How To Make An Oatmeal Bath, Its Benefits, And How To Use It

Fun Fact

Oatmeal baths became popular around 1945 when colloidal oatmeal became available. It is a ready-to-use component extracted from the ground and boiled oatmeal.

How To Prepare A DIY Oatmeal Bath

You may add the oatmeal powder directly to your bath or prepare a bath bag with it. Below, we have discussed what you may need to prepare both.

1. DIY Oatmeal Bath Using Powder

You Will Need

• 1 cup of raw, unflavored steel-cut oats
• A coffee grinder, blender, or food processor

Method

1. Grind the oats until you get a fine powder.
2. Test the powder by mixing it in a glass of warm milk. If it easily turns into a paste, the powder is ready. If it settles at the bottom, you need to grind the oats for a longer duration.

2. DIY Oatmeal Bath Bag

You Will Need

• A large coffee filter or muslin bag, or nylon pantyhose
• ½ cup of uncooked, unflavored rolled oats
• A rubber band

Optional Additives

• 2 tablespoons of milk powder
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2-3 drops of any essential oil for fragrance
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 2-3 tablespoons of Epsom or sea salt

Method

1. Pour the oats into the coffee filter, muslin bag, or nylon pantyhose.
2. Add the additives if any.
3. Secure the bag with a rubber band.
4. You may make several oatmeal bath bags in advance to plop one directly into a bath.
5. If you are using a coffee filter, secure it with a mesh laundry bag as the coffee filer may disintegrate in water.

Once you have prepared the oatmeal bath powder and bath bags, here is how to use them.

Amy Lou, a blogger, shared her personal experience of using an oatmeal bath and how she benefited from it. She recounts in the blog, “The first time I made myself an oat bath it was disastrous! After being told to bath in it, I naturally took it literally and poured oats into the bath water (i).” She then proceeds to talk about the oatmeal bath recipe that she tried and would recommend to others as well.

How To Use An Oatmeal Bath

To Use DIY Oatmeal Bath Powder

1. Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water.
2. Add a cup of the oatmeal bath powder and stir to dissolve.
3. Add any additives (if you wish) like essential oils and bath salts.
4. Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes and relax.
5. Rinse your body with regular water and pat it dry.

Note: Be careful while stepping in or out of the bathtub as the oatmeal powder leaves behind a thin and slippery film.

To Use the DIY Oatmeal Bath Bag

1. Fill the bathtub with warm water.
2. Put a bath bag in the water. Wait for 5-10 minutes to let the ingredients dissolve.
3. Soak in the bath for 20-25 minutes.
4. You may exfoliate your skin with the bath bag.
5. Rinse your body with regular water and pat it dry.

Compared to the oatmeal powder, bath bags are less messy. If you are wondering how oatmeal may benefit your skin, read the next section.

Benefits Of An Oatmeal Bath

1. Improves Your Skin Barrier

Colloidal oatmeal (powdered oatmeal) regulates the skin lipids, moisturizes the skin, and improves its natural barrier. It is especially helpful in relieving skin issues like (1), (2):

• Dry skin
• Rashes
• Eczema
• Pruritis
• Atopic dermatitis

2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Colloidal oatmeal inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (a group of proteins and peptides secreted by the immune system) and soothes the skin. Topical colloidal oatmeal can relieve inflammatory symptoms like (3), (1):

• Skin roughness
• Scaling
• Itching
• Dryness
• Psoriasis

3. May Help Manage Xerotic Dermatoses

Colloidal oatmeal has been used for ages to soothe xerotic dermatoses symptoms (a form of eczema) like dry, itchy, red, and cracked skin. An oatmeal bath may help reduce eczema scars and promote smoother, healthier skin. It contains beta-glucan that protects and soothes the skin. It is loaded with phenols that are responsible for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and work as UV absorbers (4).

4. Cleanses Your Skin

Oatmeal contains saponins and has skin-cleansing properties (4). Oatmeal baths and scrubs can effectively remove dirt and grease from your skin and keep it clean. You may use oatmeal if you are looking for a natural alternative to the harsh soaps.

5. May Soothe Diaper Rash

Colloidal oatmeal does not irritate the skin, and you may also use it on your baby€™s skin to soothe diaper rash, dry skin, scaling, itching, insect bites, and other issues. You may also use products containing oatmeal extract (5). However, ensure to do a patch test and consult a dermatologist.

Quick Tip

The soothing effect of essential oil oatmeal baths can help relax all your senses. It can be a great addition to your self-care home spa routine.

Are Oatmeal Baths Safe?

Colloidal oatmeal is considered safe for topical application (directly or as an ingredient in skin care products). The FDA regulates the use of colloidal oatmeal and considers it to be safe for soothing eczema, rashes caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac, and other skin conditions (6).

However, if you are allergic to the proteins present in oatmeal, it can worsen your existing skin condition and cause:

• Swelling
• Itching
• Redness

In case you develop these symptoms, rinse your skin with soap and water and discontinue oatmeal products and baths. It is better to do a patch test to avoid such adverse reactions.

Infographic: Types Of Oats

Oatmeal baths provide various benefits, such as cleansing your skin and providing relief against issues such as eczema, rashes, and dry skin. Using the right type of oats is essential to make your oatmeal bath relaxing and beneficial. You can check out the different types of oats available in the grocery shop and pick what is suitable for you.

Check out the infographic below to know more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you take an oatmeal bath without clogging the drain?

You can use colloidal oatmeal instead of regular oatmeal for your bath to avoid clogging the drain. Colloidal oatmeal is powdered and, thus, goes down the drain quickly.

Will an oatmeal bath help a yeast infection?

Yes. The soothing anti-irritation properties of oatmeal can help ease the symptoms of a yeast infection.

How do you clean up after an oatmeal bath?

Oatmeal can leave a slippery film on your bathtub. You can use warm water and a washcloth to rub it off the surface and clean up after an oatmeal bath.

How often should you have an oatmeal bath?

As an oatmeal bath is considered safe for most conditions, you can enjoy it twice daily for 15-20 minutes.

Experience the benefits of an oatmeal bath with this easy-to-follow video tutorial. Check it out to discover how this simple yet luxurious self-care ritual can soothe your skin and leave you feeling rejuvenated.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Archna AgrawalMSc (Dietetics)

 

Dr. Archna Agrawal is a licensed naturopathy and yoga practitioner with over 20 years of experience in nutrition and counseling. She is also certified in nutrition, child care, and mind-body medicine and is on a mission to help people attain innate healing capacity without having to depend on anything or on anyone.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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