Oats may seem like a humble breakfast item that is known for its many health and heart benefits, but not many are aware of how well this can work for dry, sensitive skin too. So, it’s time to take the oats out of your breakfast bowl and smear them onto your skin…not exactly like that though! You can pick from the many skincare products that have launched with this wonder ingredient as a key component. We also spoke to Dr Mikki Singh, Head Dermatologist at Bodycraft Skin Clinic to find out more about how oats can work for skin and its many benefits.
Benefits Of Oats In Skincare
“Colloidal oats are said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr Mikki, “It is a soothing ingredient that can help in calming irritated skin. This means creams and lotions that contain colloidal oatmeal could help improve skin dryness, scaling, and roughness and may also reduce itchiness.” What is colloidal oatmeal exactly? This is finely ground oatmeal, which is mixed with a liquid medium for application onto the skin. It is found in the form of creams, lotions, gels, face cleansers, body washes and more.
Research has shown that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory compounds found only in oats called avenanthramides are responsible for oats’ ability to soothe itching and irritated skin. Further, oatmeal acts as an emollient as it contains water-binding polysaccharides and hydrocolloids that hold moisture against the skin.
Dr Mikki shares, “Colloidal oats have been used in plenty of pharmaceutical-grade skincare products, but as many popular retail skincare products are also including this as one of their ingredients and marketing its benefits, the ingredient is rising in popularity.”
So, who can benefit most from oats in skincare? “Its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for all skin types, but it is best suited for sensitive and dry, scaly skin prone to eczema,” Dr Mikki says, adding, “The US FDA has also approved using colloidal oatmeal in over-the-counter skincare products making this ingredient suitable for almost all skin types, including babies who suffer from conditions such as diaper rash.”
When it comes to oats in exfoliant form as well, she opines that while most physical exfoliants are rough, cause more harm, and tend to damage the skin, however, oats are a suitable physical exfoliant as it is mild and does not damage the skin. Well, safe to we’re sold on this humble ingredient’s many benefits.
Take A Look At Some Oat-Based Skincare Products
1. Minimalist 6% Oat Extract Gentle Cleanser
View this post on Instagram
A daily face wash for sensitive skin, this is infused with oat extract that provides gentle but efficient cleansing, as it soothes and hydrates the skin. It is a low-foaming formulation with 6% oat extract which provides a calming and soothing effect with anti-irritation properties. It also has hyaluronic acid, which provides multi-level hydration and moisture retention. The cleanser helps repair and restore the skin barrier, soothe inflammation and also acts on visible signs of ageing.
2. The Body Shop Mediterranean Almond Milk With Oats Instant Soothing Mask
View this post on Instagram
This soothing mask is inspired by ancient Roman recipes and has a creamy, porridge-like blend of oatmeal from the UK and community trade organic almond milk from Spain. It helps relieve dry, sensitive skin from feelings of tightness and itchiness, and gently exfoliates to leave skin feeling softer, smoother and recharged with moisture. It is suitable for sensitive skin and its creamy, comforting texture leaves the skin feeling nourished and hydrated.
3. Dermalogica Super Rich Repair Face Moisturiser
View this post on Instagram
If nothing’s worked for your chronically dry, dehydrated skin, try this deeply nourishing skin
treatment cream with shea butter, vitamin E; oat kernel extract. It is a rich, heavy-weight cream that helps replenish the skin’s natural moisture levels to defend against environmental assaults. Its powerful peptides and acid-free smoothing complex also support skin resilience and overall tone.
4. Fixderma Cosmetic Laboratories Oatsilk Soap-free Body Wash
View this post on Instagram
Dealing with any symptoms of skin irritation, dryness, discomfort, flaking, roughness and itchiness on the body? Then this body washes specially formulated to soothe and moisturise itchy, dry and sensitive skin can come to the rescue. It contains 100% natural colloidal oatmeal, free from common irritants. Its pH-balanced formulation offers a thorough skin cleansing without irritating it. It is free of sulphates, paraben, DEA and phthalates.
5. The Derma Co. 1% Ceramide-Oats Complex Daily Hydrating Body Wash
Another body wash for dry skin, this gentle, sulfate-free cleanser is powered with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, oats, and pentavitin. It cleanses dry and sensitive skin leaving it soft and supple. Ceramides and oat extract to lock in moisture and prevent dehydration while pentavitin hydrates skin and keeps dryness at bay.
6. Aveeno Soothing & Calming Moisturizing Lotion
View this post on Instagram
A lovely lavender scent and soothing moisturization for dehydrated skin – that’s what this lotion has on offer. Made with the goodness of natural oatmeal and essential oils, this formula helps to lock in moisture for 24 hours. This unique lotion with a non-greasy formula, and a delicate lavender scent, and chamomile and ylang-ylang essential oils help calm and relax you as you massage it into your skin.
