Colloidal Oatmeal is a natural ingredient known for its skin benefits. It is even recognized by the FDA as a skin-protecting ingredient. According to research, it has been a popular ingredient for skin conditions for decades.
Colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is known to reduce itching in dry and irritated skin. Colloidal oatmeal is used as adjunct therapy for patients with eczema and psoriasis. It also repairs the skin barrier and maintains the skin's pH balance.
This article will tell you all about what colloidal oatmeal does, its benefits, and its uses. We will also discuss how to make colloidal oatmeal and DIY remedies for skin using colloidal oatmeal. It specifically talks about colloidal oatmeal for eczema treatment.
What is Colloidal Oatmeal?
Colloidal oatmeal is prepared by grinding the oat grains, Avena sativa. The oats are ground to convert them into fine powder, which is then dissolved in water; hence, the term “colloidal.”
This colloidal oatmeal is not very different from the oats in your kitchen. It is ground very finely into a powder. Many skincare products like cleansers, moisturizers, and creams have colloidal oatmeal.
Colloidal oatmeal benefits are numerous, and it is added to formulations to soothe and calm the skin. It is known to relieve itchiness and irritation of the skin. Colloidal oatmeal is very beneficial in various skin conditions.
How Colloidal Oatmeal Works
What does colloidal oatmeal do? Colloidal oatmeal works to restore the skin pH and skin barrier repair and keep it soft and supple. Research proves that it also works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. There are many components of colloidal oatmeal that work in different ways. Some of these are discussed below.
Beta-glucans and Starches
Colloidal oatmeal has starches and long-chain sugars that form a layer on the skin. This layer protects the skin from external damage and water loss. The protective layer also prevents irritants from affecting the skin.
Avenanthramides
Avenanthramides reduce inflammation and act as antioxidants. It reduces skin redness, irritation, dryness, and itching.
Colloidal Oatmeal’s Proteins
These proteins help to balance the skin’s pH, which is crucial for a healthy skin barrier function.
Cytokine Inhibition
Avenanthramides inhibit cytokines, which are responsible for inflammation in the skin. Inhibition of cytokines reduces inflammation, redness, itchiness, and skin irritation. It is beneficial for eczema patients.
Colloidal Oatmeal Benefits for Skin Health
As described earlier, several studies have reported colloidal oatmeal benefits. Colloidal oatmeal is a natural ingredient with many beneficial properties for the skin. It soothes the skin, reduces inflammation, calms the redness, and mitigates itchiness. Some of the benefits of colloidal oatmeal are listed below.
Occlusive Film
It forms an occlusive layer on the skin, which helps retention of water, making the skin hydrated. It also helps to avoid skin irritants and aggressors. This occlusive film also attracts water into the skin, adding to its hydration.
Moisture Retention
The formation of a layer on the skin leads to water retention. This layer stops water from going out of the skin into the atmosphere, keeping it hydrated for a longer time.
Irritant Protection
Glucans in the colloidal oatmeal form a layer on the skin, which protects the skin against stressors. This property of the colloidal oatmeal is especially beneficial for eczema patients.
Humectant Action
Colloidal oatmeal has long-chain sugars that attract water molecules in the skin, leading to soft and hydrated skin.
Skin pH Normalization
Another significant benefit of colloidal oatmeal is skin pH maintenance. The skin's pH can be disrupted by various things, such as skincare products and the atmosphere. The proteins in the colloidal oatmeal help restore the skin’s pH to an optimal 5.5.
Colloidal Oatmeal for all Skin Types
Colloidal oatmeal is beneficial for all skin types. Many people think that it is only for sensitive skin, dry, and irritated skin. This is not true; colloidal oatmeal is good for all skin types. It is a natural soothing ingredient that is also recognized by the FDA.
|
Skin Type |
Benefits |
|
Dry |
It hydrates deeply by forming an occlusive layer, retaining water, and attracting water. |
|
Oily |
Colloidal oatmeal has Saponins, mild cleansers that help with soothing acne breakouts. |
|
Sensitive |
Soothing and calming the redness. |
|
Irritated |
Reduce irritation and itching. |
How Colloidal Oatmeal Helps Relieve Eczema, Rashes, and Itchiness
Many people wonder, is colloidal oatmeal good for eczema?. Various research and studies suggest that colloidal oatmeal mitigates eczema flare-ups. Colloidal oatmeal is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Relieves Eczema
According to a study, colloidal oatmeal is prescribed as adjunct therapy for patients with eczema. It has starches and beta-glucans known to form a protective layer on the skin, which does not let stressors affect the skin. Colloidal oatmeal also has compounds that reduce inflammation.
Reduces Rashes
Avenanthramides and phenols in the colloidal oatmeal mitigate inflammation and reduce redness and itching. The long-chain sugars hydrate the skin. Colloidal oatmeal also repairs the skin barrier and restores the pH of the skin.
Soothes Itchiness
Colloidal oatmeal acts as an emollient and soothes itchiness. It hydrates the skin and relieves itching. The anti-inflammatory properties of the colloidal oatmeal help alleviate itchiness.
