1. DIY Oatmeal Bath Using Powder
You Will Need
1 cup of raw, unflavored steel-cut oats A coffee grinder, blender, or food processor
Method
2. DIY Oatmeal Bath Bag
You Will Need
A large coffee filter or muslin bag, or nylon pantyhose ½ cup of uncooked, unflavored rolled oats A rubber band
Optional Additives
2 tablespoons of milk powder 1 tablespoon of olive oil 2-3 drops of any essential oil for fragrance 1 teaspoon of baking soda 2-3 tablespoons of Epsom or sea salt
Method Once you have prepared the oatmeal bath powder and bath bags, here is how to use them.
How To Use An Oatmeal Bath
To Use DIY Oatmeal Bath Powder Note: Be careful while stepping in or out of the bathtub as the oatmeal powder leaves behind a thin and slippery film. To Use the DIY Oatmeal Bath Bag Compared to the oatmeal powder, bath bags are less messy. If you are wondering how oatmeal may benefit your skin, read the next section.
Benefits Of An Oatmeal Bath
1. Improves Your Skin Barrier
Colloidal oatmeal (powdered oatmeal) regulates the skin lipids, moisturizes the skin, and improves its natural barrier. It is especially helpful in relieving skin issues like (1), (2):
Dry skin Rashes Eczema Pruritis Atopic dermatitis
2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Colloidal oatmeal inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (a group of proteins and peptides secreted by the immune system) and soothes the skin. Topical colloidal oatmeal can relieve inflammatory symptoms like (3), (1):
Skin roughness Scaling Itching Dryness Psoriasis
3. May Help Manage Xerotic Dermatoses
Colloidal oatmeal has been used for ages to soothe xerotic dermatoses symptoms (a form of eczema) like dry, itchy, red, and cracked skin. It contains beta-glucan that protects and soothes the skin. It is loaded with phenols that are responsible for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and work as UV absorbers (4).
4. Cleanses Your Skin
Oatmeal contains saponins and has skin-cleansing properties (4). Oatmeal baths and scrubs can effectively remove dirt and grease from your skin and keep it clean. You may use oatmeal if you are looking for a natural alternative to the harsh soaps.
5. May Soothe Diaper Rash
Colloidal oatmeal does not irritate the skin, and you may also use it on your babys skin to soothe diaper rash, dry skin, scaling, itching, insect bites, and other issues. You may also use products containing oatmeal extract (5). However, ensure to do a patch test and consult a dermatologist. Keeping the above benefits in mind, you may use colloidal oatmeal to relieve the symptoms of multiple skin issues. If you are concerned about the safety of an oatmeal bath, find your answer in the next section.
Are Oatmeal Baths Safe?
Colloidal oatmeal is considered safe for topical application (directly or as an ingredient in skin care products). The FDA regulates the use of colloidal oatmeal and considers it to be safe for soothing eczema, rashes caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac, and other skin conditions (6). However, if you are allergic to the proteins present in oatmeal, it can worsen your existing skin condition and cause:
Swelling Itching Redness
In case you develop these symptoms, rinse your skin with soap and water and discontinue oatmeal products and baths. It is better to do a patch test to avoid such adverse reactions. How do you take an oatmeal bath without clogging the drain? Check out the infographic below to know more. You can use colloidal oatmeal instead of regular oatmeal for your bath to avoid clogging the drain. Colloidal oatmeal is powdered and, thus, goes down the drain quickly. Will an oatmeal bath help a yeast infection? Yes. The soothing anti-irritation properties of oatmeal can help ease the symptoms of a yeast infection. How do you clean up after an oatmeal bath? Oatmeal can leave a slippery film on your bathtub. You can use warm water and a washcloth to rub it off the surface and clean up after an oatmeal bath. How often should you have an oatmeal bath? As an oatmeal bath is considered safe for most conditions, you can enjoy it twice daily for 15-20 minutes.
