Oatmeal for Skin: Benefits and How to Use It

If you’re hoping to moisturize your skin, relieve skin irritation, or maintain your skin health, oats are an excellent option. Oatmeal for skin offers many benefits, and there are various ways to use it, which we’ll discuss below.

Using oats for skin goes back centuries as people have long used oats to help relieve irritation, itching, and dry skin, says Dr. Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology.

Read on to learn what oatmeal for skin is, its benefits, and how you can use oats for skincare. We’ll also share our favorite skincare products containing colloidal oatmeal, which is the best kind for your skin.

What is oatmeal for skin?

The oats used in skincare products are known as colloidal oatmeal, says Dr. Yadav.

Colloidal oatmeal is whole oat kernels crushed into a fine powder. When you use oats for skin, colloidal oatmeal is often mixed with something else, like water or lotion, explains Dr. Yadav.

Oats you use for skin are different from oatmeal you eat, which are usually whole oats processed into rolled oats. According to Dr. Yadav, some nutrients are usually removed from rolled oats in your kitchen. However, they can still be beneficial when making DIY oatmeal recipes for your skin.

The Benefits of Oats for Skin

Oats can be used for all skin types and conditions and are especially beneficial because of their moisturizing, soothing, exfoliating, and protective properties.

Moisturizing

Whether you have a dry skin type, are experiencing seasonal dry skin, or have a skin condition, oats’ moisturizing effects can be helpful. 

Oats have a high concentration of beta-glucan, a humectant that attracts and holds water, explains Dr. Yadav. This helps moisturize and smooth the skin – leaving it looking and feeling hydrated and soft.

Soothing

Dr. Yadav confirms that beta-glucan in oats also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which soothe and protect the skin. Due to the soothing and hydrating effects, many people use oats to treat eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, and other skin conditions.

Dr. Yadav also explains that because oats are gentle and natural, they’re safe for all people, including babies and those with skin conditions.

Exfoliating

The fine grains in colloidal oatmeal can exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells from your skin’s surface.

Gentle, occasional exfoliation can help make your skin glow, improve your skin texture, and reduce fine lines. It can also reduce the appearance of dark spots for a more even complexion. 

Protecting

Not only can you use oats to relieve dry skin, rashes, and other irritants, but studies also shows that colloidal oatmeal strengthens the skin's barrier to protect it. The properties in oats can bind to your skin and create a protective barrier to retain moisture, protect against bacteria, and alleviate inflammation and irritation.

Whether or not you have a skin condition you want to treat, oats can help you improve or maintain your skin’s barrier for healthy, hydrated skin.

How to Use Oatmeal for Skin

The best ways to experience the benefits of oats for the skin are by taking an oatmeal bath, using an oatmeal face mask, and exfoliating with oats.

Oatmeal baths

Oatmeal baths are very common and a great way to experience the benefits of oats for skin. You can take an oatmeal bath to relieve itchiness or inflammation due to chickenpox, sunburn, or other skin conditions or to moisturize your skin.

Dr. Yadav suggests using colloidal oatmeal instead of rolled oats from your kitchen, as colloidal oatmeal has the most nutrients for your skin.

You can create your oatmeal bath by mixing colloidal oatmeal in a tub of lukewarm water or use Oakwell Cosmetics Calming Bath Salts for an easier, beneficial bath soak. The Calming Bath Salts are made with Epsom salt, sea salt, malted barley, hops flowers, and colloidal oatmeal – a soothing, hydrating blend of gentle ingredients.

Oatmeal face mask

An oatmeal face mask can be used to nourish your face, and you can gently rub it on your face for exfoliation before letting it sit for up to 20 minutes. This can help remove dead skin cells, hydrate, protect, and boost natural glow. 

To make your oatmeal face mask, Dr. Yadav recommends mixing ground oats or colloidal oatmeal with a bit of honey and yogurt, which also hydrate the skin. Or you can keep it simple by mixing ground oats with a small amount of water – enough to make a paste.

One of our favorite DIY spa treatments is applying a face mask and relaxing in an oatmeal bath.

Ground oats for exfoliation

Ground oats are also useful for exfoliating your body. Similar to creating an oatmeal face mask, you can mix colloidal oatmeal with yogurt and honey or water. Then, gently massage it into your skin for exfoliation.

If you want to exfoliate with oats while taking a bath or shower, we recommend using Oakwell Cosmetics Calming Bath Salts and/or the Brown Ale & Oats Soap Bar, which are both made with colloidal oatmeal.

Oatmeal for Skin: FAQs

Make the most of using oats for skin with answers to common questions below.

Does oatmeal improve skin?

Oats are known to improve skin by moisturizing, soothing, exfoliating, and protecting. The vitamins and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in oats can alleviate dry skin, calm irritated skin, remove dead skin cells, and protect the skin barrier.

Can I leave oatmeal on my face overnight?

While you can leave oatmeal on your face overnight because it’s very gentle and soothing, says Dr. Yadav, it can be very messy, and applying it for up to 30 minutes can offer great benefits.

Can oatmeal remove dark spots?

Oatmeal can remove dark spots related to dead skin cells or skin irritation. Exfoliating with oats to remove dead skin cells helps even out your complexion and improves the appearance of dark spots. Soaking in oats can also relieve redness, peeling, and dry skin, which may help reduce dark spots. 

Oatmeal for Skin: Conclusion

Oats have skin-loving nutrients and are gentle enough for most people to use – regardless of age, skin type, or skin conditions. Oatmeal baths and masks and oats for exfoliation can help moisturize, soothe, exfoliate, and protect the skin.