If you’re looking for a natural skincare ingredient that helps with barrier repair then look no further than colloidal oatmeal! This soothing and moisturizing ingredient has a long history of skincare applications since it is loaded with fats, proteins, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and several other bioactive compounds that are vital for healthy skin.

How Is Colloidal Oatmeal Made?

Colloidal oatmeal is a fine, white powder obtained from oat kernels. It is made by technically grinding whole oats including the bran and processing them into a fine  powder. Unlike grounded oatmeal, this powder has minuscule particles that have to reach a particular micron size to be labelled as colloidal oats.

Benefits Of Colloidal Oatmeal For Skin

• Moisturizes skin: It is a savior for dry skin as has lipids, starches and hydrating sugar molecules. It prevents moisture loss by attracting and binding water to the skin to form a protective, moisturizing barrier.
• Soothes irritated skin: It is incredibly soothing since it has a compound called avenanthramide that inhibits our body’s inflammatory response. So applying it to the skin helps reduce itching, redness and irritation caused by sunburns, dry skin, skin irritants or even acne.
• Gives relief from eczema: Since the ingredient is soothing and moisturizing in nature, colloidal oatmeal is a popular treatment for treating eczema or psoriasis among adults and kids. It provides great relief from itching and reduces the severity of symptoms caused by such skin ailments. Even dermatologists swear by this remedy as it is a boon for people suffering from chronic dryness, eczema or other inflammatory skin conditions.
• Protects skin from damage: There are several antioxidants in oats which help reduce environmental damage by neutralising free radicals. And the natural emollients found in the oat bran strengthen our skin’s protective barrier function as well.
• Cleanses skin gently: This powder works as a natural cleanser since it has saponins in it. It is extremely gentle on the skin and helps removes dirt and impurities while also replenishing moisture levels.

What Is The Difference Between Colloidal Oatmeal And Oats Flour?

Oat flour is made by grinding oats from which the bran has been removed. This improves taste and allows the flour to have a finer texture. But the bran is where most of the nutrients, moisturising lipids and skin-soothing compounds are present.
Hence, colloidal oatmeal is better suited for skincare applications. It is made from whole oat kernels which have the bran intact. The particles are also small enough to get evenly dispersed in water to form a milky liquid. This is ideal for using it in skincare recipes or for a colloidal oatmeal bath.

How To Use Colloidal Oatmeal for Skin Care?

You can use this ingredient in multiple ways to soothe and moisturize your skin. Incorporate the powder in your DIY cleanser, ubtan or face mask recipes to make them more nourishing and soothing.

If you have dry, sensitive or irritated skin, here are two ways to include this wonder ingredient in your skincare routine:

1. DIY Oatmeal Cleanser: Mix 1tsp colloidal oatmeal and ½ tsp rose petal powder with water to form a soothing powder cleanser. Use this paste to gently cleanse your skin every morning. Rinse with water and moisturize afterwards.
2. DIY Oatmeal Face Mask: Mix 1 tbsp oatmeal with rose hydrosol to form a paste. Apply this paste on any area that feels itchy or irritated. Wash it off once it is semi-dry and follow up with a toner and moisturiser.

How To Make An Oatmeal Bath?

Since ancient times oatmeal baths have been used to utilize the skin-soothing and moisturizing benefits of oatmeal or treat eczema. So if you have sensitive or irritated skin all over your body, you can make a colloidal oatmeal bath to find instant relief.

Add a cup full of colloidal oatmeal powder into a bathtub filled with warm water. Stir it to dissolve the powder completely in water and then soak in it for 15-20 minutes. [Tip: add it under running water while the bucket/ tub is filling to mix it better.] You can also add some dried chamomile flowers or lavender buds to make the bath more fragrant and relaxing. There is no need to rinse your skin after an oatmeal bath. Just pat yourself dry with a soft towel and apply a moisturiser or body oil to lock the moisture into your skin.

Colloidal oatmeal baths are also wonderful for babies with sensitive skin or diaper rash. Add a tablespoon of colloidal oatmeal to their bath water every day to soothe and protect their skin. [Note: Colloidal oatmeal bath may make the bathroom floors slippery so take caution.]

Can We Make It At Home?

You cannot make colloidal oatmeal at home as it is impossible to micronize the particles with a coffee grinder or even a blender. With the help of a coffee grinder, you can make oat flour but it won’t have the same soothing and protective effect on dry, irritated skin.

Our Colloidal Oatmeal Powder is finely-milled and processed from whole bran oats to keep its nutrients intact and make it suitable for skincare uses.