Why Is Oatmeal Good for Your Skin?

Few things nourish the skin like oatmeal. Whether you add oatmeal and milk to a bath or grind oatmeal and mix it with honey for a face mask, oatmeal is good for giving your skin a natural glow and softness.

Polysaccharides

Oatmeal contains polysaccharides, a type of complex carbohydrate. When polysaccharides mix with water, a gel forms. This gel softens and nourishes the skin. It also protects skin from drying out even after you've washed the oatmeal away.

Adding Moisture

Oatmeal contains healthy fats. When they come into contact with your skin, these fats help to add moisture to soften and repair your skin.

Natural Barrier

Your skin is your body's first line of defense against pollutants. Oatmeal helps to strengthen your skin's defenses so it can do a better job.

Gentle Cleansing

The saponins in oats help to remove dirt from your pores. This effect, combined with oatmeal's moisture-adding properties, gives your skin that soft glow after an oatmeal cleanse.

Inside Out

Oatmeal isn't just good for your skin as a topical treatment. It also helps promote healthy skin as part of your diet. The fiber in oatmeal helps to control the release of insulin and the uptake of glucose, and good insulin regulation helps keep your skin taut and healthy.

References

• RealAge.com: Why Your Skin Craves Oatmeal
• Life Extension Magazine: Skin Care