Milk Bath Benefits

What is a milk bath?

A milk bath is a bath where you add milk — in liquid or powdered form — to warm water in your bathtub. It may be beneficial for a number of skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.

Read on to learn more about the benefits and risks of milk baths.

Skin Benefits:

• Moisturizing:

  Milk contains proteins and fats that can hydrate and replenish the skin, helping to combat dryness. 

• Gentle Exfoliation:

  Lactic acid in milk can gently remove dead skin cells, leading to smoother, softer skin. 

• Soothing Irritated Skin:

  Milk can help soothe and calm inflammation, potentially easing symptoms of conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and sunburns. 

• Potential for Reduced Hyperpigmentation:

  Some users report that milk baths can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve skin tone. 

• Improved Skin Elasticity:

  Milk can help restore elasticity to the skin, making it appear more supple and youthful. 

Other Benefits:

• Relaxation and Stress Relief:

  The warmth of a milk bath and the soothing properties of milk can promote relaxation and reduce stress. 

• Muscle Relaxation:

  Milk baths can help relax muscles and ease tension. 

• Improved Sleep:

  The relaxing effects of a milk bath can contribute to better sleep quality. 

Soothing Irritated Skin?

Below are 5 examples of irritated skin of which a milk bath may help alleviate symptoms.

Always talk with your doctor before using milk baths for the treatment of skin conditions.

1. Dry Skin

If you live with dry skin, milk baths may help replenish lost moisture.

Milk contains:

• proteins

• fat

• vitamins

• minerals

• lactic acid

The proteins and fat may help soften and soothe the skin. And lactic acid is a gentle exfoliator. Exfoliation is important for shedding dead skin cells, which can lead to softer skin.

In studies about skin care for women over age 65, researchers also found milk baths to provide effective relief from pruritus, or itchy skin.

2. Eczema

Eczema often causes rashes, bumpy skin, and irritation. Studies about the efficacy of milk baths for eczema are limited, however many people report that these baths help to alleviate symptoms.

It shouldn’t replace your prescribed skin medication. If you find milk baths soothing, talk to your dermatologist to confirm they are safe for your skin.

3. Psoriasis

A milk bath may help treat psoriasis symptoms, including itchy, flaky, or patchy skin.

4. Poison ivy

Milk baths may help relieve poison ivy symptoms. The milk may help soothe redness, itchiness, and inflammation.

5. Sunburn

The proteins, fat, amino acids, and vitamin A and D found in milk can be calming and soothing for sunburned skin. Try soaking for up to 20 minutes. Follow your bath with aloe vera or another moisturizer for best results.

Are milk baths safe?

Milk baths are not safe for everyone. For some, lactic acid in milk may irritate the skin rather than soothe.

It is also recommended to avoid milk baths if you have a high fever.

If you’re pregnant, check with your doctor before trying a milk bath.

Leave the bath immediately if you feel faint, dizzy, or ill. Also, never drink the water from a milk bath as it isn’t safe to consume.