The oatmeal baths For many, they are not usually one of the first options when wanting smoother and healthier skin. Neither is one of the favorite ingredients for a relaxing warm bath after a long day. As you know, this cereal, which is probably a regular part of your breakfasts, has great health benefits, not only on the inside but also on the outside. And the oatmeal baths they are a great way to take advantage of them.
Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a topical treatment for a variety of skin conditions. Including dry skin, rashes and eczema. So it is highly recommended. Do you want to know more about the oatmeal baths? Check it out! We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this all-natural skin care option.
What are oatmeal baths?
The oatmeal baths They are exactly what their name implies: baths with oatmeal added to the water. It’s that simple! They are made with colloidal oatmeal, which is nothing more than finely ground oatmeal powder that dissolves quickly in bath water.
If you don’t have store-bought colloidal oatmeal at home, grinding oats into flakes with a coffee grinder or food processor works just as well.
Benefits of oatmeal baths
The oatmeal baths They have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Soaking in oatmeal helps soothe dry, itchy, damaged skin. It also contains beneficial antioxidants that promote skin healing and healthy aging.
soothe the skin
Oatmeal baths are helpful in relieving irritated and itchy skin. They are ideal if you are dealing with a rash, hives or sunburn. Oatmeal has soothing, nourishing and moisturizing properties. It works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, increasing the skin’s ability to heal itself from within.
Studies also reveal that oatmeal plays a role in protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays. That is why oatmeal can sometimes be seen as an ingredient in cosmetic preparations.
Gently moisturize
Powdered oatmeal bath forms a protective barrier on the skin, which helps retain moisture and keeps it hydrated. It also has cleansing, moisturizing and pH-stabilizing properties. Due to its saponins, which have antibacterial and protective effects.
A clinical study evaluated the moisturizing effects of colloidal oatmeal and found it to have significant benefits for cracked, damaged, and dry skin.
reduce inflammation
Research suggests that oatmeal possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And, its administration is effective in multiple inflammatory dermatological diseases. Including atopic dermatitis, pruritus, viral infections and psoriasis.
Its anti-inflammatory effects are exactly why oatmeal baths for hives are so effective. It can help reduce swelling, itching, and irritation.
The oatmeal baths They can also help relieve sunburn, insect bites, chicken pox, poison ivy, and diaper rash. That’s right, it’s also safe and beneficial for children.
contain antioxidants
Scientists have determined that the avenanthramides found in whole grain oats act to inhibit inflammation and soothe the skin. Avenanthramides are a group of phenolic alkaloids that act as powerful antioxidants.
In addition to their ability to fight free radical damage that leads to early signs of aging and skin damage, these compounds are also linked to oatmeal’s anti-itch effects.
protect the skin
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. He found that colloidal oatmeal works in strengthening the skin barrier. When used topically, oatmeal lotion showed significant clinical improvements in dryness, hydration, and skin barrier.
Colloidal oatmeal also provided a pH buffer to the skin. In addition, it stimulated the recovery of barrier damage. This means that it can protect the skin from dirt, bacteria, and environmental factors that cause irritation or damage.
How to make an oatmeal bath?
To make your own oatmeal bath, you should purchase colloidal oatmeal or finely grind one cup of unflavored oatmeal flakes. To make it, use a coffee grinder, blender, or food processor and grind the oats until they are a very fine powder.
Ideally, it should be done in a tub or bathtub, which should be filled with warm water. Add a cup of finely powdered oatmeal. Let the oatmeal sit for a minute. They should dissolve and the water should look milky in appearance. Enter the bathtub, it’s time to relax and enjoy.
When you feel very relaxed and ready to go. Drain the water from the bathtub, rinse your skin and carefully get out. If properly ground, the oats should drain easily, but you may need to rinse to remove any residue. To finish, apply a moisturizer, lotions with essential oils are perfect.
For babies or young children, use about a half cup of powdered oatmeal. Remember, the oatmeal must be unflavored. You can put the powdered oatmeal in a cloth bag to avoid oatmeal residue in the tub that could clog the drain.
Other oatmeal bath recipes
You can unleash your creativity with your recipes oatmeal baths adding other beneficial ingredients. Always use just one cup of colloidal oatmeal (half a cup for babies) and then add these ingredients for added benefits. Let’s look at some ideas:
- Turn it into a milk bath: This bath soothes and moisturizes the skin, reduces inflammation and promotes healthy aging. Adding 1-2 cups of non-dairy milk to your oatmeal bath can increase the healing effects. Some good options are coconut milk, almond milk, buttermilk, and breast milk for children.
- add lavender– Lavender oil not only has soothing and calming properties, but it is also an antibacterial agent and a powerful antioxidant. Simply add about 5 drops to your oatmeal bath.
- Pour avocado oil: Avocado oil for skin has amazing benefits. It works as a great moisturizer, reduces inflammation, fights free radicals, and soothes skin damage caused by sunburn. Add 1-2 tablespoons to your oatmeal bath. If you don’t have avocado oil at home, olive oil, argan oil, and coconut oil are other great options.
Risks and side effects
The oatmeal baths they are generally safe and well tolerated. Research conducted in France on the safety of colloidal oatmeal in personal care products found that it had very low irritant potential and very low allergenic sensitization potential.
However, if you experience redness, burning, or irritation during your oatmeal bath, carefully exit the bath and rinse your skin in the shower. This would be an adverse reaction to oatmeal, and so you should avoid oatmeal baths in the future.
When taking a colloidal oatmeal bath, don’t exceed 15 minutes or so because oatmeal can have a drying effect. Also, make sure to use lukewarm water and not hot water, which can cause skin irritation and damage.