In the skincare world, finding natural cures that suit individual skin needs might be challenging. One such time-tested and scientifically endorsed ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, also called Avena Sativa.
For centuries, oatmeal has been used as a skin-soothing agent. The first colloidal oatmeal was crafted in 1945 for skin care purposes and was officially classified as a skin care protectant by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2003. Today, oatmeal is available in various formulations such as powders, shampoos, shower gels, creams, etc. It acts as a cleanser, moisturizer, and soothing agent with great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features. This blog discusses the substantial benefits of incorporating oatmeal, a powerful ally of the skin, into your skincare routine.
What is colloidal oatmeal?
It's crucial to understand what oatmeal is before exploring its skin-benefiting properties. Colloidal oatmeal is a variant of oatmeal made from finely ground oatmeal mixed with liquid to enhance the calming and hydration properties of the ingredient. This formula falls under the category of emollient, looks similar to oat milk in this form, and is proven to treat itchy and irritated skin. It has a great impact on ageing skin as well. When applied on the skin, oatmeal products lower the level of cytokines, a protein group that causes skin inflammation.
Unveiling the Wonders of Colloidal Oatmeal: A Skincare Essential
Colloidal oatmeal holds decades of power to treat skin issues and being gentle on all skin types is the biggest advantage of the ingredient. A few benefits of using oatmeal for skin care are discussed below.
- Strengthens the skin barrier By shielding the skin from damaging irritants like pathogens, oatmeal provides a layer of defense for the skin & strengthens the skin barrier. Oatmeal also contains phenols that absorb UV radiation and guard the skin from sun damage.
- Hydrates the skin: Colloidal oatmeal helps retain moisture content on the skin by minimizing transdermal water loss, allowing the skin to rehydrate from within & provides nourishment to the skin.
- Fights against inflammation: Soothing your irritated skin, oatmeal balances the skin’s pH levels and reduces the cytokine action thereby reducing the inflammatory cells present.
- Gently exfoliates the skin: Oatmeal takes up the role of a gentle exfoliant with its fine texture, removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and eliminates impurities present on the skin.
- Heals skin conditions: Oatmeal is an effective cure for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and hydration properties. While the Saponins in oatmeal do this part, the avenacins impart anti-fungal properties that keep the skin fungus free.
- Anti-aging properties: The presence of antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, and proteins makes oatmeal a safeguard against wrinkles and fine lines by leveling up collagen production.
- Sebum Regulation: The oil-regulating mechanism is controlled by the ingredients present in oatmeal. It reduces excess oil and breakouts caused by it.
Oatmeal is compatible with other skin ingredients and works on all skin types. The combination of oatmeal, AHA-BHA acids, and retinoids can work great magic on your skin by reducing irritation and improving skin texture.
Colloidal Oatmeal: The Ultimate Solution for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin requires special care. Sensitive skin people have a thinner skin barrier that can get damaged easily and oatmeal is an excellent ingredient that works on sensitive skin due to its multiple properties. Oats contain beta-glucan which retains a healthy level of moisture on the skin and reduces unnecessary dryness and irritation.
When someone is dealing with acne-prone skin, the skin's pH is impaired; to balance it out, it needs a lot of hydration. That is where oatmeal has soothing properties and an inflammatory effect which helps acne to settle within the skin.
While choosing lotions and creams for sensitive skin, products containing oats can add to benefits. Oatmeal can promise you an even-toned, glowing skin.
Colloidal Oatmeal: A Natural Remedy for Eczema Relief
Eczema can cause cracked skin, itchiness, and severe rash. Many times, eczema sufferers struggle to find a natural relief. Do not worry, colloidal oatmeal is highly effective in soothing eczema itch and rashes. Oatmeal baths can be incorporated into your routine as they relieve inflammation and provide moisture that is much needed. If you are dicey about the solution, seek medical help to ensure that oatmeal is safe for your skin.
Oatmeal paste is another option for eczema. A quarter of colloidal oatmeal can be mixed with water to make a paste. The application of this mixture forms a protective film over the skin to reduce redness and calm skin. Regular use of oatmeal for eczema can provide significant results on the skin.
The Magic of Oatmeal Formulations
The formulations combining oatmeal provide soothing and nourishing properties. Several factors trigger skin irritation and protection from these allergens is much needed, especially if you have sensitive skin. Colloidal oatmeal itself is an emollient, a moisturizer that not only provides moisturization but also protection.
FCL Oatsilk Body Lotion is carefully formulated with 100% natural Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Linoleic acid, and Sodium PCA to provide lasting protection and skin hydration. This pH-balanced, non-comedogenic formulation decreases the scaliness and can be applied on the skin right after a shower or bath to maintain skin moisture.
FCL Oatsilk Soap-Free Body Wash helps to relieve all symptoms of skin irritation, dryness, discomfort, flaking, roughness, and itchiness. Made with EcoCert-certified ingredients, this formulation is 100% free from pyrogens and irritation-causing agents. Enriched with a handsome amount of moisturizers, it highly suits the dry skin.
Transform Your Skin with The Power of Oatmeal
An oatmeal skincare routine is an exceptional choice to yield impressive results. The routine can begin with a gentle oatmeal cleanser that does not strip off the skin of the natural oils present. This step can be followed by a toner, other ingredients and finally a moisturizer to lock in hydration. Other methods like masks and scrubs can be used once or twice a week for better results.
Following this skincare routine is highly effective as oatmeal possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties. Apart from that, saponins present in the ingredient clears the skin and give it a healthy glow.
The bottom line is that oatmeal is an all-in-all ingredient that covers the roles of a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer. The versatile and efficient properties soothe the skin and provide deep hydration. Oatmeal has been used for millennia and is a proven cure for chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Oatmeal also boosts collagen production which helps with ageing and wrinkles. The transformative effects of oatmeal on skin make it the best choice for all your skin problems, irrespective of the skin type.
