Aveeno is a company that began by developing soothing bath products with Mayo Clinic in the mid 1940's. Since that time, the company has expanded to provide a variety of skin health and beauty products that use natural ingredients, such as soy and oatmeal. Your doctor can help you select Aveeno products that are right for your skin problems.
Aveeno Basics
Aveeno products include natural active ingredients. Most contain oat, soy or Shea butter. Some may include a combination of these components. Originally Aveeno was known for utilizing oatmeal as a base for their soothing compounds. As the company began expanding its line, Aveeno added soy products to the portfolio. Aveeno characterizes skin into one of three categories, daily use, skin relief and intense dry skin. Daily use products are intended for normal skin with no itching or dry patches. Skin relief is for those who tend to have dry skin that can sometimes be sensitive and itchy. Intensive dry skin is designed for those with chronic skin diseases, such as eczema.
Benefits of Soy
Mayo Clinic states that soy-based skin products, such as Aveeno, contain glycine max, which may have healing factors. According to Aveeno, it added soy products to its line when it was discovered that workers in Asia who handled soybeans usually had smooth skin with an even tone. Soy has proven to help improve discoloration and blotches in skin and may help improve the texture. Oat is better for dry skin that gets itchy. Soy improves skin quality.
Benefits of Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a base ingredient for many Aveeno products. A 2007 study published in the "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology," showed that oatmeal does work well as a cleanser and moisturizer and helps reduce inflammation. The proteins in oat will create a barrier on skin that protects it and seals in moisture. This makes oatmeal an effective agent for those suffering from intensely dry skin. Applying an Aveeno oat product to skin may help relieve irritation and itching. Soy works better to smooth out skin and improve the texture.
Considerations
Ultimately, it is up to you what Aveeno product to use. If you have skin that itches or if you suffer from occasional eczema, the oatmeal formulas may work better. If you do have a chronic skin disease or sensitivity, talk to your doctor before using any product. Soy will work well if you skin tends to have irregular color of if you are exposed to sunlight regularly.
References
- Aveeno: Soy; About Aveeno; 2011
- Aveeno: Naturally Active Ingredients; 2006
- Aveeno: Active Naturals: Soy; 2011
- Aveeno: Active Naturals: Oats; 2011
- Mayo Clinic: Soy (Gycine Max); 2010
- "Jounal of Drugs in Dermatology;" Colloidal oatmeal: History, Chemistry and Clinical Properties; E.S. Kurtz, W. Wallo; 2007
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