When I was growing up, I went through that rite of passage every child goes through, the chicken-pox. I remember breaking out into itchy hives all over. I remember my mom drawing me a warm bath and filling it with oats from our pantry. I remember thinking she was absolutely crazy. But I was desperate enough to do anything to make it go away. And, of course, it worked like magic.
Of course, now I know it's not magic. There is some serious science as to why oats are so good at calming irritated skin.
Firstly, they contain a natural sugar called beta-glucans which help to repair the skin barrier by forming a thin, breathable layer over the skin. This helps to lock in moisture.
Secondly, oats are rich in unique compounds called avenanthramides, which are powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecules that calms itching and reduces redness.
Additionally oats contain saponins, which are naturally occurring gentle cleansers; making oats a ideal for daily use soap, especially for sensitive skin.
So they hydrate, calm, and cleanse all it one go. This makes oats a powerful natural ingredient to use for organic bar soap, especially for those of us with sensitive skin.
