Oats - The Skin-Secret Power You Didn’t Know You Needed 

Did you know that yummy bowl of oatmeal you eat in the morning is doing more for you than just satisfying your hunger and filling your empty stomach?  Your breakfast bowl of oats is actually contributing to your health in more ways than you even realize. Yes, that morning porridge is a skin-loving antidote, giving you a beautiful glow and promoting skin longevity.  Let’s explore how this simple yet nourishing meal contributes to your skin's beauty and longevity!

Oats for the skin have many versatile benefits that you won’t want to go without—battling dry patches? Oats has you covered. Longing for your skin to be smooth and hydrated? Oats can do the trick. With their exfoliating properties, oats have the power to make your skin look healthy and new.

Going From Groat to Oat | Oat-based Skincare

Colloidal Oatmeal -  Oats made for your skin that are finely ground to be utilized for their soothing and moisturizing properties. 

The original form of oat is the whole kernel with the outer husk removed. It takes the shape of a small, plump grain called ‘Groat.’ It can be further processed into different forms like rolled oats or oat flour by continually grinding it down, depending on its desired purpose. 

Oat-based skincare grinds the fine powder of oats to be used in lotions, soap bars, milk baths, and exfoliant scrubs. This form of oat is rich in beta-glucan, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help to calm your irritated skin, relieve itching, and improve skin hydration. Colloidal oat-based skincare would be best for you if you suffer from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. 

Ancient Grains to Modern-Day Skin Nutrition

The timeless benefits of oats for skin have a fascinating history worth exploring and applying today. Its dermatological use dates back as far as 2000 BC in ancient Arabia and Egypt, where it was documented for its soothing properties to protect and heal dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. From these early uses, oats have remained a staple in skincare, revered for their gentle yet powerful healing properties.

Colloidal Baths & It’s Origins 

During the Bronze Age, oats were cultivated for various purposes, including topical therapy for dermatological conditions. The evidence of colloidal baths dates back to Roman times, where they were prepped by boiling oatmeal to extract the gelatinous colloidal material. 

In the mid-twentieth century, interest in colloidal oatmeal grew as researchers highlighted and expanded on its documented benefits. By 1945, ready-to-use colloidal oatmeal became widely available. Shortly thereafter, clinical evidence confirmed its effectiveness in treating inflamed, dry, and itchy skin conditions.

Oatmeal Bath For Eczema

Fast forward to 2003, the FDA approved the use of colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant, and now it is quite common for colloidal oatmeal to be used for skin rashes, erythema, burns, itch, and eczema. Its applications have remained consistent over the years, as colloidal oatmeal continues to be highly recommended for managing skin rashes, erythema, burns, itching, and eczema. 

It is also commonly used to address conditions such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, chickenpox, dry skin, insect bites, and allergic reactions from plants, such as poison ivy. Colloidal oatmeal has become a key ingredient in over-the-counter skincare products and professional treatments for many skin concerns thanks to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Now, without further adieu, let's dive in…

1. Oatmeal For Skin Irritation   

You might be wondering, “How do oats help skin irritations?” I’ve wondered the same thing myself, and after much digging and research, here’s what I learned. Oats contain Avenanthramides, naturally occurring compounds with anti-inflammatory properties packed with antioxidants that calm redness, itchiness, and skin irritations. 

These flare-ups are commonly stimulated by eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions. Avenanthramides aim to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines known to cause these skin irritant reactions. Colloidal baths and topical oat-based products are proven to relieve irritation and relieve itching.

Not only do oats contain avenanthramides, but they also contain another powerful compound called beta-glucan, which has the innate ability to hydrate and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier because it is a soluble fiber. It amplifies healing because it provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, making it highly sought after for sensitive skin or skin healing from damage. With its anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant protection, this soluble fiber is an essential ingredient you won’t want to overlook in your skincare products.

