Oat Extract - Restores Skin's Protective Barrier
1. Overview of Oat Extract
Oat extract is an excellent ingredient that has long been used in dermatology. Oat extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In 1989, the FDA recognized oat extract as a safe and effective ingredient (Category I ingredient). Currently, the use of oat extract as a skin protectant was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2003.
Oat extract is ideal for controlling atopic dermatitis and other irritating skin conditions. Proteins from oats form a protective barrier for the skin against external agents and prevent moisture loss. High concentrations of starch and beta-glucan from oats provide protective and hydrating effects for the skin. Potent antioxidants such as avenanthramides, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid give oats their anti-inflammatory properties. Oat extract also acts as a buffer to help restore the skin's pH to normal levels.
2. Benefits of Oat Extract
2.1. Anti-inflammatory, reduces itching and redness
Avenanthramides in oats are phenolic compounds with strong anti-inflammatory activity. Avenanthramides inhibit NF-KB (a protein that controls inflammatory factors) in keratinocytes and inhibit the release of IL-8 cytokines (mediators of inflammatory response). The anti-inflammatory effect of oat extract is similar to 1% hydrocortisone.
(*) Avenanthramide reduces IL-8 release stimulated from keratinocytes.
(*) Avenanthramide (1.5 ppm) significantly reduced skin redness (P <0.05) after 24 hours of application.
2.2. Supports the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, common in all age groups with prominent symptoms of itching, lichenification, and scaling, which makes patients very uncomfortable. Atopic dermatitis often begins in childhood, with recurrent flares and can last a lifetime.
Currently, the etiology of the disease is still unclear, but some factors that increase the risk of acute flares include genetics, changing weather, and environmental pollution.
In patients with atopic dermatitis, the skin barrier function is disrupted, leading to a decrease in ceramide levels and affecting the skin's protective and inflammatory response functions. In addition, it also increases transepidermal water loss and the penetration of irritants and allergens, creating conditions for agents and bacteria to easily attack the skin.
Oat extract is an adjuvant in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, reducing symptoms by restoring the skin barrier. In addition, it plays an important role in reducing the use of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors in atopic dermatitis.
(*) A study on 27 female subjects showed significant improvements in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) values when using a moisturizer containing oat extract (blue line).
(*) A 5-week clinical study was conducted on 50 subjects to demonstrate the efficacy of oat extract in improving the hydration and barrier function of moderately to severely dry skin and to measure residual effects on the skin after treatment cessation.
Subjects applied a cream containing oat extract to their lower legs twice daily for a period of three weeks (Days 1–21). For the following 2 weeks (Days 22–34), subjects did not use the test product or any other lotion.
Significant improvements in skin dryness and skin barrier function were observed.
(*) Colloidal oatmeal baths have been shown to reduce itching and burning in the treatment of sensitive dry skin.
This chart shows a 50% reduction in itching and a 67% reduction in skin burning with oat extract baths.
In addition, dermatologist assessments showed improvement in the overall EASI score (Eczema Area and Severity Index) at weeks 2, 4, and 8.
(*) A 4-week study was conducted to evaluate the safety and tolerability of oat extract (in cream and cleanser) on infants and children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.
The results showed significant improvements in the overall IGA score and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) compared to baseline at week 2 and week 4.
At week 12, 100% of patients showed improved skin hydration, 96% improved itching, 82% improved scaling, and 88% improved redness.
2.3. Reduces Corticosteroid Dependence in Atopic Dermatitis Patients
As skin conditions improve with the use of oat extract, the need for corticosteroid use in atopic dermatitis patients decreases.
Patients consumed an average of 5.5 grams of corticosteroids before using the oat moisturizer. After 4 weeks of using the oat moisturizer, corticosteroid use decreased by 39.4% (9.24 grams / patient), and 63% of patients felt that they used less corticosteroids/immunomodulators.
2.4. Moisturizing
Nowadays, oat extract is often used in moisturizing products. The high content of starch and beta-glucan is responsible for the skin barrier protective and water-retaining functions of oats. Oatmeal is a good choice for moisturizing dry or sensitive skin.
(*) Pure oat oil reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by up to 56%.
2.5. Restores the skin's natural pH
Skin pH is a central regulatory factor for skin barrier homeostasis and an important innate defense mechanism. Furthermore, elevated pH can also promote altered immune responses.
Oat extract acts as a buffer to help restore the pH of damaged skin to normal levels.
3. Product suggestions from oh!oh!
oh!oh! Oatmere Serum, a stem cell and skin regenerating serum, with a formula containing:- 4.5% Oat kernel extract: effective soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, heals skin damage, and maintains moisturized skin.
- 9.9 ppm EGF: stimulates the skin to accelerate cell regeneration, reconstructs the skin, thereby nourishing healthy skin. At the same time, it improves old wrinkles and reduces the appearance of new wrinkles.
- Centelloside (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic, and madecassic acid) from Centella Asiatica extract: has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in wound healing, stimulates the skin to produce GAGs and Collagen.
- Pro Anti-Irritant Complex (Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Allantoin): anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, combats the effects of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in the dermis, helping skin stay plump and youthful.
- Fucus Vesiculosus Extract: Softens, restores, and hydrates the skin and prevents signs of premature aging.
>>> For more product information, click HERE
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