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Milk baths...a beauty trend as old as the hills

Updated: May 31, 2023


Bathing in milk has been a popular beauty trend for centuries. Milk baths are believed to be excellent for your skin, due to be being rich in proteins, fats, vitamins and lactic acids. Protein and fats help soften the skin, whilst vitamins and minerals help protect the skin and keep it safe from damage. The lactic acid (AHAs) works as a gentle exfoliator. Exfoliators work against the top layers of your skin to break down dead or dull skin cells, thereby allowing the skin to rejuvenate itself more quickly. AHAs also act as moisturizers by taking humidity from the air and helping skin absorb this moisture. This results in healthier looking skin.


What type of milk to use in a milk bath?


You can use all types of milks in your milk bath, but if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid ingredients that are high in lactic acid, as it may irritate it. Traditionally, milk baths would have used animal milks such as cow or goat’s milk, but nowadays more and more people have been looking for dairy-free milk bath instead.

  • Whole milk: Whole cow’s milk is the most affordable and easy to buy. If you are not allergic to it, then using cow’s milk could be your best bet. You’ll want to look for a high-fat content to get the best feeling bath;

  • Goat's milk: If you’re after a creamy bath, then goat's milk’s high-fat content will be a great choice;

  • Donkey's milk: Donkey's milk checks all the boxes, as it's soothing, encourages skin cell renewal, and protects skin with its antioxidant properties. It is considered the most expensive milk in the world, because both the number and size of donkey dairy farms are limited;

  • Rice, coconut or soy milk: Dairy-free alternatives can also make great milk baths, but you won’t get the same benefits as you would from cow or goat milk;

  • Powdered milk: if you don’t have access to any fresh milk options, you can use powdered milk instead. Just spread under running water until you are left with the milky bath you want.


How to take a milk bath


Add 1 to 2 cups of the milk of your choice, to a full tub of warm water and other ingredients such as dry flowers, essential oils, bath salts, oatmeal, honey or baking soda for additional benefits.


My favourite is the Goat's milk and honey bath, which I'll leave the recipe in here, so you can enjoy it too.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Goat's milk (or any other of your choice, fresh or powdered);

  • 1 cup of Raw Honey;

  • 1/2 cup of powdered rolled oats;

  • 1/2 cup of dried flowers;

  • 5-10 drops of essential oil.

Directions


Do's and don'ts of milk baths


Whilst milk baths are generally safe, but you should avoid any ingredients you might be allergic to. The ingredients you use in your milk bath will each have their own host of properties;


Avoid milk baths if you have a high fever;


If you’re pregnant, check with your doctor before trying a milk bath;


Leave the bath immediately if you feel faint, dizzy, or unwell in general;


Also, never drink the water from a milk bath. It isn’t safe to consume;


You should rinse after your milk bath. Leaving milky residue on your skin could lead to irritation and bad odours, so after you’ve finished soaking, do rinse off with an hydrating shower gel or soap.


Interesting facts about milk baths through time


The Ancient Egypt knew that using milk was gentle to the skin. It is said that Cleopatra used donkey’s milk and honey in her daily bathing routine to make sure that her skin looked glowing and wrinkle free;


Milk baths were a luxury, spread from the Middle East to all over Europe. At first, only the wealthiest could indulge, but later became available to the lower classes as well;


Elizabeth I of England and Elisabeth of Bavaria made sure to use milk in their skincare regime as well;


During the reign of Charles II between 1660 and 1685, milk baths became popular among nobles in England;


In the eighteenth century, Napoleon's younger sister, Pauline, had her servants make a hole in the ceiling above her bath so they could pour milk directly into her tub.



I hope you've enjoyed to read a little about the "magical" baths that are said to do wonders for everyone, from babies to adults. Just always confirm with your doctor if you can have it or give it to someone else.


Watch this space, I'll be back in 2 weeks!


Love,


Sonia xx




















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