What Is It ?
Avena sativa is the scientific name for the cereal, oats. Oats are not only good for us nutritionally because oat bran for example is a great dietary fibre and oat glucans have associated heart health benefits. There is however another benefit in the cosmetics industry.
Avena sativa kernel meal is often cited in the ingredient list. It is also known as colloidal oatmeal. Both ingredients are produced from the ground kernels of oats. The kernel incidentally is the inner, softer part of the seed or nut which is contained inside the seed coat. A ‘meal’ is often a coarsely ground grain produced from kernels.
How Is It Used In Personal Care And Cosmetic Products ?
Colloidal oatmeal is an ingredient found in skin lotions and cosmetics for protecting the skin. It is extremely helpful in reducing irritations and provides a great deal of relief to the skin especially from allergens. One particular benefit is reducing the itching from poison ivy and insect bites like mosquitoes. As a meal, it also functions as an abrasive, bulking agent and absorbent.
Look, I’ve been suffering with psoriasis for many years and I reckon I’ve tried everything out there. But I must admit the Aveeno creams which contain this ingredient seem to do the trick in getting rid of the skin problems. My doctor recommends I mix the Aveeno cream with a steroid cream like Protopic and use shower oil for daily use. If you have eczema, it works just as well. Since I adopted this regime I have reduced my outbreaks considerably.