The skincare use of oats dates back to ancient Egypt. During the 1800’s oats were regarded as so powerful the extracts were exclusively available only at pharmacies.
Oatmeal’s ability to relieve dry, itching skin was first documented during the 1930’s. The recognised clinical benefits of finely ground oats are due to their remarkable chemical composition and the fortunate coincidence that compounds essential for the natural development of oats may have beneficial effects on humans.
Oats have the highest protein and lipid content of any cereal grain, as well as a high fatty acid content and provides soothing, non-irritating cleansing for inflamed skin conditions. It is a highly effective antioxidant, performing as a skin protectant in skincare for infants, sun exposed skin and those with sensitive, itchy, reddened and dry skin.
– Colloidal oatmeal contains 10% to 18% protein, 60% to 64% polysaccharides as well as lipids, enzymes, saponins, vitamins, flavonoids and prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors.
– Oatmeal can help restore skin PH, assisting in the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier.
– The moisturising properties of colloidal oatmeal are created by a hydrophilic film that forms at the skin surface, consisting of humectant and water-binding constituents and lipids.
– Colloidal oatmeal provides gentle cleansing without loss of the skins moisture content. It helps prevent skin dryness, scaling, roughness, flaking and itching after only one day of use.
– Oats soothe, calm and regenerate all skin types and conditions.
– Oats are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (B6, Folic Acid, E), minerals (iron, manganese, silica, zinc), anti-inflammatory phyto-nutrients, the plant growth hormone auxine and the immune-protective beta-glucan.
– So how does this work? The anti-inflammatory phyto-nutrients (known as avenacosides) reduce inflammation and have strong anti-fungal properties. Silica strengthens the body’s flexible structures (skin, hair, nails, vessel walls, tendons), hasten their repair and reduces their waste and toxin load. Auxine promotes new healthy cell production. Beta-glucan helps the immune system fight infection, cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation exposure. Oats directly benefit the skin, nourish the whole body when eaten and improve the digestive, immune and nervous systems.
– There are no contra-indications to the use of oats.
So how to use colloidal oatmeal?
- May be used mixed with water, your favourite hydrosol, honey or French clay to make a gentle exfoliants or a mask that soothes, heals and repairs the skin.
- May be added to baths either alone or mixed with bath milk ingredients like goats milk powder for a soothing skin softening anti-itch bath. (When added to bath water, colloidal oatmeal forms a viscous hydrocolloid gel on the skin surface.)
- We carry both colloidal oatmeal and oatmeal infused apricot oil.
- Oatmeal infused apricot oil is superb when added to creams, lotions, salves, hair care products, nail, hand and foot products. This oil makes for a proven skin softening anti-itch massage oil that is safe for babies, the elderly and anyone who is in need of oats soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory benefits or its regenerating highly moisturising properties.
Colloidal Oatmeal and Colloidal Oatmeal oil available in store.
OATS AS FOOD
It is highly recommended to eat oatmeal regularly, either as the traditional porridge, in breads and muffins, muesli bars and any other form of cooking desired. Oats eaten often will reduce cholesterol and improve all functions of the body.
Oats are very filling, have a low GI, which means they provide sustained energy over a long period, are high in nutrients, containing eight vitamins, several minerals, unrefined carbohydrates, thiamine and iron. They have a slightly higher kilojoule content than other unprocessed grains. The oils present in oats are mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, a further advantage for those wishing to keep cholesterol levels in check.
Oat bran provides a more concentrated supply of fibre and therefore has a greater effect in reducing cholesterol levels than do rolled oats, although these have been shown to have a significant impact, it slows down the rate of digestion and therefore it takes longer to feel hungry again. High-fibre foods tend to require more energy in their digestion, so increasing the rate at which kilojoules are burned up.
One study has shown children who had oats for breakfast had better spatial memory, short-term memory and listening attention than those who ate ready-to-eat cereal or no breakfast at all.
Oats are also anti-inflammatory and good for digestive problems as they form a gel-like substance in the gut which encourages beneficial bacteria.
Oats are also one of the most economical foods!
