Oatmeal is an excellent ingredient for skin care. A lot of products contain oatmeal due to its skin soothing and calming properties. This includes lotions, body scrubs, face masks, moisturisers and more. Those with dry and itchy skin can particularly benefit from oatmeal, as it hydrates the skin by retaining water in the skin. Colloidal oatmeal is one of the most common forms of oatmeal preparation that is used in lotions and baths. It is nothing but finely ground or chopped oatmeal mixed in liquid medium. Colloidal oatmeal in the form of oatmeal bath is often recommended to those suffering from severe dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Although skin dryness is one of the most important skin conditions oatmeal addresses, it has the ability to tackle other skin problems too. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in oatmeal heal skin conditions and form a protective barrier on the skin, preventing the loss of moisture from the skin. Oatmeal bath is beneficial for all skin types, in fact it has soap-like properties, due to which it can cleanse the skin effectively without stripping off the natural oils. Here are a few more benefits of oatmeal bath and the skin conditions it offers relief from.
01Benefits of oatmeal bath
- Helps maintain skin's normal pH balance
- Treats skin rashes and irritation
- Reduces histamine release which is responsible for causing allergic reactions
- Mildly cleanses skin and retains moisture
02What conditions does oatmeal bath treat?
All forms of skin irritation, rashes and itching caused by both internal and external factors can be tackled with an oatmeal bath. Whether it's winter dryness that's making your skin feel tight and dehydrated or an allergic reaction, adding colloidal oatmeal to your bath can offer relief. Here are a few conditions that can be treated with an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal bath is a natural, tried and tested remedy for eczema. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in oatmeal offer relief from dry, itchy skin which is common among those suffering from this skin condition. Adding colloidal oatmeal to bath water can heal calm the skin and accelerate the healing process. Hives and other forms of allergic reactions can be quite bothersome and itchy. Instead of reaching for a topical ointment, you can try taking an oatmeal bath to get relief. Taking a cool water bath with colloidal oatmeal or uncooked oatmeal can soothe even the most intense itching which is common amongst those suffering from hives. Oatmeal bath moisturises skin as well as acts as an emollient in treating dry skin. The high levels of starch in oatmeal soothe skin and protects it from external aggressors. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal calms skin irritation, thereby preventing the spread of chickenpox and scarring. Going out in the sun without sunscreen is a strict no-no, but if your skin got exposed to scorching heat or you forgot a spot, chances are you have ended up with sunburnt skin. Sunburns make skin red and irritating, an oatmeal bath can help relieve it. Bath infused with colloidal oats is completely harmless and soothes skin immediately. If your skin looks tanned and uneven, just relax in an oatmeal bath after. In fact you can even take an oatmeal bath when you just want to relax. By now it's pretty clear that oatmeal baths can offer relief from almost every type of skin irritation and itching. Poison ivy as we know causes an allergic reaction on the skin that leads to itchy and inflamed skin often associated with redness. A short oatmeal bath in lukewarm water can calm the itchiness caused by poison ivy.
03How to make your own oatmeal bath at home?
Now that you have learned all about the benefits of an oatmeal bath and all the problems it offers relief from, you're probably wondering how to make your own oatmeal bath at home. It is quite easy, simply follow the steps below to create a skin-soothing bath.
Ingredients and equipments:
- Half cup oats
- Few tablespoons water
- Blender **Step 01: **Add lukewarm water to half cup oats and let it soak for a minute. Step 02: Transfer to the blender and blend thoroughly until you get a smooth paste. Make sure it's not too runny. Step 03: Rub this mixture all over your body focusing on one area at a time. Exfoliate in gentle circular motions for a few minutes. Step 04: Once you have covered all parts of your body thoroughly rinse off. Step 05: Pat dry with a towel and apply lotions afterwards.
Steps for making an oatmeal bath:
Step 01: Add the oats to your blender or food processor on high speed until you get a fine, consistent powder. Step 02: Take a tablespoon of the powder and stir it into a glass of warm water to see if it gets easily absorbed. If the liquid turns into a milky-looking substance, it's perfect to add to your bathwater. If not, you will have to grind it further into a fine powder and keep testing until the powder gets easily dissolved in the water. **Step 03: **Draw your bath with warm water, make sure it's not hot. Slowly mix in the fine oat powder into the water. You can add up to one and a half cup of powder per bath. The water will have a silky feel and look milky. **Step 04: **Hop in the tub and relax, put on your favourite music or read a book. You can even use this time to put on a face mask. Soak your body in the oatmeal bath for about 15 minutes, staying in there for a longer time can dry out your skin. Step 05: Step out and pat dry your skin with a soft towel. While your skin is still a little damp apply chemical-free body lotions to lock the moisture in.
04Oatmeal scrub
If you don't want to go for an oatmeal bath, here's another way to get the benefits of oatmeal. Make an oatmeal body scrub! However, make sure you do not use it if you have an active skin condition. Use it on your body to shed dead skin cells and make the skin soft and smooth.
Ingredients and equipments:
- Half cup oats
- Few tablespoons water
- Blender **Step 01: **Add lukewarm water to half cup oats and let it soak for a minute. Step 02: Transfer to the blender and blend thoroughly until you get a smooth paste. Make sure it's not too runny. Step 03: Rub this mixture all over your body focusing on one area at a time. Exfoliate in gentle circular motions for a few minutes. Step 04: Once you have covered all parts of your body thoroughly rinse off. Step 05: Pat dry with a towel and apply lotions afterwards.
05FAQs about oatmeal bath
1) Can I use regular oatmeal in the bath?
**A. **Oatmeal can make the skin really soft and smooth, it is recommended even to those who do not have any skin condition. To make an oatmeal bath you can use regular oats, however, make sure they are not flavoured or contain any other food ingredient as this might cause skin irritation.
2) What stops skin itching fast?
**A. **Skin itching can be a result of infection, allergy or an underlying issue. However, it can be very annoying and at times turn the whole area red. To reduce itching instantly, you can try to pour cold water, take an oatmeal bath, apply a skin soothing moisturiser and apply freshly extracted aloe gel.
3) What to put in the bath to stop itching?
**A. **Itching can be due to an allergic reaction, insect bite or even an infection. The best way to stop itching is to take a bath that will remove the bacteria or germs from thriving. You can simply take a warm water bath or add ingredients like baking soda or oatmeal to your bath water. These ingredients are known to effectively stop skin itching and offer relief immediately.
