Colloidal Oatmeal Dry Skin Care

Some colloidal oatmeal products can be used to soothe dry skin on the face.

However, you should read the patient information leaflet that comes with your product carefully, to be sure it’s safe for you to use in that area.

If you experience dry skin on your face regularly or have eczema, dermatitis, or another dry skin condition on your face, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist so they can recommend a product that will be right for you.

If your product is suitable to use on your face, you should still remember to avoid contact with your eyes, inside your nose and mouth, or other sensitive areas.

There are some products which contain colloidal oatmeal that are suitable for babies’ sensitive skin, for example, the Aveeno Baby range.

This range includes cleansers, emollient creams, and body washes.

If you’re unsure whether colloidal oatmeal products are suitable for your baby, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using these products.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes patches of skin to become dry, flaky, irritated and cracked.

It usually affects the front and back of knees and elbows, but it can occur on any part of the body.

Eczema tends to first occur in childhood and is a long-term skin condition that can cause discomfort, but some people find that they grow out of it as they get older.

Certain irritants and germs can cause symptoms of eczema to worsen, so it is essential that you keep your skin clean and hydrated.

There is no cure for eczema, but there are several steps you can take to help manage your skin:

• Moisturise your skin - use moisturisers, ointments or lotions that contain emollients to lock in moisture, prevent your skin from drying out and reducing the need to itch
• Avoid itching - itching the skin can cause germs to infect the skin, making symptoms worse
• Avoid long, hot showers/baths - hot water dries out the skin
• Use a soap substitute - harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural moisture which can exacerbate symptoms of eczema
• Use an emollient bath oil - it will prevent your skin from drying out in bathing and can help to manage symptoms of eczema

If your eczema is severe speak to your doctor, who can prescribe a suitable treatment.

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When your skin is dry you may experience scaly or flaky skin or skin that has fine lines or cracks.

If you touch your skin, it may feel rough and sensitive or even a little painful.

There are many factors that can cause dry skin from the weather to spending too long in the shower Whenever we leave the house, our skin is exposed to the elements, from UV rays to freezing temperatures.

Our skin is at particular risk during the winter months, as temperatures plummet and humidity is reduced, which dries out our skin.

Again, in winter, we are more likely to turn up the thermostat or light the fire, which may feel lovely after a day out in the cold, but sources of heat in our homes reduce the moisture in the air, which can cause our skin to lose hydration.

Taking hot showers and baths with harsh soaps or detergents, can damage our skin through dehydration and stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Spending lots of time in chlorinated water, such as swimming pools and hot tubs can also strip our skin, leaving it dry.

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