Oats for Skin: The Natural Solution for Dry, Itchy, Irritated Skin
- simplehomeholism
- Jan 12, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
When you think of oats, your mind probably goes straight to breakfast—a warm bowl of porridge or granola. But here's something you might not know - oats are absolutely brilliant for your skin too.
Whether you're dealing with irritated, sensitive skin, struggling with dryness, trying to balance oily skin, or keeping breakouts under control, oats work gently on all skin types.
Once you know what makes them so special, you'll want to add them into your routine straight away...
Understanding Your Skin's Protective Barrier
First let's talk about what your skin is actually designed to do. One of your skin's most important jobs is acting as a protective barrier between your body and everything in the environment around you—pollution, bacteria, harsh weather, irritants etc.
When your skin barrier is functioning well, it keeps the good stuff in (like moisture and natural oils) and the bad stuff out. But sometimes, this barrier doesn't work just as effectively as it can.
There are lots of reasons why this might happen. Perhaps you have a genetic predisposition to conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Maybe the weather has been particularly harsh—cold winter air or strong summer sun can both take their toll. Or it could be that you've been washing your hands or face too often (something many of us have been doing more of in recent years), which strips away your skin's natural protective oils.
This is where oats can really make a difference.
What Makes Oats So Special?
Clinical studies have shown some really impressive results when it comes to oats and skin health. When you apply products containing oats to your skin, something quite clever happens: it creates a breathable, protective film over your skin's surface.
This film doesn't suffocate your skin or clog your pores. Instead, it acts like a gentle shield, helping to retain your skin's natural moisture while protecting against environmental damage and irritants. Think of it as giving your damaged skin barrier a break while it heals itself.
The fibre content in oats also gives it soothing emollient properties. Emollients are ingredients that help fill in the tiny cracks in dry skin, making it feel smoother and more comfortable. This is why oats are so effective at calming redness and irritation—they're not just sitting on top of your skin, they're actively helping to repair and soothe it.
The Remarkable Benefits of Oats for Your Skin:
Soothes Irritation and Itching
If you've ever experienced really itchy, uncomfortable skin, you'll know how desperate you can feel for relief. Oats contain compounds called avenanthramides, which have powerful anti-irritant properties. These natural compounds help calm that maddening itch that comes with dry skin, eczema flare-ups, or even sunburn.
Many people find that oat-based products provide almost immediate soothing relief for irritated skin. It's not just masking the discomfort—the oats are actually helping to calm the inflammatory response in your skin.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is at the root of so many skin concerns—redness, sensitivity, acne, eczema, and premature aging ...`
Oats contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce this inflammation.
This makes oat-based skincare particularly helpful for anyone dealing with inflammatory skin conditions. Whether you have mild-to-moderate eczema, sensitive skin that reacts to everything, or just occasional redness and irritation, the anti-inflammatory properties of oats can genuinely help.
Deep Hydration That Lasts
Oats don't just protect your skin's moisture, they actually help hydrate it too. The beta-glucan in oats is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and holds moisture in your skin. At the same time, the lipids in oats help prevent water loss.
This means your skin stays hydrated for longer, rather than feeling temporarily calmed only to become dry and sore again an hour later. It's natural hydration that helps your skin feel comfortable and soft throughout the day.
Who Should Use Oat-Based Skincare?
The wonderful thing about oats is how versatile they are. While they're particularly brilliant for certain skin concerns, they're actually gentle and beneficial enough for everyone.
You'll especially love oat-based skincare if you have:
Dry, flaky skin that never seems to feel hydrated enough
Eczema or psoriasis that flares up regularly
Sensitive skin that reacts to many products
Itchy skin that drives you mad
Sunburned skin that needs soothing
Irritated skin from over-washing or harsh weather
Combination skin that's tricky to balance
Even if you don't have any specific skin concerns, oats are so gentle and nourishing that they make a lovely addition to any skincare routine.
A Natural Approach to Healthier Skin
In a world full of complicated skincare ingredients with names you can't pronounce, there's something quite reassuring about oats, isn't there? This simple, natural ingredient that's been used for centuries offers genuine, scientifically-backed benefits for your skin.
Whether you're dealing with a specific skin concern or simply want to take better care of your skin naturally, oats are definitely worth a try.
And while you're thinking about taking a more holistic approach to skin health, remember that what you do for your skin externally works even better when combined with overall wellness practices. Stress reduction through massage, for instance, can significantly improve skin conditions that are aggravated by stress and anxiety. If you'd like to explore how aromatherapy treatments can boost your skin health from the inside out, visit my Treatments page to learn more.
Your skin is working hard for you every single day. Giving it the gentle, effective support of oats might be exactly what it needs to feel its best.
Next: Now that you’re all caught up on how Oats can benefit your skin, read up on some more of our favourite ingredients in the article Sea Salt & Your Skin
Comments