For centuries, colloidal oatmeal has been used to treat dry, itchy, and irritated skin. However, despite the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially categorising colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant in 2003, experts say that this wonder ingredient has not got its fair share of the limelight in the world of skincare. But things recently started changing for the good with a surge of colloidal oatmeal cosmetic products now being easily available in the market — from moisturisers, and shampoos, to shaving creams.
Highlighting the same in an Instagram post, Dr Harshal Ranglani, a dermatologist wrote, “It is great for dry, sensitive skin but also has therapeutic benefits for atopic dermatitis, other forms of eczema, psoriasis and even acneiform eruptions from chemotherapy.”
What is colloidal oatmeal?
Colloidal oatmeal is made by finely grinding oats and then boiling them to extract the colloidal material. What you get is whitish water with a silky texture — or ready-to-use colloidal oatmeal extract.
Adding, Dr Saurabh Shah, dermatologist, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai said, “It is a specific form of oatmeal that helps hydrate, soothe, and whiten the skin by locking in the moisture and, thereby, increasing hydration. It may be used as a food supplement, cream, lotion or as a powder.”
What does it do?
According to Dr Ranglani, it contains avenanthramides, which makes it ‘anti-inflammatory‘, thereby bestowing upon it the power to decrease ‘pro-inflammatory’ chemicals in the skin (which are responsible for causing itching, redness, irritation). It also has a soothing effect.
Further, the starch and beta-glucan in it help it ‘hold water’ – making it a humectant. “It also acts as an emollient, which softens the skin,” Dr Ranglani told indianexpress.com.
It also acts as an emollient, which softens the skin. (Source: Freepik)
Who can benefit?
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*It is great for dry skin
*It is also suitable for irritated, inflamed or eczema-prone skin (especially atopic dermatitis)
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends colloidal oatmeal baths for itchy, eczema-prone skin as well as for hives, sunburns, and chickenpox.
For this, add colloidal oatmeal to lukewarm water. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes. After the bath, gently pat the skin dry, leaving it damp enough. Then, apply a moisturiser while the skin is still damp.
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Formulations
It is added to products like bath lotions, cleansing bars, body washes, shampoos, lotions, creams and even shaving gels.
You will see it on ingredient lists as:
*Avena sativa kernel extract
*Avena sativa kernel flour
*Colloidal oatmeal extract
*Oatmeal extract
*Oat milk (not the edible kind)
Concluding, Dr Shah said, “Colloidal oatmeal is quite inert for most skin types, however, one may rarely encounter mild burning, redness and irritation. In case it gets worse, one should see their dermatologist for the same.”
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