Oatmeal Bath for Eczema: My Journey to Discovering a Game-Changer for My Son's Skin

Growing up in Japan, the concept of an oatmeal bath was completely foreign to me. I had never even heard of it until I found myself desperately seeking a solution for my baby’s eczema. My son started showing signs of eczema at just five months old, and as a first-time mom, it was heartbreaking to see him scratching his inflamed skin.

It only started around his neck at first and quickly spread all over his stomach. 

I tried everything I could think of, including a baking soda bath recommended by my mother-in-law. But despite my best efforts, his skin only seemed to worsen. That’s when I consulted with an allergy specialist at UCLA. The doctor’s advice was clear and simple: “Bathe him every day in lukewarm water, no soap, and maybe try an oatmeal bath.”

My First Oatmeal Bath Experience

Her words stuck with me. Oatmeal bath? It was a completely new concept to me, but I was willing to try anything. On my way home, I rushed into CVS and grabbed a box of colloidal oatmeal. That evening, I filled the tub with lukewarm water, added the oatmeal, and gave it a try.

The first thing I noticed was that the oatmeal didn’t dissolve completely, leaving clumps floating in the water. Despite the mess, I could immediately tell it was working. My son’s skin felt softer, and he wasn’t scratching as much. I finally felt a glimmer of hope.

I was taking photos every day to observe the changes in his skin.

However, after draining the tub, I was shocked to see the mess it left behind. The oatmeal clumps had stained the tub, and cleaning up after bath time felt like another chore.

Searching for a Better Way than Regular Oatmeal Bath

Determined to make the oatmeal bath less messy, I started experimenting. I read about people using stockings to hold the oats, so I tried that. It worked, but the stocking material was polyester, and I worried it might irritate my son’s sensitive skin.

Wanting to keep everything as natural and irritation-free as possible, I thought of using old cotton socks instead. However, back then, it was hard to find organic colloidal oatmeal specifically designed for baths. Since I wanted to stay as clean and natural as possible, I went to Whole Foods and bought organic oatmeal to create my own version.

I filled a cotton sock with the organic oatmeal, tied it at the end, and soaked it in the bathwater. To my delight, this method worked wonderfully! The sock kept the oatmeal contained, and I could even use it to gently massage my son’s skin.

My husband, however, stood there watching me with a mix of amusement and disbelief, convinced I had completely lost it. Maybe my friends thought the same when I told them what I was doing, but I didn’t care. I assured them that this was the best method I had discovered so far, and I was determined to avoid using soap. For me, it wasn’t just about what worked—it was about staying true to my commitment to use only the gentlest and cleanest solutions for my son’s sensitive skin.

This simple solution was my breakthrough, and unknowingly, it became the very first prototype of what would later evolve into MogiMogi Baby’s signature bath pack.

Finished product, all ingredients are wrapped nicely in the organic cotton bag, no more messy bath tub!

Why Oatmeal Baths Work for Eczema

Oatmeal baths are now a widely recognized remedy for soothing itchy and inflamed skin. Here’s why they work so well:

  1. Skin Barrier Protection: Colloidal oatmeal creates a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and reducing irritation.
  2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Oats contain avenanthramides, natural compounds that reduce inflammation and calm redness.
  3. Gentle Cleansing: Oatmeal’s saponins naturally cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, making it perfect for eczema-prone or sensitive skin.
  4. Soothing Relief: It provides relief for a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, diaper rash, hives, and even sunburns.

Beyond Oatmeal: The Birth of MogiMogi Baby

While oatmeal became a game-changer for us, it was just the beginning. On a later trip to Japan, I consulted another eczema specialist, which led me to discover the incredible benefits of yomogi (Japanese mugwort), a healing herb with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Looking a little nervous but ready for his first flight at 6 months old!

Finally face to face with Grandpa! A moment we've all been waiting for...

Combining oatmeal with yomogi was the next step in my journey to creating a product that was not only effective but also inspired by my personal experiences as a mom.

Conclusion

My journey with oatmeal baths taught me that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. It also reminded me that every mom’s instinct to protect and nurture her child can lead to incredible discoveries. Oatmeal baths were the first step in developing what would become the MogiMogi Bath Pack—a product born from love, determination, and a little creativity in the face of challenges.

Stay tuned for part two of my story, where I’ll share how yomogi became the hero ingredient in our signature bath packs!