Have you ever rolled out of bed, wandered into the kitchen, made yourself some breakfast, and felt so tired that you just about collapsed face-first in your oatmeal? While this might not bode well for your sleep, it could actually be good for your skin! Although you might not realize it, those ground-up oats you munch on to start your day actually contain nutrients and compounds that could benefit your dermatological health. Organic oatmeal is wholesome, natural, and effective at nourishing and replenishing your skin. That’s why Aspen Kay Naturals uses oatmeal as a key component in several of our handmade soaps. Read on to learn more about how oatmeal’s benefits extend beyond your breakfast nook.

You’re probably familiar with oatmeal as a food. It consists of ground-up oats that you mix with hot water (and probably some sugar and cinnamon) to create a moist, filling snack. Sharecare calls oatmeal a “fiber-rich superfood that does an all-star job of sopping up cholesterol and speeding it out of the body.”

For skincare, these same oats can be applied to the skin, typically in the form of a cream, paste, or (our personal favorite!) as an ingredient of soap. While standard rolled oats are quite beneficial, colloidal oatmeal has also become popular. As Huffington Postexplains, “colloidal oatmeal [is] a natural product produced from finely ground oat grains that are boiled to produce an extract.” Basically, colloidal oatmeal is condensed and purified to be have even more restorative qualities than the rolled oats version. Both types of oatmeal are excellent for the skin.

While you might have never personally considered smearing your breakfast on your skin, people have actually been using oatmeal for dermatological purposes for millenia. Sharecare notes: “[oatmeal’s] skin-soothing powers were known as early as 2000 BC.” It’s continued to be a common remedy and has garnered even more attention in recent decades. A recent article in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology notes: “in 1945, a ready to use colloidal oatmeal...became available. Today, colloidal oatmeal is available in various dosage forms from powders for the bath to shampoos, shaving gels, and moisturizing creams.” Oatmeal for skincare is so widespread that it’s even “regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)” for this purpose and “its preparation is also standardized by the United States Pharmacopeia.” From ancient applications to modern medicine, oatmeal is virtually universally recognized as a good, natural substance for your skin.

So, now that you’re an oatmeal expert, what advantages exactly does it offer your skin? Oatmeal’s dermatological delights include:

• Reducing swelling and irritation. According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, colloidal oatmeal is “a soothing and protective anti-inflammatory agent.” If you suffer from a bug bite, rash, contact dermatitis, or any other inflammatory skin condition, applying oatmeal could help relieve your discomfort.
• Hydration. The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology describes the science of oatmeal in skincare: “the high concentration in starches and beta-glucan is responsible for the protective and water-holding functions of oat.” In other words, as Sharecare puts it: “oats are full of healthy, lubricating fats.” Furthermore, Huffington Post reports: “according to the American Academy of Dermatology, ‘itchy, dry skin often has a high pH level, but oatmeal can help you normalize your skin’s pH.”
• Protection. Sharecare notes: “the proteins in oatmeal help maintain the skin’s natural barrier function” so it stays better defended against bacteria and particulate matter.
• Cleansing power. LeafTV explains: “oatmeals contain saponins,” a compound whose name comes from the Latin word for “soap.” These “have cleansing properties that remove dirt and oil.”
• Exfoliation. In addition to cleaning the skin, LeafTV comments: “the texture of oatmeal is slightly rough and makes for a fantastic all-natural scrub.” The subtle roughness of the oats helps clear away dead skin cells to make way for fresh, rejuvenated ones.
• Hypoallergenic properties. Oatmeal is typically safe for those with sensitive skin. According to Huffington Post, “Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart [explained], ‘oatmeal contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and as such is ideal for sensitive skin.’” If your skin reacts poorly to other products, oatmeal may be an optimal alternative for you.

These amazing attributes make oatmeal an excellent element in soaps.

As fun as it might be, sticking your face into your bowl of oatmeal probably isn’t the best way to use it on your skin. Fortunately, you can reap all the advantages of oatmeal with our Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Bar Soap, Breakfast Bar Soap, or Oatmeal & Aloe Bar Soap. Order yours today!