The Outstanding Benefits of Bathing in Breakfast Oats!
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If you’ve been on the hunt for a soothing solution for troubled skin for both you and your furry friends – you’re in for a treat, because your breakfast oats can double up as an affordable & natural skincare option for the whole family.
Let’s talk about the humble oatmeal bath, a time-honored remedy that’s as simple as it is effective.
Whether you’re dealing with dry, itchy skin, eczema, or just looking for a calming skin treat on a night off, oat baths could be your new go-to.
A Spoonful of Comfort for Your Skin
Oatmeal, particularly colloidal oatmeal (that’s basically oats ground into a fine powder), is a virtual powerhouse when it comes to sumptuous skin benefits.
Oats are rich in beta-glucans, which help to form a protective barrier on the skin, and it also contains phenols that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In short, this means oatmeal can help moisturize, soothe irritation, and reduce inflammation.
It’s literally like a cozy, comforting blanket for your skin!
Dive In: How to Prepare an Oatmeal Bath
Preparing an oatmeal bath couldn’t be simpler. For humans, start by grinding plain, unflavored oatmeal in a food processor or blender until it’s a fine powder.
Test the oatmeal by stirring a tablespoon into a glass of warm water. If it turns milky and feels silky, you’ve hit the jackpot.
Fill your bathtub with warm (not hot) water, add a cup of your colloidal oatmeal, and stir around with your hands to dissolve. (You can also pop your breakfast oats into a food processor to make your own powder. I use my Vitamix for this and it comes out perfect, although you can also use a standard coffee grinder for similar results at a fraction of the cost!
Then, just step in, soak for about 10-15 minutes, and emerge feeling soothed, pampered and like the week before never happened!
For pets, the process is similar, but you’ll just want to adjust the amount of oatmeal based on the size of your pet and their bath. I also add some baking soda to control pet “odours” after without harming our little furballs!
A good rule of paw is to use about a half to a cup of colloidal oatmeal for a small to medium basin of water.
Make sure the water is comfortably warm for them, too. After gently pouring the oatmeal water over your pet’s coat (avoiding the eyes and inside the ears), give them a good massage, then rinse if desired, though it’s not strictly necessary.
The Universal Appeal of Oatmeal Baths
One of the beautiful things about oatmeal baths is their broad appeal.
For people with sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, or just dry, itchy skin due to changes in weather or allergies, an oatmeal bath can be a gentle, natural way to find relief.
And it’s not just for adults; oatmeal baths are safe for children and babies, too. There is also an amazing organic oatmeal cream that I used when my son was a baby for his nappy rash and something I’m sure my sister would have appreciated for her eczema while she was growing up! Puriya’s Mother of All Creams is a little pricier than your average, but for good reason – they are also accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Our pets can also suffer from skin irritations, allergies, and hot spots. An oatmeal bath can offer them a similar soothing effect, relieving itchiness and discomfort. This used to work wonders for our Scottie Terrier Fritzi’s ezcema.
It’s a natural, chemical-free remedy that can support healthier skin.
Tips for the Ultimate Oatmeal Bath Experience
- Keep it Lukewarm: Both for you and your pets, ensure the water is warm but not hot. Hot water can further irritate sensitive skin.
- No Additives: Stick to plain, natural oatmeal without any flavors or additives to avoid any potential skin irritants.
- Moisturize Afterward: Pat skin dry gently and follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
- Frequency: Depending on the skin condition, oatmeal baths can be enjoyed up to three times a week. Observe how your or your pet’s skin reacts to adjust the frequency.
Wrapping It Up
An oatmeal bath is a wonderfully simple, yet effective way to soothe and protect troubled skin. Isn’t it crazy how simple kitchen essentials can transform into natural remedies, giving you and your pets a spa-like experience..
So, next time skin troubles flare-up, remember that relief might just be a pantry staple away. Calendula is another great natural remedy – read the full blog HERE to learn more.
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