Take A Luxurious Milk Bath

Dry skin season is upon us, so why not take a preemptive strike against potential dry skin irritations by using the skin-pampering benefits of milk as an additive to your bath . . . instead of drinking it?? Milk includes many components, such as proteins and fats, that are particularly good for soothing and moisturizing the skin, plus lactic acid that acts as a gentle, natural chemical exfoliator.

Milk - For Softer, Sleeker Skin: 4 Easy Recipes

1) To relieve itchy skin due to sunburn, windburn, or poison ivy or oak irritation, add 1 cup of instant, powdered whole milk, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil to running bathwater. Step in and soak for 15 minutes.

2) Make a milk-bath bag. In a medium-size muslin drawstring bag, old knee-high stocking, or in a 12-inch square of doubled cheesecloth, place 1 cup of instant, powdered whole milk, 1/2 cup of cosmetic-grade borax, 1/4 cup of ground lavender flowers, and 1/4 cup of ground rose petals. Tie the ends together or wrap with an elastic band to secure. Drop into the tub as it fills with water, step in, and rub the bag over your skin to soften and lightly scent.

3) To combat dry, super-sensitive skin or to bathe an infant's delicate skin, add 1 cup of instant, powdered whole milk, 1/4 cup of finely ground raw almonds, 1/4 cup ground oats, and 1/4 cup of marshmallow root powder to a bath bag (see instructions above). Drop into the tub as it fills with water, step in, and rub the bag over your skin.

4) Try this version of Cleopatra's famous bathing ritual and see if your skin doesn't feel softer and smoother. Add 1 cup instant, powdered whole goat's or cow's milk, 1 tablespoon apricot kernel, jojoba, avocado, hazelnut, or extra-virgin olive oil, and 8 drops essential oil of German or Roman chamomile, lavender, rosemary, spearmint, or rose together directly under running bathwater. Step in and relax.


NOTE: The above article was written by Stephanie Tourles, lic. holistic esthetician, herbalist, aromatherapist, and author of "Organic Body Care Recipes", Storey Publishing, 2007. The information provided is true and complete to the best of the author's knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author and she disclaims any liability in connection with the use of said information. It is for educational purposes only.