The Benefits of Oatmeal in Skincare Products

Quaker oatmeal is a fixture in countless American kitchen cabinets. A hailed soft food, it is creamy and delicious and provides an excellent hot breakfast amongst the slew of cold cereals and sliced peaches. Did you know that oatmeal can also be used for skincare? Specifically, oatmeal helps to relieve itching.

Colloidal oatmeal, which is oatmeal converted to a fine powder, has been used for thousands of years to cure itchiness. Keep in mind that this type of oatmeal cannot be eaten! Its natural properties are hailed by the US Food and Drug Administration, an organization hesitant to call anything natural before careful scientific study. Oatmeal has been proven to protect the skin and provide relief towards itching. In addition, it is an excellent irritation healer. When insect bites and poisonous plants ravage your skin, oatmeal can be used to relieve these skin rashes.

Enthusiasts also used oatmeal powder in hot baths. When you add oatmeal powder into your warm bathwater, the water turns milky which allows the oatmeal to disperse rather than settle to the bottom. In addition to its healing properties, immersing yourself in a tub of oatmeal powder feels great. Remember, run your bathwater to hot and add a pack of oatmeal right under the faucet (instead of heaving it in there) to help spread the oatmeal around. Keep the water lukewarm rather than hot. Hot baths will only dehydrate your skin and strip it of its essential oils. Soak in the oatmeal bath for no more than 20 minutes and be careful when you step out, as the tub will become slippery. Opt to pat or blot your skin dry rather than rubbing your skin to keep the moisture intact.