5 Healing Benefits of Milk Baths

A bath with milk? It may seem unlikely and even strange. Milk is commonly advertised as beneficial for both growth and development when consumed, but not so much to soak your body in. However, adding milk to warm water in your bathtub has many benefits for your skin. If you want to pamper your skin or replenish your skin's natural complexion, a milk bath is perfect for reclaiming and renewing your youthful glow.

History of Milk Baths

Milk baths are an ancient beauty secret that dates back to Cleopatra's time. Some believe that she bathed in goat's milk to maintain a youthful glow and baby soft skin. Ancient Egyptian rituals consisted of soaking in different kinds of milk, such as goat's or donkey's milk. Queen Catherine Parr of England used milk baths to maintain a youthful and pale complexion. Later on, in the 1900s, more celebrities and actors had caught on to this ancient secret and were utilizing milk baths as part of a beauty routine. Today, milk baths are a common practice all over the world. Once you discover all the remarkable benefits that a milk bath can do for you, it is no surprise that people all over the world are indulging in milk baths, as well.

Replenished Dry Skin

If you suffer from dry skin or the cooler weather naturally dries out your skin, milk baths are a natural way to restore your skin's complexion. The fats in the milk contain many vitamins and minerals that both coat and strengthen your skin. Whole milk, high in natural fats, is the best choice for a milk bath and for treating dry skin.

Treats Psoriasis and Eczema

Though there isn't enough scientific evidence that milk baths help with skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, some anecdotal evidence suggests that milk baths can target and relieve their symptoms. These symptoms range from itching to flaking and redness to rashes. However, because these skin conditions may need special attention and treatment, it's best to consult your dermatologist before setting aside any medical treatment; milk baths shouldn't replace your prescribed medication.

Calms Sunburns, Bug Bites, and Poison Ivy Rashes

When skin gets inflamed from sunburns or poison ivy rashes, the proteins from the milk bath will aid in calming inflammation and add necessary moisture to replenish the skin. Take a clean rag and soak it in whole milk to ease the itching and redness brought on by poison ivy. Dampen the rag and place it on the affected areas. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Soak a cloth in a bowl in equal parts of whole milk, water, and ice cubes for sunburns. Place the cloth on the affected areas for 5 minutes and repeat three times. The pH level of milk has anti-inflammatory elements for a soothing effect.

Helps with Exfoliation

Milk is rich in lactic acid, which naturally helps with exfoliation. It can smooth out the skin and add necessary moisture to dry areas as it soaks in the milk. This is a much gentler way to exfoliate than other scrubs that may be more harsh or irritating to your sensitive skin.

Eases Tension

In this high stress world, choosing a spa day and submerging in a relaxing milk bath soak in your tub can be just what the doctor ordered. More than serving as a beauty trend, milk baths can be both relaxing and stress reducing. With all the tension and stressors that life brings, this is a perfect way to unwind; sinking into a warm, comforting bath—taking a milk bath in a lavender blend before sleeping can promote a night of more restful sleep.

Finding the Right Milk Bath for You

Milk contains vitamins A, D, and E, which are also found in many mainstream skincare products. However, they are often used in the form of vitamin derivatives, which don't have an equal effect as directly consuming them. Nonetheless, though your skin won't absorb all the vitamins and minerals of milk, it still has a lot of benefits in caring for your skin.

There are various kinds of milk out there nowadays. We use a blend of moisturizing coconut milk and regular milk in all of our milk baths, and use only coconut milk in our Vegan milk bath, Refocus.

Just keep in mind that full-fat milk will be more nourishing than skim milk. Coconut milk has antimicrobial properties that have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. Oat milk promotes healthy aging and helps target dry skin and eczema. Almond milk is rich in fatty oils and can give your skin a supple feel. Goat milk has antibacterial properties which can help to ease and soothe acne. Buttermilk is good for removing dead skin cells and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The benefits can also extend beyond helping your skin and giving your hair a healthy glow! If you have dry, damaged hair, you can also soak it in the bath to add some glow to it. Make sure to rinse it out after soaking.

Conclusion

Milky baths are a perfect supplement for itchy or dry skin or if you are seeking out a soothing touch. The benefits a milk bath provides can easily knock out the market's overpriced spas and luxury products. Find the perfect blend of a milk bath for you and relax in the comfort of your home.