If you have sensitive skin, you’re probably well aware at this point that not all skin-care ingredients will benefit your complexion. In fact, harsher actives (we’re talking about you, retinol) can actually cause more harm than good. We can go on with the laundry list of additives that easily-irritated skin types should avoid, but that’s for another time. As for what you can use, oatmeal skin-care products should be on your radar to soothe your skin’s most irritable moments.
According to Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, colloidal oatmeal is one of the best ingredients for calming irritation and redness on the skin. “Colloidal oatmeal is produced by grinding the oat into a fine powder and boiling it to extract the colloidal material,” she says. “It’s a natural complex of lipids, proteins, peptides, and starches that soothe, nourish, and moisturize the skin.”
Dr. King also adds that this ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties when used as a topical treatment that gives agitated, itchy skin sweet relief. Unlike more intensive exfoliants and active ingredients, Dr. King says that any skin type, including those with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea can enjoy the nourishing benefits of this antioxidant-rich ingredient.
Now that you’re filled in on all things colloidal oatmeal, it’s time to soothe your skin irritation with these dryness-defying essentials. Below, take a gander at some of the best oatmeal-infused skin-care essentials that’ll make you feel softer, smoother, and suppler than ever.
One of Dr. King’s top choices for soothing irritated, dry skin is Vaseline’s Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief Lotion. Not only is it super affordable, but it’s also loaded with moisture-replenishing skin saviors like colloidal oatmeal and glycerin. Dr. King also notes that this formula contains emollients like shea butter and sunflower seed oil to support the skin barrier and occlusives like petrolatum to lock in moisture.
The next time you hop in your shower, Dr. King suggests lathering up with the SheaMoisture Oatmeal and Vitamin E Soothing Body Wash. As its name suggests, the star ingredients in this formula are soothing colloidal oatmeal and conditioning antioxidant vitamin E, two ingredients she says are ideal for dry skin types.
The Gold Bond Eczema Relief Body Lotion is another Dr. King-approved pick that you’ll definitely love as much as she does. This rich body lotion contains nourishing colloidal oatmeal along with aloe vera and vitamin E to replenish and lock in much-needed moisture. It’s also worth noting that this formula has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, so those with this skin condition can slather this on freely.