of formats, from bath powder to shampoos, shaving creams and lotions. So what are the benefits of this product and how do people usually use it?
What is colloidal oatmeal?
Colloidal oatmeal is made by grinding oat grain ( Avena sativa ) into a fine powder. Today, the cosmetics industry uses this product in a wide range of formulas for personal health, especially in skin care products.
A study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology explains that colloidal oatmeal has a complex chemical composition and consists of polysaccharides, lipids, proteins, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. In addition, consumers value this ingredient for its moisturizing quality, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich properties.
Benefits of colloidal oatmeal
The nutritional composition of oats provides consumers with a number of health benefits, especially when treating skin diseases. Due to its anti- inflammatory properties and emollients , it helps to repair damaged skin and can relieve some conditions, such as:
- Rash
- Stains on the skin
- Itching and eczema
- Dry Skin
- Atopic dermatitis
- Burns
- Diaper rash
The emollients found in oats smooth out and hydrate the skin, which helps relieve symptoms such as itching and dandruff. Of course, there are many natural products that can help relieve skin problems, but many choose oatmeal because it can be used for all skin types.
Studies suggest that colloidal oatmeal can also be used to combat bothersome symptoms of xerosis and extremely dry skin. This treatment is safe, tolerable and can even help reduce the need for topical cortisone steroids and thus avoid potentially unpleasant side effects.
Now we should make it clear that colloidal oatmeal is not a first-line defense to prevent skin problems. When it comes to moderate to severe burns, acne and dermatitis, you should always visit a dermatologist first to learn about other treatment options. Oat products are often used with other medicines to relieve skin discomfort.
How to use this ingredient
The most common way to use colloidal oatmeal is in an oat bath where you mix the fine powder in the bath water. However, as we mentioned earlier, oatmeal, creams, ointments and a variety of other products are also available.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You should use colloidal oatmeal creams on the affected areas as needed. If you have dry hands, we recommend that you use the cream every time you wash your hands.
Similarly, you should always wash and dry the area before using an oat ointment or cream to treat diaper rash. It is advisable to be careful or avoid applying ointments or creams on sensitive areas such as around the eyes, in the mouth and nose and on the genitals. Do not use on damaged, cracked or scratched skin.
Are these products safe?
Colloidal oatmeal is safe for most people. To this day, there is actually no record of adverse side effects after use.
However , we do not recommend using oatmeal products to treat skin diseases if you have a known oat allergy or are sensitive to by-products from oats. Stop all use if the itching worsens or you get a rash after using colloidal oatmeal.
How to cook colloidal oatmeal at home?
While it is certainly convenient to buy ready-made colloidal oatmeal, you can also make it at home with just a few simple steps. The end product is ideal to add to the bath or to make a natural mask with.
Ingredients
- 125 grams of whole oats
- A food processor or blender
Method
- To begin, add raw, whole oats to the food processor or blender.
- Turn it on and mix until the oats form a soft, fine powder.
- To see if the powder is fine enough, mix a small amount in water. If the water turns milky white, your homemade colloidal oat powder is ready.
Colloidal oatmeal is a soothing ingredient for the skin
There are many reasons to include colloidal oatmeal in your skincare routine. It is a mild ingredient that even people with the most sensitive skin can use and due to its composition it helps to protect the skin and fight dryness.
The most interesting thing about this product is that it is available in many formats and can even be prepared easily at home from whole oatmeal. What do you think, do you want to try it? Remember to talk to your dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns.
