What Exactly is Colloidal Oatmeal?
So what exactly is colloidal oatmeal you ask? The use of oatmeal as a remedy to provide soothing relief for itchy, inflamed or irritated skin has been around since ancient times. In fact, the first use of it in Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula date back as far as 2000 BC. This modern version is a little different.
Discovered in 1945 colloidal oatmeal was achieved by finely grinding or milling the oats and boiling it to extract the colloidal material. The term "colloidal" refers to the suspension of solid particles in a liquid medium, in this case water. When colloidal oatmeal is mixed with water, it forms a soothing and emollient substance that can be applied to the skin. The chemical composition of this modern version of oats contains a high concentration of starches and beta-glucan which is responsible for the protective and water-holding function of oats.
What Are The Skin Benefits Of Colloidal Oatmeal?
There is a long list of colloidal oatmeal benefits in personal care products including those for the face and body. Perhaps most importantly it is not just effective but gentle on the most sensitive and delicate skin, including babies.
- Helps to repair the skin barrier allowing your body to heal dry and inflamed skin
- Prevents dry and flaky skin
- Soothes diaper rash
- Anti-inflammatory, reduces redness, irritation and skin tenderness
- Treats baby dandruff and cradle cap
- Soothes eczema and psoriasis
- Calms heat rash
- Soothes allergic skin reactions
A double-blind study published by the NCBI in 2020 showed that a cream containing just 1% colloidal oatmeal soothed, healed, reduced inflammation and improved barrier protection for those affected by psoriasis, eczema and atopic dermatitis. Additional studies done by the The National Library of Medicine show ferulic acid, linoleic acid and omega fatty acids to be effective in treating atopic dermatitis. Revitalize Plus Body Lotion is formulated with some of nature's highest sources of these ingredients.
In addition, the presence of different types of phenols in oatmeal provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great treatment for dry, itchy and irritated skin, benefiting those with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and other atopic dermatitis issues.
Are There Any Side Effects?
As with everything there is always a possibility of a reaction or a side effect. However, a study published by The National Library of Medicine showed zero allergic reactions in 445,000 consumer products with oatmeal.
A further study of over 2,000 adults wearing a patch with colloidal oatmeal for a 24 hour period, demonstrated less than 1% with a only a slight irritation.
We think it is safe to say, most everyone will benefit from this amazing product given to us by mother nature.