How to Use Colloidal Oatmeal in Your Skincare Routine
You can use colloidal oatmeal in various ways in your skincare routine. All these methods can be used to calm and soothe your skin. Only eczema patients or people with sensitive skin don't need to use colloidal oatmeal. It can be used by any skin type. Some ways of using colloidal oatmeal on your skin are given below.
Colloidal Oatmeal Baths
Procedure
For colloidal oatmeal baths, fill your bathtub with warm water and one cup of colloidal oatmeal. Distribute the oatmeal evenly, and submerge yourself in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes.
Benefits
- Soothes and calms the skin.
- Relieves body acne.
- Calms the eczema flare-ups.
Lotions and Creams
Procedure
Several OTC and medicine-grade creams and lotions have colloidal oatmeal as their key ingredient. Remember to buy these products from a reputable brand like Soteri Skin. These creams and lotions are beneficial for patients with skin conditions and all skin types. Some of their benefits are listed below.
Benefits
- Deeply hydrates.
- Protects against irritants.
- Restores skins pH.
- Repairs the skin barrier.
Cleansers
The Saponins in the colloidal oatmeal are mild cleansers used in cleanser formulations. These cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
DIY Masks
You can prepare a DIY colloidal oatmeal mask by mixing the oat powder with a liquid. This liquid can be water, milk, yoghurt, honey, rose water, or olive oil.
Mix colloidal oatmeal powder with water or rose water if you have oily skin. Milk is a good option as it exfoliates as well due to the presence of lactic acid.
Dry-skinned individuals can use yoghurt, honey, or olive oil.
Colloidal Oatmeal vs Regular Oatmeal: What’s the Difference?
Colloidal oatmeal is different from regular oatmeal due to its processing and consumption. The key differences between these two are mentioned in the table.
|
Comparison Aspects |
Colloidal Oatmeal |
Regular Oats |
|
Processing |
Finely ground into powder. |
Whole or rolled oats |
|
Consumption |
Topical application to soothe skin. |
As food. |
|
Benefits |
Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant Relieves itching Emollient Balance the pH of the skin |
Nutrient-rich. High fiber content Fulfilling Less sugar spike Healthy breakfast |
|
Application |
Used in topical creams, lotions, masks, and cleansers. |
Used in different dishes. |
Safety and Precautions When Using Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is a natural ingredient that is usually safe for all skin types. There are no colloidal oatmeal side effects; however, it is recommended to check for any allergies before using it. Always perform a patch test before using the colloidal oatmeal.
If you have a known allergy to oats, bran, and other oat-related products, then avoid using colloidal oatmeal. If you have an existing skin condition and allergies, then consult your dermatologist before using colloidal oatmeal.
Conclusion
Colloidal oatmeal is an ingredient derived from oats. It is formed by finely grinding oats to a powder that can dissolve in liquid. Colloidal oatmeal has many benefits for human skin, such as reducing inflammation, improving hydration, and maintaining the skins pH.
The key components of colloidal oatmeal are long-chain sugars, proteins, avenanthramides, etc. These components have various functions that improve skin condition. The above sections describe many colloidal oatmeal skin benefits in detail.
Colloidal oatmeal is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is used for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It soothes the skin and protects it against irritants. Colloidal oatmeal forms a protective layer on the skin, which protects it from dehydration. This protective layer helps in the repair of the damaged skin barrier and maintains the skin pH. There are no known colloidal oatmeal side effects.
Colloidal oatmeal also relieves itching, redness, and inflammation. It can be used by adults and babies. Because of its safe nature, it can be effectively used for baby eczema. There are many baby eczema creams containing colloidal oatmeal.
You can find colloidal oatmeal in various skin creams, lotions, and cleansers. You can find these in over-the-counter products. These products are beneficial for individuals with all skin types.
FAQs:
Is colloidal oatmeal good for eczema?
Yes, colloidal oatmeal is perfect for eczema. Colloidal oatmeal reduces inflammation and irritation of the skin. It mitigates the flare-ups. Colloidal eczema is known for reducing the itchiness of the skin. You can find eczema creams and treatments containing colloidal oatmeal.
How to make colloidal oatmeal?
You can prepare colloidal oatmeal by putting oats in a grinder and making a very fine powder. When the powder is ready, boil a cup of water and add the oat powder. Simmer for a few minutes to release starch and other nutrients. Cool it down and apply where needed.
Can I use colloidal oatmeal on my face?
Yes, you can use colloidal oatmeal on your face. Colloidal oatmeal is safe, but if you have any oat or bran allergy, it is recommended to use it after consulting a physician. You should always perform a patch test before applying any new product to the face.
Is colloidal oatmeal good for ageing skin?
Yes, colloidal oatmeal is very good for ageing skin because it has some components that are good for mature skin. Colloidal oatmeal has antioxidants like vitamin E, which prevent skin damage, and avenanthramides that reduce inflammation. Colloidal oatmeal also promotes collagen production, which is beneficial for sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines.
