Run An Oatmeal Bath To Create A Cozy Spa Vibe Right At Home And Soothe Dry, Itchy, Or Irritated Skin

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Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast—you can add it to baths for a skin-soothing soak. It’s perfect for calming dry, itchy, irritated skin. An oatmeal bath can also give you a cozy spa vibe right at home.

A long soak in a warm oatmeal bath will not only nourish your skin, but your mind and health as well. Studies have shown that taking regular baths can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Are you ready to turn your tub into an oatmeal oasis? Here are the benefits of sitting in oatmeal—and how to prep the bath for some serious relaxation time.

Benefits of Oatmeal Baths

Colloidal oatmeal is a finely ground version of whole oats. It dissolves in water and soothes your skin during a soak. It hydrates dry and itchy skin by creating a barrier that traps moisture.

Colloidal oatmeal combines starch and beta-glucan, which helps the oats hold water, leading to smoother and softer skin.

Oats also have anti-inflammatory effects, so they work well for conditions that cause itchy and irritated skin, such as eczema and psoriasis. Its calming properties can help ease inflamed skin.

Some research has linked oatmeal with preventing fungal growth. Oatmeal is an effective prebiotic that retains good bacteria on the skin, maintaining skin health and protecting it from infection. In addition, colloidal oatmeal has been proven to soothe angry sunburns because of its antioxidant properties.

Kids can benefit from this at-home treatment, too. Whether your child is suffering from rash, sunburn, or poison ivy, an oatmeal bath can assist them in getting their skin back in shape.

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How to Make an Oatmeal Bath

First off, make your own colloidal oatmeal—it’s easier than you think. If you’re using the oatmeal that you eat, you must grind it up into a fine powder.

Use a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder to create the fine oats. Pour the oats into your chosen contraption and pulverize them until they become grainy.

When the grain is fine enough to dissolve in water, it’s ready to be added to a bath. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of making your own colloidal oatmeal, you can purchase pre-made colloidal oats.

To prepare your oatmeal bath, fill the tub with lukewarm water. Add about one cup of colloidal oats. Finally, soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes.

Avoid sitting in the tub for too long, as this can have the opposite effect and actually dry out your skin. It is not recommended to add any other products to your oatmeal bath, such as essential oils or bath salts.

The most effective method is to soak in the bath for the required amount of time, towel off immediately after, and moisturize your body thoroughly.

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