Having an oatmeal bath may be the perfect relaxation recipe after a stressful day. Although adding oatmeal to your warm water bath may be odd, you’d be surprised at how beneficial it is.
For ages now, oat has remained an excellent skincare treatment. It is particularly useful in the cure of conditions, such as eczema, skin rashes, and skin dryness.
What Is An Oatmeal Bath?
An oatmeal bath is exactly what the name implies: a bath taken with colloidal oatmeal in the water. Colloidal oatmeal is a fine, well ground oat powder that easily and quickly dissolves in water. If you do not have colloidal oatmeal, you can make yours at home by blending or grinding oats until they are smooth and fine.
Benefits of Having An Oatmeal Bath
Thinking about it, isn’t it weird to bathe in oatmeal? Why should you have an oatmeal bath? There are hundreds of other treatments to skin conditions, so why oats? Trust me, everyone who’s fallen in love with an evening oatmeal bath now was also baffled the first time they heard of it. So, you see, you’re not alone.
In this section, we’ll look at the generous benefits of having an oatmeal bath regularly… here we go.
Soothes Skin
Are you dealing with dry or easily irritated skin? If yes, an oatmeal bath is your surest bet. Bathing with oatmeal relieves the skin of any uncomfortable condition. So, be it an itch or tear, an oatmeal bath to the rescue.
Oats have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. An oatmeal bath is therefore useful if you’re suffering any inflammatory skin condition. Asides, oatmeal is also known to soothe cuts, rashes, hives, and sunburns due to its hydrating and nourishing qualities.
Recently, more cosmetic brands are starting to list oats as an active ingredient. This is because credible studies have suggested that it protects the skin from the raw harshness of ultraviolet rays.
Moisturizes Skin
Bathing with colloidal oatmeal forms a protective layer on your skin for several hours after use. As such, the skin is well hydrated because the layer holds moisture in. Also, oats contain saponins, which protect the skin and boast antibacterial properties. An oatmeal breath is thus a great way to moisturize, clean, and buffer your skin.
Studies conducted on the subject have suggested that the moisturizing abilities of oats are also useful in the treatment of parched or arid skin.
Combats Inflammation
Researchers are suggesting that oatmeal has abundant antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, which make it an excellent care product for the skin. Its antibacterial properties, in particular, are valuable. Studies show they are why an oatmeal bath is so effective in treating hives. Having an oatmeal bath daily for a week can help to lessen irritation, swelling, and itchiness.
The combination of antibacterial and antioxidants is especially delightful. Due to these properties, an oatmeal bath is highly beneficial in the treatment of numerous dermatologic inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, pruritus, atopic dermatitis, and viral infections. Bathing with oatmeal also helps to relieve pain from bug bites, diaper rashes, sunburns, poison ivy, and chickenpox.
Protects Skin
Researchers have found that an oatmeal bath fortifies the skin with a special type of layer that protects it from the environment or harmful pathogens. According to a recent publication in the Journal of Drug Dermatology, having an oatmeal bath regularly forms a strengthening barrier on the skin. Subjects who used oatmeal location topically experienced remarkable skin improvements in moisturization and dryness.
Furthermore, studies indicate that colloidal oatmeal furnishes the skin with a PH buffer as well as bolsters the pre-existing barrier. This implies that an oatmeal bath does a lot to protect you from any skin damage caused by dirt or bacteria.
High Levels of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are valuable compounds that protect the skin. To be more specific in this case, studies have established that avenanthramides, an active antioxidant in whole oat grain, help to soothe or relieve skin and combat inflammation. By the way, avenanthramides are a class of phenolic alkaloids.
Throw in the fact that antioxidants inhibit the growth and spread of free radicals, and you may realize that you are bathing in a real jewel. By tackling free radicals, antioxidants prove to reduce the effects of aging and are even linked to anti-tumor abilities.
Basic Steps For Having An Oatmeal Bath
Having an oatmeal bath requires colloidal oatmeal. Alternatively, you can use one ground cup of instant or unflavored oats. This can be done with a processor, grinder, or blender. Just see that you get a soft, flowery powder when done.
Having done this, you’re ready to have your soothing, moisturizing oatmeal bath.
- Run a bath of warm water.
- Pour in a cup of colloidal oatmeal or finely ground oats.
- Leave for a minute to dissolve. When this is done, the water should look milky.
- Get into the tub, relax, and enjoy.
- Drain the water when done, and voila, all done!
- Apply a soft lotion.
Looking For An Exotic Oatmeal Bath Recipe?
If you’re interested in something more exotic and, of course, more beneficial than a basic oatmeal bath, here are some extra ingredients you can throw in.
- Milk: have you tried a milk bath? A milk bath is very much similar to an oatmeal bath because both have soothing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Enhance the healing benefits of your oatmeal bath by adding one or two cups of plant-based milk.
- Honey: honey boasts natural antibacterial effects. It is also a quick way to heal from wounds. Besides, it’s an effective cure to acne and ensures you stay hydrated. Add 1 – 2 spoonful honey to your oatmeal bath for more potency.
- Lavender: lavender oil does not just have soothing, calming qualities, but also possesses antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Adding five drops of lavender oil to your bath will do you more good.
Final Thoughts On Having An Oatmeal Bath
Having an oatmeal bath has remarkable benefits. Treating yourself to one after a hectic day is an excellent way to unwind. What’s astounding is the simplicity of the process. So, what are you waiting for? Grill some oats into your bathtub.
