The soothing and calming properties of oatmeal make it an effective remedy for seeking relief from various skin conditions, especially for dry, itchy, or irritated skin. Oatmeal baths are medically recommended for quick and effective relief. Read on for oatmeal bath benefits.
What is an Oatmeal Bath?
An oatmeal bath uses colloidal oatmeal, the whole oat kernels that are finely milled and processed for use in skin care products during regular baths. The finely ground oatmeal is added to warm water to create a milky solution. This bath water is a calming solution that helps reduce inflammation and provides relief from itching, redness, and skin irritation. There’s more! It moisturizes the skin too, making it an effective way to tackle dry skin concerns.
Oatmeal Bath Benefits
From medical treatment to a cosmetic skincare routine, oatmeal baths actively fit under all heads. Here’s how an oatmeal bath helps the skin:
1. Reduces Skin Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal baths offer relief from various skin conditions. Oatmeal’s active compounds, namely avenanthramides and Vitamin E, are potent antioxidants that reduce inflammation and calm skin irritation.
It helps settle rashes, allergies, and itching, which are common symptoms of skin conditions like atopic and contact dermatitis, chickenpox, eczema, and psoriasis. Some studies suggest that oatmeal baths create a protective barrier and play a role in cosmetic preparations and sun protection.
2. Soothe Skin
Oatmeal baths are considered to be effective in calming irritated skin. Researchers found that the anti-inflammatory compounds of oatmeal help reduce inflammation, which is often a leading cause of itching. The colloidal oatmeal is known to form a protective layer over the skin which prevents moisture loss and helps maintain skin hydration. As a result, an oatmeal bath alleviates dryness and discomfort and provides immediate relief by creating a calming and comforting sensation in the affected areas.
3. Enhances Skin’s Absorption Ability
Lotions and creams applied on dry skin are not adequately absorbed if the skin is not exfoliated. This is because the dry skin builds up a layer of dead skin cells. An oatmeal bath prepares the skin for better and faster absorption of moisturizing ingredients, ensuring effective results. No wonder an oatmeal bath for dry skin is widely advocated.
4. Stronger Barrier Function
Oatmeal baths act as both a humectant and an emollient. While the former helps in attracting and retaining moisture, the latter fills in micro-cracks to soothe irritated skin. The two moisturizing actions working in tandem, strengthen the skin’s barrier function. Studies indicate that colloidal oatmeal aids in the recovery of damaged skin barriers.
5. Promotes Skin Hydration
Oatmeal baths provide excellent hydration for the skin due to their humectant properties. Oats contain polysaccharides that attract and retain water on the skin’s surface, promoting hydration. Moreover, oat’s lipids strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, while its natural saponins act as gentle cleansers and confer antimicrobial properties. The presence of antioxidants like ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and coumaric acid further enhances its oatmeal bath benefits.
How to Make Oatmeal Bath at Home?
A colloidal oatmeal bath at home is simple and easy to make. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Take a cup or two of plain, unflavoured oats and grind them into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
- Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water.
- Slowly sprinkle the ground oatmeal into the warm bathwater. Keep stirring the water until the oatmeal is evenly dispersed.
- Step inside the bathtub. Soak in the bath for about 10-15 minutes as you gently rub the oatmeal water onto your skin.
- Step out of the bathtub and rinse your body with clean water to remove the remaining oatmeal residue.
- Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Conclusion
Oatmeal baths offer many benefits for the skin, making it an effective treatment for various skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal help alleviate symptoms like irritation, redness, and itching, providing immediate relief. Its ability to enhance the skin’s barrier function, promote hydration, and improve the skin’s absorption ability for moisturizing products, make oatmeal baths for dry skin the go-to remedy. Set up your oatmeal bath at home to enjoy the unparalleled oatmeal bath benefits for skin.
