We’ve all been there – those days when your body just feels blah. Your skin is angry and irritated, you’re tense from head to toe, and a little voice in your head is pleading for some pampering “me time.” Now, what if I told you the solution to melting away all that blah could be as simple as running a warm bath and tossing in a handful of humble oats?
Yes, you read that right—oats! Those same nutritious little grains that make for a hearty breakfast are also all-natural skin soothers with amazing therapeutic benefits when used in a bath. Don’t believe me? Stick around as we explore why this DIY oatmeal bath will be your new go-to self-care ritual.
What are the Benefits of Oatmeal Baths?
Okay, so oats are awesome for your insides when you eat them, but how exactly do they work wonders for your outer body? Here’s what you need to know:
Relieves Itchy Skin
If you struggle with eczema, rashes, hives, or sensitive skin that likes to freak out, an oatmeal soak will become your new best friend. The milky liquid that forms when you add oats to bathwater creates a deliciously thick, gloopy coating that calms angry skin flare-ups and takes the itch factor down a few million notches.
Speaking from experience here, there is nothing worse than wanting to claw your own skin off because it’s just that irritating. But that gooey oatmeal layer? It is like wrapping your whole body in a warm, soft, comforting blanket of relief. Ahhh, sweet mercy!
Provides Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Part of what makes oats such a skin-calming superstar is that they’re filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Vitamin E, ferulic acid, zinc – you name it, humble oats have it.
So, while that gelatinous oatmeal bath liquid is busy forming a protective barrier against outside irritation, all those antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients are hard at work getting rid of existing redness, repairing cellular damage, and stopping any more inflammation before it can start.
Forms a Protective Barrier on Skin
Dehydrated, dried-out skin invites irritants, sensitivity, and overall unhappiness. That is why this DIY oatmeal bath is so awesome—the fine oat particles actually help reinforce your skin’s natural lipid barrier.
It is like giving your moisture defenses an extra suit of armor so that no water can escape and no potential bad guys can get in to cause issues. The result? Soft, supple, hydrated, ultra-pampered skin that is ready for anything.
Helps Manage Atopic Dermatitis (AD)
If you or your kiddos are plagued with eczema or atopic dermatitis, get ready for this oatmeal bath to become your new bat signal for calm, healthy skin. Multiple scientific studies have proven the anti-inflammatory awesomeness of colloidal oatmeal for minimizing eczema flare-ups and bringing lasting relief.
So, whether you have red, scaly, oozy patches or you’re just an overall dry, itchy mess, a long soak in this skin-saving mixture can help reduce symptoms, prevent future flare-ups, and give you some much-needed comfortable days.
By now, I’m guessing you are pretty convinced of the oatmeal bath’s magical abilities, right? Let’s move on to actually making one of these simple yet sublime treats for your skin and senses.
Needed Items For Your DIY Oatmeal Bath
Before we get into the nitty-gritty instructions, you will need to gather a few supplies first. You likely already have most of this stuff at home, which is awesome because a DIY oatmeal bath is super budget-friendly.
On the ingredients list:
- Rolled oats (around 1 cup per bath) or store-bought colloidal oatmeal
- A muslin bag, stocking, or cheesecloth to contain the oat mixture
- Optional add-ins: baking soda/Epsom salts (extra skin softening), essential oils for aroma
PinYou will also need:
- A bathtub (kinda obvious, but you would be surprised…)
- A food processor/blender if using whole oats
- A strainer or sieve
- Plenty of towels to clean up potential messes
Got all that? Awesome, let us get cooking! Well…bath-ing. You know what I mean.
You might also really like this Vanilla and Orange Sugar Scrub recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a DIY Oatmeal Bath
Alright, now it’s time to craft a luxurious, skin-saving spa experience in your own bathroom.
How to Make Colloidal Oatmeal
Creating your bath’s star ingredient – colloidal oatmeal:
1) If using regular rolled oats, measure out 1 cup and toss them in a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have an ultra-fine oat powder. The finer it is, the better it will disperse and dissolve.
2) Run the powdery mixture through a strainer or sieve to remove any larger pieces that did not break down fully.
3) Transfer your fresh colloidal oatmeal to an airtight container until you need it for bath time!
Preparing the Bath
1) Start by filling your tub with comfortably warm water until it is about 3/4 full. Not too hot, though – you do not want to cook the oats!
