Colloidal Oats: Properties And Benefits

Colloidal oats are a natural ingredient that is popular for its many skin health-enhancing health benefits. According to an article in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology ,  this oat is a sedative ingredient regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pharmacological use.

In fact, colloidal oats are available in various forms ranging from bath foam to shampoo, depilatory foam and body lotion. What are the benefits of this product and what is it usually used for?

What exactly is colloidal oats?

Colloidal oats are made by grinding oat grains ( Avena sativa ) into a fine powder. The cosmetics industry today uses this product in many different forms to improve people’s personal health, especially in skin care products.

A study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology  reports that colloidal oats contain complex chemical structures. It consists of polysaccharides, lipids, proteins, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. Consumers also appreciate this ingredient due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

What are the health benefits of colloidal oats?

The nutritional composition of oats offers its users a huge number of health benefits, especially in skin care. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and emollients, oats  help repair damaged skin and can relieve some skin problems, such as:

• Rash
• Skin patches
• Itching and eczema
• Dry skin
• Atopic rash
• Burns
• Diaper rash

The emollients in oats smooth and moisturize the skin, helping to relieve symptoms such as itching and flaking. There are, of course, numerous natural products that can help cure skin problems, but oats are the choice of many people as it can be used on all skin types.

Studies show that colloidal oats can also be used for  symptoms caused by severe xerosis and extremely dry skin. This treatment is safe, tolerable, and can even help reduce the need for external corticosteroids. This can potentially avoid unpleasant side effects.

However, we want to clarify that colloidal oats are not a method of first aid for the prevention of skin problems. In case of moderate or severe burns, acne or dermatitis, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist to find out about other treatment options. Oat products are usually used with other medicines to relieve the discomfort felt on the skin.

How is this natural substance used?

An oat bath is the most common way to use colloidal oats. In it, finely ground colloidal oats are mixed with bath water. As mentioned previously, is  oat products available in other forms, such as a gel, a cream and an ointment. 

Please follow the instructions on the package carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Whenever necessary, apply a cream containing colloidal oats to the affected area. If you have dry hands, we recommend that you always use the cream after washing your hands.

If you use oatmeal to treat diaper rash, the area should always be washed and dried thoroughly before applying the cream. Please be careful not to apply the cream to sensitive areas such as around the eyes, mouth, nose and genitals. Do not apply the cream to broken, cracked or scratched skin.

Is colloidal oats a safe product?

Colloidal oats are a safe product for most people. There are no proven negative side effects from its use to date.

However, we do not recommend using oat products to treat skin problems if you know you are allergic or sensitive to oats. Stop using oat products if the itching gets worse or you get a rash after using colloidal oats.

This is how you make colloidal oats yourself

While buying colloidal oats ready-made is definitely handy, you can also make it yourself at home with simple instructions. The final product can ideally be used in a bath or as a face mask.

Ingredients

• 125 g of oat grains
• Blender

Manufacturing

• Start by adding the raw oat grains to the blender.
• Grind in a blender until the oats form a soft and fine powder.

• Test the powder for sufficient fineness by mixing a small amount with water. If the water turns milky white, the homemade colloidal oats are ready.

Colloidal oats are a skin-healing ingredient

Colloidal oats are worth adding to skin care routines for many reasons. It is a gentle ingredient that is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Thanks to its composition, colloidal oats help protect the skin as well as prevent dryness.

The most interesting thing about this product is that it can be bought in many different forms or made at home from oat grains. What do you think? Are you going to try colloidal oats? Be sure to talk to your dermatologist first if you have any questions or concerns about using the product.