6 Benefits of Milk Shower for Exfoliating and Moisturizing Skin

Do you like to drink milk to strengthen your bones and teeth? Since taking a shower has many benefits, make it a part of your skin care routine.

When someone asks you about a milk bath, you probably think of the ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra. It is believed that the milk bath makes her skin softer and smoother. Maybe it is just a myth, but taking a shower with milk is good for your skin. Milk contains lactic acid, which helps to remove dead skin cells. It also moisturizes and softens the skin. Shower gels are great for your skin, but they may not be for everyone. Those with sensitive skin should be extra careful, as a milk bath can cause skin irritation, so do a patch test before taking the plunge.

What is a milk bath?

A milk bath involves adding milk or dairy products to bath water to help improve skin. The lactic acid in milk acts as a gentle exfoliant, while the oils and proteins moisturize the skin. You can prepare a bath with milk, coconut milk, or goat’s milk. Human breast milk is also an option, but it’s only proven for babies. A 2019 study published in the journal Nutrients showed that the antibacterial properties of milk may help treat skin conditions like diaper dermatitis in babies.

What are the benefits of a milk bath?

Some benefits of bathing with milk:

1. Exfoliation

Milk is a dairy product that contains lactic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). This acid helps gently exfoliate your skin by removing dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal. This process smoothes the skin’s surface. Unlike other exfoliants like peels, lactic acid chemically exfoliates. This natural exfoliation helps reduce appearance of rough skin and uneven skin tone.

2. Hydration

Milk, especially whole milk, is rich in fat and protein, helping to moisturize and nourish the skin. According to the USDA, 100 grams of whole milk contains 3.28 grams of protein and 3 grams of fat. Fats can create problems for the skin, helping to retain moisture and preventing dehydration (TEWL), which is the loss of water from the skin, causing dryness and inflammation. Protein and vitamins in milk (such as vitamins A, D and B12) can help repair and maintain skin moisture. This deep water helps increase skin elasticity, leaving your skin looking soft, smooth and supple after a milk bath.

3. Soothing

Milk baths have a natural calming effect on irritated or inflamed skin due to the anti-inflammatory properties of milk. People exposed to the sun can benefit from a milk shower, which can help reduce redness and itching. The natural oils in milk provide a protective mechanism that soothes damaged skin, while lactic acid gently exfoliates without exacerbating inflammation.

4. Softening

According to a 2018 study published in the journal Soft Molecules, lactic acid promotes healthy skin by allowing cells to regenerate faster. The natural emollients in milk, especially fat, coat the skin and lock in moisture, keeping it smooth and soft. When skin is well hydrated and moisturized, it becomes elastic, less prone to cracking or irritation, and feels smoother to the touch. Regular bathing can improve the overall beauty of the skin and soothe it.

5. Brightening

The lactic acid in milk provides gentle exfoliation, helping to slough off dead skin and reveal a brighter layer of skin underneath. This natural process heals the skin, making it better and more beautiful.

6. Anti-aging

According to research published in the journal Molecules in 2021, milk has softening, soothing and anti-aging benefits. The anti-aging property in milk promotes cell regeneration, stimulating collagen production, the protein needed to keep the skin firm.

How to take a milk bath?

Here are step-by-step instructions for taking a milk bath:

• Fill the tub with warm water, but not too hot, as too hot water can dry out the skin. The temperature should be good enough to be comfortable, but do not leave the skin dry by gently exfoliating.
• Add one or two cups of milk to the water. You can use different types of milk as you wish.
• Since honey is a natural humectant, you can add a tablespoon of honey to add moisture if needed.
• Add colloidal oatmeal for sensitive or irritated skin.
• Get in the tub and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. While soaking, gently massage the skin to allow the lactic acid in the milk to remove dead skin and the oils and proteins to nourish and moisturize the skin.
• After soaking, rinse with warm water to remove any milk residue from the skin.
• To maintain the moist, soft feeling of your shower, pat your skin dry after rinsing instead of rubbing it.
• Acts as a moisturizer to gently lock in moisture and keep skin soft.

What are the side effects of a milk bath?

A milk bath is a good skin care that can beautify and moisturize your skin. However, there may be some side effects:

• People with milk allergies may experience skin reactions such as redness, itching or rash.
• The milk fats can clog pores, especially in people with acne or oily skin.
• Long-term consumption of milk increases the risk of yeast infections due to the sugar in milk.
• Some people with sensitive skin may find lactic acid too harsh and may cause irritation.