Did you know that milk and honey baths have cleansing, exfoliating, softening and moisturizing effects on the skin?
The lactic acid in milk exfoliates the skin, helping remove old skin cells by dissolving the bonds that hold them together and increasing cell turnover and renewal. This results in smoother, softer skin with improved skin tone and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. In modern cosmetics, lactic acid is synthetically produced and added to skin care products for exactly these qualities. However, you can reap these benefits from a natural milk and honey bath and get the benefits of honey too!
Honey is full of antioxidants and antibacterial components which help open and clear pores (reducing acne) as well as moisturizing and soothing skin. Both milk and honey are soothing and great for those with sensitive skin, acting to benefit skin health without significantly altering pH. Milk and honey baths are particularly beneficial for those who struggle with dry skin in winter (… everybody?!) because this is the season when your skin is likely to go into overdrive trying to balance itself. In addition, it is a great option for those like me who struggle with eczema.
To make yourself a milk and honey bath you will want full fat milk and raw honey. For the most basic recipe, add the following to your running bathwater:
- 1 to 2 cups of milk or ½ cup full fat powdered milk*
- ½ cup to 2 cups of honey
*If you’re okay with the stronger scent, you can use old milk on the verge of expired or even soured – it will still have the lactic acid benefits!
Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil are also a great addition to the milk and honey bath if desired. For added benefits, try brushing your skin lightly in circular motions with a washcloth or dry brush before hopping in the tub. Lastly, for super dry winter skin, you can soak for 15 minutes and then add a cup of baking soda for the last 15 minutes of your soak – this will help remove dead skin cells without irritation and provide additional pH balancing effects.
Do you want to have a bubbly bath? Try out the following recipe**, keep in mind that these quantities will make around 16 ounces, or about 8 baths worth:
- 1/3 cup powdered milk
- 1/2 cup almond oil
- 1/2 cup + 2 TBSP honey
- 1-1/2 cups of mild soap (I used unscented Nature Clean mild hand soap when I tried this)
- 1tsp essential oil of choice (I used lavender)
**Please note, so far with my experience with the "bubbly" recipe, it doesn't yield bubbles in the way of commercial bubble bath. Perhaps this is due to my soap choice. Do you have a favourite go-to combination of additions for your ideal milk and honey bath? I’d love to hear what you try!