Colloidal Oats In Skincare: A Comprehensive Guide

Kolloidaler Hafer im Überblick

• Production: Colloidal oatmeal is obtained by finely grinding oat grains and then boiling them.
• Effect on the skin: It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing properties and protects the skin barrier.
• Ideal for: People with dry, sensitive, or inflamed skin, particularly for eczema and atopic dermatitis.
• Interesting fact: Colloidal oatmeal contains unique antioxidants called avenanthramides, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
• Other names: Avena sativa, oat extract.

The Effects of Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is rich in various bioactive compounds that offer numerous benefits for the skin:

• Anti-inflammatory: Avenanthramides, special polyphenols in oats, inhibit inflammatory processes by reducing the activation of the nuclear factor NF-κB in keratinocytes and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8. Studies show that these compounds can significantly reduce inflammation and itching. This effect has been confirmed by various clinical studies that have shown significant improvements in skin symptoms such as redness and scaling after the application of colloidal oatmeal.

• Antioxidant: It contains powerful antioxidants such as ferulic acid and vitamin E, which neutralize free radicals and thus protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging. These antioxidants prevent damage to skin cells caused by environmental factors and help maintain a healthy skin appearance. The antioxidant properties of avenanthramides, which are more effective than many other phenolic compounds in plants, are particularly noteworthy.

• Moisturizing: The beta-glucans and starches in colloidal oatmeal have a high water-binding capacity, hydrating the skin and strengthening the skin barrier. Beta-glucan forms a protective film on the skin surface, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin supple. This moisturizing effect is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, as it soothes the skin and reduces cracks and flaking.

• Protection of the skin barrier: Oat lipids and essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid help to restore and maintain the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improving skin elasticity. The lipids in colloidal oatmeal help to strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier, making the skin more resilient to environmental stressors. Studies have shown that regular use of products containing colloidal oatmeal significantly improves skin barrier function and increases skin moisture content.

The Proper Use of Colloidal Oatmeal

• Frequency of use: Colloidal oatmeal can be used daily, especially for dry and sensitive skin. Its gentle and non-irritating nature makes it ideal for daily use without the risk of skin irritation.

• Concentration: In skincare products, the concentration of colloidal oatmeal typically ranges between 0.5% and 5%. This concentration is sufficient to impart the positive effects on the skin without causing hypersensitivity.

• Combination: Colloidal oatmeal can be well combined with other soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides, panthenol, and plant oils to enhance the skincare effect. Products that contain these combinations offer comprehensive protection and care for sensitive skin types.

What is Colloidal Oatmeal?

Colloidal oatmeal is a fine powder produced by grinding and processing oat grains. It mainly consists of starches (65-85%), proteins (15-20%), lipids (3-11%), and beta-glucans (5%). This composition makes it a multifunctional ingredient that protects, soothes, and nourishes the skin. The unique combination of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and antioxidants in colloidal oatmeal contributes to its versatility and effectiveness in skincare.

• Starches and beta-glucans: These polysaccharides have a high water-binding capacity, which intensively moisturizes the skin and strengthens the skin barrier.

• Proteins: The proteins in colloidal oatmeal support the skin structure and promote the regeneration of skin cells.

• Lipids: Oat lipids, including linoleic and linolenic acid, help to restore the skin barrier and improve skin elasticity.

• Antioxidants: Avenanthramides and vitamin E provide strong protection against free radicals and inflammatory processes.

Conclusion: A Must for Sensitive Skin Types

Colloidal oatmeal is a remarkable ingredient in skincare that stands out for its numerous positive properties. From reducing inflammation to protecting the skin barrier and providing intense hydration, colloidal oatmeal offers numerous benefits for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.

References

1. Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, Chon S, Kaur S, Mahmood K, Kizoulis M, Southall MD. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015 Jan;14(1):43-8. PMID: 25607907.
2. Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M. The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Mar 25;13:241-251. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S246021. PMID: 32273745; PMCID: PMC7103792.
3. Ilnytska O, Kaur S, Chon S, Reynertson KA, Nebus J, Garay M, Mahmood K, Southall MD. Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Jun 1;15(6):684-90. PMID: 27272074.
4. Allais B, Friedman A. ARTICLE: Colloidal Oatmeal Part I: History, Basic Science, Mechanism of Action, and Clinical Efficacy in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Oct 1;19(10):s4-s7. PMID: 33026768.
5. Sugondo, Karenina Novani and Hermawan, Melyawati (2023) "The effect of topical oatmeal (Avena sativa) on hydration-related skin disorders: A systematic review," Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology & Venereology Indonesia: Vol. 7: Iss. 1, Article 9. DOI: 10.7454/jdvi.v7i1.114
6. Nollent, Virginie & Nebus, Judy & Lisante, Toni Anne. (2020). 18724 Tolerance and subject satisfaction of an over the counter colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) lotion in patients with psoriasis and sensitive skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 83. AB220. 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.967.
7. Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Kazerouni A, Feily A. Oatmeal in dermatology: a brief review. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2012 Mar-Apr;78(2):142-5. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.93629. PMID: 22421643.