The Science of Colloidal Oatmeal in Skincare
Colloidal oatmeal is a natural skincare ingredient whose uses have been known for thousands of years. The ingredient is rich in beneficial compounds and is suitable for all skin types.
But how does it work?
In this blog post, you will learn what colloidal oatmeal powder is, its unique composition, its special benefits for skin health and how it differs from regular oatmeal powder.
We also discuss special applications such as shower gels and face creams containing colloidal oatmeal.
To find the perfect product for your skin type, take the Baumann Skin Type Quiz and receive an extra €5 credit on your first order!
What is colloidal oatmeal powder?
Colloidal oatmeal powder is essentially made up of oats that have been finely ground and processed to retain all of its skincare properties.
This fine grinding ensures that the oatmeal powder is evenly distributed when added to water or skincare products and does not settle quickly.
Colloidal oatmeal can be used alone as a bath additive or combined with other ingredients in sunscreens, moisturizers and even anti-acne products.
Here are some of the best products that contain colloidal oatmeal powder:
What is oatmeal powder made of?
Colloidal oatmeal is rich in a variety of beneficial ingredients, each of which contributes to its versatility in skin care in a unique way:
Polysaccharides (60–64%): These complex carbohydrates form a moisturizing gel on the skin, improving moisture retention and forming a protective barrier against environmental influences.
Proteins (10-18%): These proteins are important for repairing and maintaining the skin barrier and also help soothe inflamed skin.
Lipids (3-9%): These fats, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, and ceramides, are essential for strengthening the skin’s natural barrier, improving hydration, and preventing water loss.
Avenant alkaloids: Found only in oats, these compounds have anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties that can significantly soothe irritated skin.
Benefits of Oatmeal in Skin Care
Colloidal oatmeal offers a number of benefits for the skin due to its rich composition:
Hydrugged: They help retain moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Soothing: Colloidal oatmeal is particularly soothing for dry, itchy, or irritated skin and can relieve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Protective: Forms a protective barrier against harsh environmental influences.
Anti-inflammatory: The avenanthridine alkaloids it contains help reduce inflammation and redness in sensitive skin.
Due to its versatility, oats are often used in skin care products. Here are some of the best colloidal oatmeal products:
Is oatmeal safe for skin?
Colloidal oatmeal is recognized by the FDA as a safe and effective skin protectant.
It is gentle enough for all skin types, even sensitive skin, making it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dermatological formulations.
Other organizations, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG), consider this ingredient to be completely safe and sustainable in skin care.
It is important to note that despite the versatility of this ingredient and the lack of major side effects, it is not a panacea for skin care.
It is not enough to be a complete cure and is best used in a formula composed of multiple ingredients.
Simply applying colloidal oatmeal to your skin without doing anything else will not have a significant impact on your skin health.
Oatmeal powder vs. colloidal oatmeal powder
While both come from the same plant, their uses and processing methods are very different:
Traditional oatmeal powder: Usually consumed as a food, it consists of whole grains or oatmeal.
Colloidal oatmeal: It is finely ground and specially processed for external use, facilitating absorption through the skin.
Colloidal oatmeal baths for hives and rashes
Colloidal oatmeal baths are popular for their soothing effects on the skin, especially for itchy and irritated skin.
Typically, these baths consist of simple colloidal oatmeal powder added to bath water. The main component of the bath water is still water – you are not bathing in thick oatmeal.
An oatmeal bath is more like an “oatmeal tea” with many of the components of oats entering the water (and thus the skin).
Colloidal oatmeal baths form a milky protective film on the skin, which can relieve symptoms such as hives, rashes, and eczema.
The bath also helps retain moisture in the skin and relieves symptoms of dry skin. After an oatmeal bath, it is recommended to shower to remove oatmeal residue from the skin.
Colloidal oatmeal creams
Colloidal oatmeal creams moisturize, soothe and protect the skin. They are effective in relieving dryness, soothing irritation and reducing symptoms such as eczema, dandruff or itching.
Some oatmeal creams even contain sunscreen ingredients, making them ideal for daily sun protection products.
Here are some of the best colloidal oatmeal creams:
Which skin types are suitable for colloidal oatmeal?
Colloidal oatmeal is a gentle, non-comedogenic, non-greasy, eco-friendly and natural ingredient that is very popular in skincare products.
Therefore, this ingredient is suitable for all bowman skin types.
This does not mean that all products containing colloidal oatmeal are suitable for you, but the ingredient itself is generally suitable for all skin types.
If you are looking for the perfect colloidal oatmeal product for your daily skincare, it is important to know your bowman skin type.
All products contain different ingredients and not all products are suitable for everyone.
This is what we do: In our quiz, every product on the website that is suitable for your skin type is marked with your skin type octagon.
Click the button below to take the Baumann Skin Type Test and receive free personalized advice and $5 credit on our website!
Conclusion
Colloidal oatmeal is rich in compounds including avenanthramides, lipids and polysaccharides.
These ingredients make it a valuable ally in treating a wide range of skin problems – from dryness to eczema to psoriasis.
While this ingredient is safe for all skin types, choosing the right product is an entirely different matter.It’s important to know your skin type before purchasing skin care products!
By incorporating colloidal oatmeal into your skin care routine and understanding your Bowman skin type, you can improve your skin health and achieve scientifically proven results in just a few months.