Oatmeal Bath Without a Bathtub? Here's How to Make It Work
By Jennifer Rhodes · Updated
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Oatmeal baths are an excellent way to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin. Unfortunately, you may be at a loss on how to make one if you don't own a tub. But don't worry—as it turns out, you can still enjoy oatmeal baths even in the shower!
To take an oatmeal bath without a bathtub, use a similar mixture as a shower scrub instead. Gently lathering this scrub on will help cleanse and revitalize your skin just as effectively as soaking. Additionally, moving your oatmeal bath to the shower can save you time and reduce the mess.
I'll go over exactly how to do this in just a second, plus I'll be including some all-important tips on how to do it without clogging your shower drain too.
How to make an oatmeal bath without a bathtub
Just because you don't have a tub doesn't mean you can't enjoy an oatmeal bath. All you have to do is apply the mixture in your shower instead as a gentle scrub.
Below are the ingredients you'll need:
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Honey
- Water
- A cloth or loofah
Try to use colloidal oatmeal specifically instead of standard whole oats. Otherwise, your shower drain might get clogged from the oats expanding.
Here's how to create the ultimate oatmeal bath without a tub:
- Fill a large bowl with approximately 3 cups of hot water.
- Add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal and 1 tablespoon of honey to the bowl.
- Stir until the ingredients are mixed. The water may look milky or ambery from the oatmeal and honey.
- Place the bowl within your reach while in the shower.
- While taking a hot shower, gently lather the mixture on with a cloth or loofah.
- Allow the scrub to absorb for a few moments before rinsing off.
And voila! You've now enjoyed an oatmeal bath without needing a tub.
What are the benefits of an oatmeal bath?
Oatmeal baths have existed for thousands of years with good reason. After all, these therapeutic soaks provide a wide range of health benefits.
Below are some of the most notable examples:
- Treating skin disease: Oats can help alleviate the symptoms of several skin diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema.
- Moisturization: The honey in your oatmeal bath coats your pores with a protective layer that holds in moisture.
- Luster: The healthier your skin is, the better it looks. As a result, taking oatmeal baths can make your skin look more vibrant and youthful.
- Exfoliation: Scrubbing on your oatmeal bath is an excellent way to exfoliate your body. It not only removes calluses and peeling but also revitalizes your skin.
- Reducing inflammation: Oats contain chemicals known as avenanthramides. When absorbed into the skin, these avenanthramides reduce inflammation and skin irritation.
How do oatmeal baths work?
As you can see above, oatmeal baths provide a wide variety of benefits. However, you might be curious how exactly they're so good for you.
One of the key reasons is that oatmeal contains a group of chemicals known as avenanthramides. And these avenanthramides have several properties that are great for skin, such as reducing inflammation and itchiness. Even better, they're also powerful antioxidants.
As a result, oatmeal can relieve the symptoms of many dermatological ailments. It's particularly effective for treating eczema, psoriasis, and diaper rash.
Another reason oatmeal baths work so well is thanks to the honey in your mixture.
Similar to oats, honey baths have long been a natural remedy for skin issues. When you lather it on, honey creates a protective coat on your pores and preserves their pH balance. And because of that, your skin will feel more moisturized and smooth.
Does oatmeal clog drains?
One downside of an oatmeal bath is the potential for clogging your drain. But thankfully, there are ways to avoid this pesky problem.
How to avoid clogging drains with oatmeal
Firstly, always use colloidal oatmeal and never whole oats. If you don't know what that is, colloidal oatmeal is simply oats pulverized into fine dust.
When whole oats get wet, they naturally expand—meaning your drain might get clogged. Colloidal oatmeal, however, is water-soluble. This quality makes it perfect for use in the bath or shower.
If you need any, you can find colloidal oatmeal online or at most pharmacies and beauty stores:
But don't worry if you only have access to whole oats. In that case, another option is to put a screen over your shower drain:
Then once you finish washing, just scoop up any debris and discard them.
Ingredients to add to your oatmeal bath
Oatmeal and honey aren't the only natural ingredients great for your skin. In fact, there are numerous things you can add to your oatmeal bath to boost the health benefits.
Here are some examples:
- Essential oils: Many essential oils can help rejuvenate dull or irritated skin. The best ones to add to your oatmeal bath are lavender, rose, and cypress. Only a few drops are necessary to make a noticeable difference.
- Milk: Milk cleanses your pores, preventing built-up dirt from causing acne. Some historians even believe Queen Cleopatra enjoyed milk soaks for the cosmetic benefits.
- Flower petals: Adding some flower petals to your mixture can make it more aromatic. But make sure to cover your drain or crush the petals into smaller pieces.
- Orange peel: Orange peel is chock full of antioxidants and antibacterials that fight acne. Not to mention it can help skin appear more vibrant and less oily.
- Cucumbers: Like oats, sliced cucumbers help soothe and heal irritated skin. They make an excellent addition to your oatmeal bath if you suffer from conditions such as eczema.
