Oatmeal

 

You probably know that oatmeal is a fiber rich superfood that does a fantastic job of lowering cholesterol.  Oatmeal also performs mini miracles when applied to skin? Oatmeal whisks away dead cells, irritation, and redness, leaving a soft, moist glow behind.  You may also have heard that those grainy flakes have been used for centuries to help minor skin irritations. such as poison ivy, chicken pocks, and rashes.  In 2003, the FDA approved colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant.  

Here are a few examples of why oatmeal is beneficial for your skin.  

• Polysaccharides.  Oats contain polysaccharides, which become gelatinous in water and leave a fine protective film on the skin, preventing dull, flaky dryness.  
• Beneficial fats, oats are full of lubricating fats, making it an excellent moisturizer.  
• The proteins found in oatmeal help maintain the skin's natural barrier function, which ensures that the world outside the skin stays out, and what's inside the skin stays in. 
• Saponins, oats are filled with saponins, which are natural cleansers.  They gently remove dirt and oil from the pores.
• Acne sufferers can benefit from oatmeal as a skin care ingredient. Oatmeal contains an antimicrobial ingredient, which inhibits the spread of bacteria, and oatmeal can soak up excess oil. Also contains anti-inflammatory properties which helps soothe the redenss.   

MoonDust bath & body uses two forms of oats in our products.  Colloidal Oatmeal and Oat Extract. Colloidal oatmeal is whole oats that have been ground into those mini miracle flakes. They are then sifted into soothing body soaks, moisturizers, and soaps.  Pulverizing the oats into powder makes it easier for the body to absorb their healing goodness. 

Oat extract is soothing for all skin types.  It is a tincture. Like many essential oils the beneficial ingredients are absorbed into an alcohol or oil base.  Then the granules are strained off. Leaving the healing properties in the liquid. Oat extract is especially beneficial for baby products because there aren't any  particles.  It is also considered moisturizing and mildly anti-aging.