Posted by BBN on 1/16/2011
to
Soap
There is a long history of using milk in soaps and other skin care
products. In fact milk has been used in bath products since ancient
times. Cleopatra, rumored to have had beautiful skin, was said
to have taken daily milk baths. But what, if any, benefit does your
skin get from these popular products?
The three most important benefits of Milk Soaps are:
- Gentleness
- Moisturizing
- Exfoliating
Gentleness
Milk soap is great for all skin types, oily, normal and dry. Milk is
rich in proteins, calcium, and vitamins that are easily
absorbed by the skin while bathing. Milk soaps are so gentle because
their pH are very close to the natural pH of human skin. This allows
the soaps to gently cleanse without being harsh or irritating to the
skin.
Moisturizing
Milk soap naturally contains milk fats, triglycerides and vitamins which help moisturize
the skin. Goat milk contains capric-capryllic triglyceride, which is a
popular ingredient in moisturizers. In addition to the milk fats and
triglycerides, the natural glycerin in milk soap, is also an effective
moisturizer. However, most commercial soap manufacturers remove this
element from their soaps and sell it as a separate product.
Exfoliating
Finally, the lactic acid in milk, a natural exfoliating agent,
breaks apart dead cells and helps your skin shed dry skin cells. This
gentle exfoliation can result in healthier looking skin.
Milk Types
Milk soap can be made using goat’s milk, cow’s milk, buttermilk,
coconut milk, soy milk, or basically any milk. I tend to like soaps
made with buttermilk and goat’s milk because they feel richer in the
final bar. It could just be me, but I think this may be due to the
higher fat content in these milks. The difference could be so slight
you should try different types and then choose your favorite!
Recipe
Milk is also commonly used in baths and lotions. Try this simple milk bath recipe:
- 1 cups dry powdered milk (butter, goat or other). You can also use liquid milk of you prefer.
- 1/4 cup Dead Sea salts, or Epsom salts
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- Add your favorite essential oil for scent
- Add dried lavender, chamomile, rose petals (optional)
Mix all ingredients together and pour into the bath as you fill the
tub and stir well so the milk powder dissolves completely. Lock the
bathroom, light some candles. Relax!
