Milk baths aren’t just a luxurious addition to your spa-like routine — soaking in one can have tons of health benefits and an inexpensive alternative to an expensive treatment. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to fill the entire bathtub with milk. In fact, simply mixing a little milk (or pre-mixed milk powder) into your bath water has been a foolproof way to soften and hydrate skin for centuries. Cleopatra bathed in sour milk, giving her that coveted skin texture that is still talked about today.
In short, milk baths are a miracle anti-aging treatment for many people. You can even include essential oils, herbs, and dried flowers for more aromatic and skin-enhancing properties. Get ready to light those candles – here’s all the amazing benefits of milk baths and why you should take one ASAP.
What exactly is in a milk bath?
Milk baths contain various compounds that help replenish moisture, such as lactic acid (a natural exfoliant), vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats, which can help soothe and soften the skin.
Benefits of milk baths
Moisturize your skin and keep it soft all year round.
Reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Gently exfoliates the skin in a non-abrasive way.
make your skin firmer
Reduce breakouts and prevent dry spots.
It acts as a more soothing alternative to healing sunburn than aloe.
Sleep better and reduce stress
Reduce skin inflammation and related conditions such as eczema, dry patches of skin, and psoriasis.
Types of milk
Cow: This is pretty much the most common and cheapest option available at your local refrigerator or grocery store. Opt for whole (whole) milk for optimal results.
Coconut: The lauric acid it contains is antimicrobial and also supports skin health, just like coconut oil. A great alternative if you need to opt for plants.
Oat Milk: Oats are particularly soothing, so if you have sensitive skin, consider this gentle ingredient that can combat eczema and dry skin.
Almond Milk – To keep skin plump, opt for almond milk, which is rich in fatty oils and therefore excellent for dry skin. Ideal for those who lead a plant-based lifestyle.
Goat’s Milk: The lactic acid in oat milk keeps skin soft while gently exfoliating and is extremely nourishing. It has more milk fat than cow’s milk, so it can provide a creamier texture.
Buttermilk – Due to the high amount of lactic acid in buttermilk, this may be your best option if exfoliating is your main goal.
How to make a milk bath
Let hot water run in the bathroom.
Pour milk into the bath or pour the powder. Use about 2 cups and not less than 1 cup.
Add essential oils, bath salts, or anything else to enhance your milk bath experience. Soak for up to half an hour and feel like Cleopatra!
Milk Bath Recipe
2 cups of milk of your choice
1 cup of Epsom salts
1/2 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon of moisturizing oil (coconut, jojoba, etc.)
5 drops of lavender essential oil
Once the water is half filled, add the ingredients and stir with your hands. Moisturizing oil helps further soothe skin, while Epsom salts work to further relieve tension.
If you don’t want to make a homemade recipe, you can buy a store-bought one. Milk baths are gaining popularity around the world, to the point that brands are starting to sell jars and bottles of pre-formulated milk bath products. However, DIY is much cheaper and more fun than spending extra money at a natural or skin care store for no reason.
Potential risk of a milk bath
If you have a milk allergy, do not bathe in milk. However, if you’re simply lactose intolerant, you’re not actually eating the dairy product, so it should be fine. If you don’t have a nut allergy, consider switching to a plant-based milk and avoid the allergy symptoms that accompany dairy.
If you plan to prepare a milk bath for a baby, use only breast milk mixed with warm water and never add essential oils. You can also apply this topically to your baby using a damp sponge or towel instead of soaking it in the water.
The bottom line
If you need a little relief for dry, itchy skin, consider a milk bath. Now that winter has arrived for many of us, our skin isn’t quite as happy as it was during the warmer months, and a milk bath can help alleviate those symptoms. If you take skin medications regularly, you should not replace them with milk baths and you should consult a doctor before taking one.
