When it comes to beauty trends in recent years, milk baths have received a lot of attention, but did you know that in the ancient world, milk was commonly added to baths for its nourishing properties? In fact, it is believed that Cleopatra regularly took baths in donkey milk to maintain her beauty.
So, why is the milk bath making a comeback? People are becoming much more interested in promoting skin health with natural ingredients. With milk baths, you benefit from the relaxation and stress-reducing properties of a warm and comforting bath, plus you enjoy the soothing and moisturizing properties of milk.
What is a milk bath?
A milk bath is exactly what the name suggests – a bath with milk and usually other natural ingredients. Adding milk to bathwater can help hydrate and soothe the skin, improve inflammatory skin conditions, and promote healthy aging.
Types
The benefits of a milk bath will vary depending on the type of milk you choose to use. While Cleopatra used donkey milk in her baths, there are certainly other nourishing options, many of which are plant-based.
1. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has antimicrobial properties and supports skin health. Just like the topical application of coconut oil, coconut milk has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. It may even help heal wounds and increase collagen production, which is a proven benefit of coconut compounds.
2. Oat Milk
Have you ever heard of an oat milk bath? It is usually a combination of milk and ground oats. Some oat milk bath recipes require coconut milk, while others call for cow’s milk, but why not make it with vegan-friendly oat milk, which is rich in nutrients? It is a gentle, soothing milk that promotes healthy aging and improves common skin issues like dry skin and eczema.
3. Almond Milk
Try an almond milk bath to calm, hydrate, and restore your skin. Since almond milk is rich in fatty oils, it leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. It is also an excellent plant-based option that is easy to find at your local grocery store.
4. Goat Milk
Goat milk contains lactic acid, which helps break down dead skin cells and leaves your skin smoother. It also works to hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and improve acne due to its antibacterial properties.
Have you ever tried a goat milk bath? If so, you know how nourishing it can be – just imagine what soaking your entire body in goat milk can do.
5. Human Breast Milk
If you want to make a milk bath for a baby, human breast milk is the best choice. Studies show that the topical application of breast milk has anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to treat skin issues like eczema and rashes.
How to Make a Milk Bath
Adjust the water temperature to warm
You want to create a relaxing environment, so set the water temperature between warm and hot, dim the lights, and maybe light a few candles.
Pour in your preferred milk
You can add milk to your milk bath in two ways – simply pouring milk directly into the bathwater or using powdered milk. Either way, you’ll want to use 1-2 cups, depending on how much water you have in the bath.
Additional Ingredients
There are many plant-based ingredients you can add to the bathwater for their healing and nourishing effects. Many milk bath recipes include a carrier oil and essential oils. Some commonly used supplements for milk baths include:
Carrier Oils
coconut oil
jojoba oil
sweet almond oil
arnica oil
avocado oil
pomegranate seed oil
Essential Oils
lavender
rose
chamomile
geranium
grapefruit
myrrh
Other Ingredients:
Epsom salts
baking soda
Honey
Relax
Now that you’ve made your own soothing milk bath, it’s time to relax and enjoy. With the constant pressures and stressors of modern life, this is the perfect way to unwind while simultaneously promoting beautiful and healthy aging.
Benefits
Although there is very limited research on the benefits of milk baths, this beauty method is becoming increasingly popular. It is believed that milk baths:
soothe and hydrate the skin
reduce fine lines and wrinkles
exfoliate the skin
improve skin firmness
reduce dry patches and rashes
alleviate sunburns
relieve inflammatory skin conditions
ease tension
reduce stress
promote restful sleep
Risks
People with milk allergies should avoid milk baths. Simply coming into contact with milk can lead to allergic symptoms, such as skin rashes, hives, and even urticaria. Opting for a plant-based milk can be a safe alternative if you know you are not allergic to that type of milk.
For those with lactose intolerance, a milk bath is generally safe since it is not ingested. To be sure, you might want to try a patch test on a small area of skin with the milk you wish to use to ensure it does not cause any adverse skin reactions. You can also opt for lactose-free milk, such as coconut or almond milk.
If you are making a milk bath for a baby, skip the essential oils and other supplements like honey and salts. Simply add breast milk and warm water.
Milk Bath Recipe:
INGREDIENTS
2 cups of milk
1 cup of Epsom salts
1 cup of baking soda
1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
5 drops of lavender essential oil
5 drops of rose essential oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Adjust the water to warm.
When the water is about halfway to your desired amount, simply combine the ingredients in the tub, using your hand to mix.
