Colloidal Oatmeal, first produced in 1945, is a natural ingredient that can be found in many skin care products such as bath powders, bath bombs, moisturizers, cleansers, salves, creams and more. It has been used for centuries to help calm dry, itchy, irritated and inflamed skin. Colloidal Oatmeal is finely milled and processed whole oat kernels that turn into a silky, fine powder. It is not at all the same as oat flour, which has the bran removed. Colloidal Oatmeal leaves the bran intact because it contains the necessary skin-soothing active ingredients. It is considered to be a rich emollient because it contains fats, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients shown to greatly benefit the skin. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially categorized colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant. (Reference One)
This wonderful powder is also high in starches and beta-glucan, which give Colloidal Oatmeal its protective and water-holding functions. Added to this are the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit your skin. Antioxidants fight the free radicals that can damage your body and these free radicals have been linked to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, dermatitis and even the aging of the skin. (Reference Two)
There are many skin conditions that Colloidal Oatmeal can help to alleviate including: eczema, scaly, itchy or patchy skin, psoriasis, over-exposure to the sun; dry, irritated skin and may even help soothe the itch of chickenpox and measles. One of the best ways to use Colloidal Oats is in the bath. By pouring a small amount from one half cup to one and a half cups into the bath, depending on the size of the tub and how much water is used. Some people prefer to put the oats into the leg of pantyhose or pantyhose socks and place the sock under the running water as the tub fills. Doing it this way can help to prevent having to clean the tub right away, after the bath.
Try our soothing Oatmeal & Coconut Milk Bath Soak and our Colloidal Oatmeal Soap, do not contain any aromas of any kind. For very itchy, dry skin, you can actually take a bath in it at least once or twice a day. Always remember to gently pat-dry your skin after your bath and use warm, not hot, water. You can soak in the tub for up to fifteen minutes at a time. If you feel a bit sticky once you’ve finished bathing, you can simply rinse off lightly with fresh, lukewarm water. Immediately after patting your skin dry, apply your favourite emollient skin moisturizer.
You can always use your own plain oats for your bath products, but they do not contain the micronized particle size that is needed to be most effective. A coffee grinder or blender simply cannot achieve this. The types of oat varieties are also very important to the outcome of your product. Food grade oats are generally very low in the active molecules that can give your skin the best protection. A high quality Colloidal Oatmeal will work best as it can provide the essential antioxidants, lipids and beta glucan that you need.
Conclusion: As usual, it is always best to check with your doctor before starting any kind of therapeutic treatment of any kind, even if it is completely natural, particularly in the case of very irritated or sensitive skin issues or rashes that won’t go away.
