Let’s start by defining the difference between what you and I would see as oatmeal (think Quaker oats) and colloidal oats, which are the oats found in skincare products.
Our breakfast oats normally have the bran removed from them to improve the taste whilst colloidal oatmeal is manufactured with the bran as it contains some important skin soothing actives that boost both skin and overall health.
Colloidal oats are made by grinding oat grain (Avena sativa) into a fine powder and is considered an emollient – a substance that soothes and softens skin. It also has unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant chemicals called avenanthramides which make colloidal oatmeal an absolute powerhouse ingredient! Not only does it contain these amazing ingredients but it also packs fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients shown to benefit the skin. This special form of oatmeal can soothe, soften and increase moisture in the skin, often being used to treat rashes, burns, dry, rough or itchy skin. It can also be used to protect your skin against irritation or inflammation caused by skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Several components of oatmeal that are beneficial to the skin include:
- Saponins: these have soap-like properties that act as a cleanser. They have antioxidant effects on the skin and protect it against UV damage and, in cases of acne, they may be used for their antiseptic activities.
- Beta-glucan: brilliant at absorbing water so they are capable of locking in hydration and preventing moisture loss, resulting in smoother, more supple skin. There is also evidence that beta-glucans can deeply penetrate the epidermis and plump up fine lines and wrinkles.
- Phenols: a type of antioxidant that eliminate the causes and effects of skin ageing, diseases and damage, including wounds and burns. They are also proactive, helping to prevent the progression of certain skin disorders such as wrinkles and acne. They are also brilliant at reducing inflammation and itching so are a great skin soother!
So if any of the above resonates with you then oats are the way to go. Moisturising your skin should never be skipped, at any age, but it is particularly important as we age because our skin finds it more difficult to retain its moisture levels. How does it work? Well, the starches and beta-glucan attract water to the skin and form a protective barrier that maintains a healthy moisture level, diminishing dryness and irritation. It creates a protective barrier, or skin microbiome, on the surface of the skin, guarding against bad bacteria and UV rays. So any skincare products that contain oats are absolutely perfect for those with dry, sensitive skin.
If you suffer from a skin condition caused by inflammation (think acne, eczema, psoriasis) or redness caused by dry skin, using oats in your skincare routine can have an amazingly positive impact. The saponins in the oats have a gentle cleansing quality that clears pores and diminishes breakouts as well as gently exfoliating away dirt, oil and dead skin cells. They don’t strip your skin of its natural oils and won’t dehydrate it.
So, whatever your skin type, dry, sensitive, oily, irritated and everything in between, oatmeal is your skin’s best friend! This is exactly why we use oats in our Oat & Mandarin cleanser. It revives your complexion, evens out skin tone and is gentle enough to remove eye makeup. TOP TIP!! Our cleanser can also be used as an extra special face cream – perfect if you have really dry skin.
Want to try it for yourself? Why not give this simple Oatmeal Face Mask a go!
Ingredients:
80g oats
2 teaspoons honey
100ml oat milk -it just happens to be an antioxidant!
Method:
Mix all of the ingredients together, apply to face and relax for about 15 minutes to let the oats work their magic. Rinse with warm water, pat dry.
Hint: The oats can be ‘blitzed’ first if you prefer a softer mask.
Enjoy!!
