Can First Aid Beauty Instant Oatmeal Mask Instantly Soothe Sensitive, Irritated Skin?

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is a “love it or hate it” product.

It has legions of fans who swear it soothes sensitive skin and nurses their dry, irritated skin back to health…

… And just as many critics who claim it did nothing for their skin. Zero. Nada. Niente.

Who’s right?!

Both. Here’s what I mean…

What’s In First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask?

COLLOIDAL OATMEAL

Colloidal oatmeal is a very fine powder derived from whole oat grains. It’s a skin-soother on steroids.

Colloidal oatmeal works in two ways:

1. Soothing: It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe sunburn, rashes (including diaper rashes), hives, insect bites, and other pruritic conditions.
2. Moisturising: It strengthens and repairs the skin’s protective barrier, helping skin better withstand the attacks from harsh weather, germs and other irritants.

A 2012 study confirms that “the daily use of moisturizers and/or cleansers containing colloidal oatmeal significantly improved many clinical outcomes of atopic dermatitis” and was “well tolerated in babies, children, and adults with AD.”

Colloidal oatmeal is the second ingredient in First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask. If you have sensitive skin, you’re in for a treat.

Related: Is Colloidal Oatmeal The Key To Soothing Sensitive Skin?

SHEA BUTTER AND COCOA BUTTER

Shea and cocoa butters are very moisturising.

Both are loaded with fatty acids, a group of ingredients that strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. As you already know, the stronger this barrier is, the less likely something will irritate your skin.

Plus, this barrier locks moisture in, so that skin stays soft and hydrated for longer. Shea butter is particularly good at this. Its moisturising effect lasts for up to 8 hours!

Related: How To Strengthen Your Skin’s Protective Barrier (And Why It Matters)

SKIN-SOOTHERS

Colloidal oatmeal may be the star of the show, but it’s not the only skin-soother here.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask also contains a bunch of natural extracts with anti-inflammatory properties. Here are the highlights:

• Feverfew: Known as medieval aspirin, it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe redness and irritations.
• Green Tea: It’s rich in polyphenols, a group of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and redness caused by sun exposure.
• Licorice: A rich source of glycyrrhizate, a group of substances with powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe contact dermatitis, psoriasis, irritations… 

Related: The Complete Guide To Green Tea In Skincare, What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It

Texture

It contains particles of oat bran in a creamy base. It doesn’t feel too gritty, but be gentle when you pat it on.

Fragrance

It’s fragrance-free.

How To Use It

After cleansing, apply a generous amount on your face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Use it two/three times a week, preferably at night (when you have more time for masks).

Performance & Personal Opinion

I rarely reach for First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask in the summer. Winter is a different story. My skin gets drier. It’s more easily irritated. It needs a lot more TLC.

That’s where this mask comes in. I apply a generous amount all over my skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. The oat barn particles aren’t harsh on the skin, but you can definitely feel them, so don’t rub the mask on too hard.

Although it has no clay, I do feel it tightening as the 10 minutes pass by, but it never feels uncomfortable on the skin. Plus, it washes off effortlessly.

Afterwards, my skin doesn’t look much different. It’s definitely softer and smoother – a telltale sign the mask has added some much needed hydration.

But it doesn’t give my skin much of a glow. Or does anything extra that makes you go wow. No wonder so many people are disappointed with it.

Here’s the deal: this mask isn’t for everyone. If your skin is in good condition already, it won’t do much for you. But that doesn’t mean it’s useless.

Where this mask shines is in taking care of sensitive skin. If your cheeks are red, you’re dealing with an eczema flareup, or your protective barrier has broken down and now your skin’s all irritated, the mask will soothe down the itchiness, redness and inflammation.

If that’s what you’re dealing with, you’re gonna have a much different experience. Colloidal oatmeal is a godsend for sensitive skin and this mask has it in spades.

Friendly reminder: don’t try products for the sake of trying them. Use only what your skin needs when it needs it. That’s when you’re gonna see results.

Who Is This For?

Dry and sensitive skin.

Who Is This Not For?

If your skin isn’t easily irritated, you won’t see much benefit from it.

Packaging

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask comes in a sleek blue, red, and white tube. It releases just the right amount of product you need, so none gets wasted.

Does First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask Live Up To Its Claims?

Price & Availability

$24.00/£19.00 at Asos, Dermstore, Feel Unique, Sephora, and Ulta

Do You Need It?

If you have sensitive skin that’s easily irritated, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is a great addition to your skincare routine.

[penci_review]

Dupes & Alternatives

• Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream ($13.49)
• Gold Bond Ultimate Eczema Relief Lotion ($14.28)
• La Roche Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream ($14.99)

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.