Oatmeal Baths: A Home Remedy for Skin Ailments
Surprised? It’s true. Oatmeal is more than just a breakfast staple. In fact, the use of oatmeal in skincare goes as far back as the Roman civilization. Even now, in modern times, it is considered to be a very effective home remedy for skin ailments such as Eczema and Rosacea.You’ll find oatmeal in many skin care products as well.
If you’re suffering from skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, then an oatmeal bath can be extremely beneficial for you. It can also help offset any allergic reaction to plants (poison ivy) or insect bites. Let’s take a look at how oatmeal helps your skin and the benefits of an oatmeal bath.
How Can Oatmeal Help Your Skin?
Oatmeal has compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-fungal properties. These compounds also work to retain moisture, improve cleansing, and absorb ultraviolet rays. Oatmeal also contains fiber and cellulose, which have emollient properties. This helps reduce the redness and irritation that is associated with eczema or rosacea. The compounds found in oatmeal will also form a protective layer on your skin and prevent the excess loss of water. Finally, oatmeal acts as a buffering agent and normalizes your skin’s pH. Oatmeal can also be used to treat a diaper rash.
The oatmeal used for an oatmeal bath is different from the one you eat. It is referred to as Colloidal oatmeal. This is basically oatmeal that has been ground up and suspended in liquid. Oatmeal in this form can be absorbed more easily by your skin.
Making Your Own Colloidal Oatmeal
You can purchase colloidal oatmeal from a store, but you can also make some at home. To make your own colloidal oatmeal, you’ll need a food processor and rolled oats. Make sure that the oats you purchase are free of artificial flavouring, sugars, salts, and chemicals. Next, use a blender or food processor to grind the oats until you get a fine powder. Mix a tablespoon in water and see if it dissolves easily. The water should turn milky white if it does.
Preparing an Oatmeal Bath
Once you have your colloidal oatmeal, you can prepare an oatmeal bath. Here’s how:
- Draw a bath with lukewarm water.
- Add half a cup of colloidal oatmeal to the bath. Once you’re in the bath, you can add another one and a half cups.
- Soak for fifteen minutes.
- Pat yourself dry after the bath. Make sure that you are gentle. Your skin should still feel a little damp once you’re done.
- Apply a moisturizer.
Remember to not soak for too long. This will cause your skin to dry out and make it even itchier.
To Sum It Up
There are several benefits of an oatmeal bath when treating skin ailments. Oatmeal baths have also been declared safe by the FDA. Some people may develop an allergic reaction from one or more of the components found in oatmeal. You can try applying the colloidal oatmeal to a small area of the skin to be sure you’re not allergic. If you’re taking any prescription medicines for any of the aforementioned skin ailments, then consult your doctor as well about an oatmeal bath.
A note of caution: The suggested remedies for treatments of ailments are for an informational purpose. You may try them at your discretion. The information provided is not to replace a doctor’s or professional practitioner’s advice.
If you feel like wanting to try a natural commercial product I can recommend only one… Linda’s Recipe for Redness-Prone Skin from Zenmed.