2. Moisturizes and Hydrates | Oats For Dry Skin | Oats For Oily Skin

Similar to Honey, oats are a natural humectant, so they attract and retain moisture in the skin. The Beta-glucan traps moisture from the environment and prevents it from evaporating, thus keeping the skin hydrated for longer periods and creating a protective barrier to do so. Therefore, if you are a dry skin type like myself, you would substantially benefit from oat-based skincare products because they provide long-lasting hydration without getting greasy.

Studies show that oats contain water-binding polysaccharides (long-chain sugars) and hydrocolloids that hold moisture against the skin, making them emollient. The fats in oats amplify the emollient activity, improving the itch of dry skin. Oatmeal can be depicted as a buffering agent that helps foster the skin’s normal pH level. 

One really cool fact about oats is that they contain ultraviolet (UV) light absorption properties, which have been found to inhibit the rapid production of prostaglandin production and the release of arachidonic acid—both of which play key roles in inflammation and skin damage caused by too much UV exposure. Oats have the innate ability to help protect your skin from sun damage and reduce your risk of premature aging. 

Although it offers this protective benefit, it is still vitally important for you to use sunscreen as a primary defense against UV damage.  Sunscreen provides more thorough protection, blocking harmful rays that oats cannot fully shield you against. However, when you combine oats and sunscreen, you give your skin an extra layer of protection!

3. Exfoliater |  Oats For Glowing Skin

Oats carry saponins, a naturally occurring compound that acts as a mild surfactant. The cool thing about saponins is that they cleanse your skin and dissolve oils, dirt, and impurities while exfoliating the surface of your skin. You’ll never have to worry about them stripping your skin of its natural oils. 

Oats are naturally mild in acidity, adding to their innate ability to assist in loosening dead skin cells. The tiny particles in oats slough off dead skin cells and encourage new cell turnover. Thus, the skin feels soft without the harsh abrasion from conventional exfoliants. Not only do oats remove dead skin cells, but they also help clean excess dirt and oil. Oats are ideal for sensitive skin types because the mild exfoliant properties will be gentle, not harsh.

Regular use of oats for exfoliation can enhance your skin’s texture by gently removing dry, dull skin, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. Who wouldn’t want a brighter, healthier glow?

4. Oats For Acne | Clearer Healthier Skin

Oats contain that essential mineral we all love—zinc. While zinc is widely known for supporting the immune system and preventing illness, it’s also a powerful nutrient for promoting healthy skin. Zinc helps those who are acne-prone because it helps regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, and protect skin from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals that accelerate aging. 

Zinc plays a crucial role in skin repair, reducing inflammation, and regulating oil production, making it an excellent ingredient for maintaining a clear, smooth complexion. Whether consumed or applied topically, zinc helps to nourish the skin and support its natural healing processes.

Because oats have many saponins, they help cleanse pores that can get clogged. Oat-based products help promote healing and reduce scarring from acne. So, if you are acne-prone like me, you would love oats in your skincare because their high zinc content works great on combating acne, saving you from blemishes. 

5. Reduces Dark Circles | Oats For Glowing Skin

Oats contain all the necessary compounds you need to battle the appearance of dark under-eye circles and enhance glowing skin. As I have mentioned earlier, oats contain the following natural key ingredients: 

• Avenanthramides

• Beta-Glucan

• Saponins

• Zinc

The effective properties of each of these compounds have the ability to diminish morning puffiness, dark circles, and tired, sunken under-eye areas. The delicate nature of the skin around the eyes requires special care and attention. Oats work wonders by improving circulation and reducing swelling due to their rich nutrient profile, making them an ideal remedy for refreshing and revitalizing the under-eye area.

To Conclude….

Oats are an essential ingredient you don’t want to leave out of your skincare routine. From their ability to soothe irritation and inflammation to their gentle exfoliating and moisturizing properties, oats provide a natural, effective way to nourish and protect your skin. 

Their antioxidant-rich composition helps prevent signs of aging, while their oil-absorbing qualities keep skin balanced and clear. Whether dealing with dryness, acne, or sensitive skin, oats are a versatile, gentle ingredient that supports overall skin health. With a strong history of proven efficacy, oats continue to be a trusted ally in achieving radiant, healthy skin.