Benefits Of A Milk Bath

Indulging in a milk bath sounds both heavenly and ancient – didn’t Cleopatra take those? But how does this ancient bathing ritual hold up in the modern world, where we have access to so many bath and shower products? Does a milk bath actually do wonders for your skin, or is it an expensive waste? While scientific research on the effectiveness of milk baths remains limited, anecdotal evidence suggests their potential advantages, especially for various skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. Let’s do a deep dive into the key benefits you can get from milk baths, along with practical tips on how to incorporate them into your skincare routine.

What Is A Milk Bath?

A milk bath is pretty much exactly how it sounds. Milk, either in liquid or powdered form, is added to warm bathwater and you soak in it for at least 20 minutes, allowing the milk proteins to soften and moisturize your skin. We can also include products that contain milk or milk proteins such as bath gel, body lotion, and hand lotion to that list. And in case you’re wondering, milk baths can be vegan – simply use a plant-based milk instead of regular milk. Coconut milk is excellent because of the fatty acids and richness present!

How To Take A Milk Bath

To prepare a milk bath at home, simply add 1 to 2 cups of milk of your choice to warm bathwater, along with optional ingredients like essential oils or bath salts, and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. You can find ingredients for milk baths online! It’s an easy way to create a luxurious and rejuvenating skincare experience right in the comfort of your home.

What Are The Benefits Of A Milk Bath?

Dry Skin Relief

Milk baths may offer relief to individuals battling dry skin. Packed with proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, and lactic acid, milk helps moisturize, soften, and exfoliate the skin, offering relief from dryness and promoting a smoother texture. A study exploring skincare for older women found that regular milk baths effectively alleviate dry itchy skin.

Eczema

While scientific evidence regarding how effective milk baths work for eczema sufferers is sparse, many bathers rave about milk baths and their soothing effects on eczema symptoms. Milk baths won’t replace standard eczema treatment or prescribed medications, but they can definitely help increase relief for itchy and flaking skin.

Sunburn

The calming and soothing properties of milk, enriched with proteins, fat, amino acids, and vitamins A and D, make milk baths a great remedy for sunburned skin. Soaking in a milk bath for up to 20 minutes can offer relief from the swelling, redness, and itchy feeling of a sunburn! Make sure to follow by applying moisturizers like aloe vera or shea butter afterward to lock in hydration and soothe the skin.

Irritations

For those grappling with irritated skin, or allergic reactions from plants such as poison ivy, milk baths might provide soothing relief by alleviating redness, itching, and inflammation. Make sure to check with a medical professional first before milk bathing if you are having an allergic reaction.

The Takeaway

While there are numerous benefits of a milk bath for the skin, they may not be suitable for everyone. People with extremely sensitive skin or those that currently have a high fever should avoid milk baths, and pregnant individuals should consult with their doctor before indulging in them. But otherwise, milk baths can be a nourishing, hydrating, and soothing bathing experience that can contribute to soft and moisturized skin! Experimenting with various types of milk, from whole milk to coconut milk, allows you to personalize your milk bath experience – as is adding flowers, herbs, Epsom salts, and essential oils to your bath!