Winter skin, the benefits of oats

Oats are healthy, and not just for breakfast! The soothing and softening properties of this cereal are also beneficial for the skin of the whole family – from babies to grandparents – when used in the composition of moisturizers. A key ingredient to discover to start the year under the sign of well-being.

The combination of intense cold (when it’s not the polar vortex!), freezing wind and heating that drives the humidity out of our homes puts our skin to the test all winter long. It dries up, becomes irritated, becomes more prone to itching, and these problems are exacerbated in those who have sensitive skin or who suffer from eczema. Solution: take care of it by using gentle cleansing agents and moisturizing daily from head to toe in order to preserve the hydrolipidic film present on the surface of the skin. This skin barrier helps maintain an optimal pH while preventing dryness. And not just in winter!

Cleanse, soothe, hydrate: softness above all

In the cold season, a delicate, fragrance-free or lightly scented cleanser is used. A small amount, which is lathered in the palm of the hand, is enough. We avoid prolonged showers or baths in very hot water, which have a drying effect, even if they are tempting when we come back from a day of skiing or a shoveling session. Finally, apply an emollient or moisturizer immediately afterwards, when the skin is still damp, for a protective sealing effect.

Lotion, cream or oil, which formula to choose? It all depends on the type of skin and the desired result. Thus, people who have dry skin all year round can use an emollient or nourishing product rich in oils to compensate for the lack of sebum. Those who have occasionally dry skin, in winter for example, may prefer a daily moisturizing lotion that will restore the water content of the epidermis. But nourishing products are certainly not forbidden to them!

Colloidal oatmeal to the rescue

The purpose and texture of skincare products are factors to consider, but it is above all their components that have the power to care for and soften the skin. And when it’s irritated, dry and sensitive, gentle, natural ingredients like oats are a good option. Recognized for soothing sensitized skin, it has been used for millennia, since the civilizations of ancient Egypt poured flakes of it into their baths.

The varieties of oats used today in cosmetics are grown in regions with a cool climate, where the soil is well drained and where the risk of contamination by humidity is limited. Whole grains are harvested, shelled and then subjected to steam treatment to sanitize them before pulverizing them. We then obtain colloidal oatmeal, a fine powder that is ideally distributed in care products. This process also preserves valuable plant components such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, enzymes and vitamins.

Proven virtues

The beneficial effects of this pure and natural ingredient are numerous. Colloidal oatmeal can help restore the skin’s normal pH, which helps boost its natural defenses. Mixed with water, it forms a moisturizing and protective hydrophilic film on the surface of the skin. Used in cleansing products, it treats sensitive skin gently, without drying it out. As for colloidal oatmeal extract, its calming and anti-irritant properties have been proven to help those with dry or itchy skin. And that’s not all: oats are the cereal with the highest fat content and are an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids. This explains the effectiveness of oat oil in combating skin dehydration and forming a protective barrier on the surface of the skin.

In short, here is a very simple ingredient, which has been proven for a very long time, well before the era of dermocosmetics. Like what the best ointments are sometimes found in the fields!

For information: aveeno.ca

For generations, AVEENO^® draws on the soothing and therapeutic properties of nature to help care for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Just as skin can be vulnerable and need special care, so can our planet. That’s why we’re careful about the choices we make, whether it’s selecting ethically sourced ingredients or reducing our environmental footprint. We promise to continue contributing, learning and evolving as we continue this journey together!

This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.