2) Scoop the colloidal oatmeal into a muslin bag, stocking, or a few layers of cheesecloth and tie it closed securely.
3) Drop the oat-filled bag into the bath, and use your hands to swish it around, helping the powder dissolve completely into a luxurious, milky fluid.
4) If using, add a small handful of baking soda or Epsom salts now to further soften the skin.
5) Finally, consider sprinkling in 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil or two for an aromatherapy boost. Lavender is a calming classic.
In just a few simple steps, you have transformed your ordinary bathtub into a skin-rejuvenating, sense-soothing oasis!
PinHow to Take an Oatmeal Bath
Okay, your DIY oatmeal bath is finally ready – now it’s time to soak up all those benefits for yourself. Here are some tips for maximizing the experience:
Proper Submersion and Soak Time
For best results, you will want to fully immerse yourself from the neck down and soak for a minimum of 15-20 minutes. This gives the oatmeal enough time to really work its soothing, skin-replenishing magic.
Don’t just sit there: While you are soaking, periodically give your oat bag a gentle squeeze. This will release more of that hydrating, skin-protecting liquid onto your body. Pure luxury!
Breathe and be present: Part of what makes a bath relaxing is allowing yourself to be present and centered. So, take some deep breaths, focusing on the subtle aroma of oatmeal. Visualize any stress or tension melting away with each exhale.
How to Rinse Off After an Oatmeal Bath
When you have achieved maximum prune-y status, it is time to rinse off. But be gentle here – that milky oatmeal layer has formed a protective barrier on your skin that you do not want to disturb too much. Simply allow a stream of lukewarm (not hot) water to lightly cascade over your body.
Pat and moisturize: Use a soft towel to gently pat yourself, mostly dry, leaving some of that hydrating oat residue on your skin. Follow up with a fragrance-free body cream, oil, or butter to really lock in all that soft, supple moisture.
If you follow those tips, you will emerge from the tub feeling like a whole new human—relaxed, refreshed, and with skin glowing with health and hydration. Ahh, bliss!
Oatmeal Chamomile Bath
For an extra-calming oatmeal bath experience, consider adding dried chamomile flowers or chamomile tea bags to your bath along with the oats. Chamomile has soothing properties that can enhance relaxation.
Benefits of Chamomile for Skin
Chamomile is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial for the skin. When used in a DIY oatmeal bath, it can help calm redness, irritation, and conditions like eczema. The soothing aromas add to the relaxation factor, too.
Can You Use Quaker Oats for an Oatmeal Bath?
Yes, you can absolutely use regular Quaker Oats or any brand of rolled oats to make an oatmeal bath at home. Just be sure to grind them into a very fine colloidal oatmeal powder before adding to the bathwater.
Do You Rinse After Oatmeal Bath?
Yes, you do want to rinse off after an oatmeal bath, but do so very gently. That milky oatmeal coating forms a protective barrier on your skin that you don’t want to aggressively scrub away. A light rinse with lukewarm water is all you need.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Oatmeal Baths
Sure, a basic DIY oatmeal bath is heavenly on its own. But if you really want to turn bath time into a full-blown spa ritual, here are some ideas for leveling up the luxury:
- Dry brushing: Do a gentle, full-body dry brushing before your bath to slough off any dead, dull surface cells and allow the oatmeal’s nutrients to better absorb.
- Ambiance upgrades: Dim lighting, candlelight, soothing music playlists – transform your space into a serene, multisensory escape.
- Fresh flowers: Toss in a handful of fresh rose petals, lavender buds, or chamomile for natural fragrance and botanical benefits.
- Milk add-ins: For an extra creamy, indulgent bath, consider adding a milk powder or moisturizing bath melt along with the oats.
- Face masks: While soaking, treat your face to a hydrating oatmeal mask, too, for full-body rejuvenation.
Get creative and customize your DIY oatmeal bath to make it your own personal oasis! With a few simple tweaks, you can take this already amazing ritual to soak-worthy new heights.
Conclusion
There you have it—everything you need to know about turning a humble pantry staple into a luxurious, therapeutic spa experience right in your own bathroom. Imparting full-body relaxation and hydration, the simple DIY oatmeal bath truly does it all.
So, next time your body is crying out for some TLC, skip the pricey spa packages and prepare an oatmeal bath instead. Who knew such affordable pampering could come from those humble breakfast oats?
What are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, whip up that colloidal oatmeal and get ready to embrace total self-care bliss. You know you deserve it!
