skin cream: picture: pexels
Colloidal oatmeal might just be the secret your skincare routine has been missing. Known for its soothing and nourishing properties, this natural ingredient has been proven to work wonders for different types of skin problems.
Whether you’re dealing with eczema, sensitive skin, or simply want a boost of moisture, colloidal oatmeal is gentle yet powerful. From baths to creams, it’s a versatile skincare hack that can leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and healthy.
Colloidal oatmeal is defined by Healthline as a natural ingredient found in cosmetic products and has been used for centuries as a relief for itchy, dry, or irritated skin. Made from oat grain, it is stated to contain fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that benefit the skin.
It is mentioned that the Food and Drug Administration classified it as a skin protectant in 2003. According to the mentioned health publication, colloidal oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, fighting free radicals that can damage the body. “One study found that colloidal oatmeal’s unique chemical profile diminishes cytokines, a group of proteins that cause inflammation in your body. These beneficial properties are due to avenanthramides, a group of plant chemicals found in oat kernels.
“By blocking inflammatory cytokines, avenathramides inhibit the inflammatory response. As such, avenathramides are not only responsible for colloidal oatmeal’s benefits to the skin but also the heart-healthy properties associated with eating oatmeal.”
Medical News Today claims that a 2020 study found that colloidal oatmeal cream can provide long-lasting relief from symptoms in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. The publication also states that those who use the cream are said to show fewer harmful bacteria in damaged areas and better healing than using standard moisturisers.
It is further mentioned that a similar study found significant improvements in symptoms in 60 females with psoriasis and sensitive skin after four weeks of application. The above source adds that the most effective treatment was 1% colloidal oatmeal lotion, which improved the severity of psoriasis and reduced the number of damaged skin patches.
