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Oatmeal Bath for Dry Skin

Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
The effectiveness of taking an oatmeal bath for dry skin treatment is really impressive. You can prepare an oatmeal bath at home and enjoy a warm, soothing bath for getting rid of scaly, parched skin.
A much touted and effectual way of dealing with skin conditions is taking oatmeal bath on a regular basis, until symptoms clear completely. The best part about this inexpensive remedy is, it suits all skin types, even the sensitive skin of babies and infants. There are virtually no adverse reactions of an oatmeal bath. In fact, it is ideal for dry skin and other skin problems. But, what is so special about oatmeal that we should use it for dry skin treatment? The specialty lies in taking colloidal oatmeal bath, which locks the skin moisture and prevents dryness.

Oatmeal Bath Benefits

The oatmeal possesses strong anti-itch properties, which make it an excellent cure for skin itchiness and symptoms alike. The use of oatmeal bath as natural remedy for itchy skin has been known for many years. Be it dry skin problem or the serious chickenpox outbreaks, bathing with oatmeal works great in soothing irritable skin symptoms.
It brings down skin pH level and reduces the intensity of itching. Studies also support that oatmeal contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds (avenanthramides and vitamin E), which are beneficial for alleviating painful skin problems.

How to Take an Oatmeal Bath for Dry Skin?

Oftentimes, dermatologists suggest dry skin, rashes, poison ivy symptoms, insect bites and skin allergic reactions. In the market, you will get colloidal oatmeal for use in bathing. This fine powder form is sold in packages of various sizes in health food stores. Though they are affordable and not so costly.
You can still save money by making oatmeal bath on your own. Yes, it is very easy to try oatmeal bath at home by using regular breakfast oatmeal. The following info sheds light on the preparation for an oatmeal bath, and how to proceed with oatmeal bathing for dry skin.

Preparing Homemade Oatmeal Bath

Grind the oatmeal to a fine power. This colloidal oatmeal remains suspended in bathing water instead of setting down at the base of the bathtub, thus increasing its contact with skin. You can use any of the oat products - slow cooking oats, quick oats or unflavored instant oatmeal.
The ideal amount is 1 cup for adults and less than ½ cup for infants. Process it in an electric blender on high setting, until you get uniform fine oatmeal powder. Preparation is done, when a spoonful of this powder added in warm water disperses quickly.

Tips for Taking Oatmeal Bath

So, now that you have already prepared (or purchased) colloidal oatmeal, are you ready to enjoy a soothing bath with it? While talking oatmeal bath for rashes and dry skin, use lukewarm water, and not hot water.
Otherwise, hot bathing water drains out moisture from the skin, thus aggravating skin dryness and itchiness. Add colloidal oatmeal (suggested amount) under the running water tap for even mixing. Or else, you can add it directly in tepid water filled in the bathtub. Mix with your hands several times, until it gets suspended evenly in the water medium.
After mixing colloidal oatmeal with your bath water, carefully step into bathtub (it may be quite slippery) and relax for 10-15 minutes. After this, lightly rinse with cold water, leaving behind traces of oatmeal on skin. Pat skin dry with a clean towel, but don't rub harshly. This will seal moisture and make the skin soft and moisturized. Oatmeal bath with the colloidal version is safe for children, adults and pregnant women. It neither interacts with existing medications (if any) nor does it cause any adverse reactions. Based on the extent of skin dryness, you can enjoy 10 minutes of colloidal oatmeal bath 2-3 times a day.
As you have seen, there is more to talk about the uses of oats and oatmeal, in addition to serving it as healthy breakfast cereals. To get rid of dry itchy skin, you just need to soak yourself in warm oatmeal water and relax yourself. Even if you don't have any of the discomfort skin symptoms, then also consider oatmeal bath to flaunt smooth and flawless skin. One word of caution is not to ingest colloidal oatmeal, or use it for consumption purposes. And in case you don't want to use oatmeal directly in bath water, try using natural oatmeal soap for bathing.