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What is a Milk Bath?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A milk bath is a bath which contains milk, typically in a powdered form which hydrates as it settles. People have been bathing in milk for centuries to improve their skin; historically, people believed that milk made skin whiter and firmer. Milk baths also help to clean the skin, provide natural exfoliation, and tend to soften and smooth the skin, especially when these baths are undertaken on a regular basis.

Cleopatra is probably the most notable historical figure who used this treatment, allegedly submerging herself in a bath of milk and honey on a regular basis. Numerous other historical figures used milk baths for skin care, including men, and the practice continues to be quite popular. Numerous spas offer these treatments, and it is also possible to purchase milk mixtures for use at home; making your own mixture is generally quite easy as well.

Cleopatra is said to have bathed regularly in milk and honey.
Cleopatra is said to have bathed regularly in milk and honey.

Although a milk bath can be made with straight milk, typically other ingredients are added. Oatmeal, honey, essential oils, and flowers may be added, with scents like lavender calming the bather, while orange energizes. Some mixtures are also mixed with clays which have skin benefits. Generally, a milk bath is very mild, making it suitable for all skin types, and it is followed with a shower to rinse off and a coating of moisturizer to seal in the benefits of the milk.

A pitcher of milk.
A pitcher of milk.

While one could simply dump warmed milk into a bathtub, this can get messy and awkward. Most people prefer to use powdered milk, sprinkling the milk slowly into the water as the bath fills. To ensure even mixing, a milk bath mixture can be blended with a small amount of water in a large bowl and then poured into the tub; this eliminates the tendency to clump, ensuring that all of the milk is fully dissolved.

Lavender is a calming addition to bath products.
Lavender is a calming addition to bath products.

The ideal milk bath is lukewarm, and people generally should not stay in for more than 10 minutes or so, or the natural acids in the milk which help to condition the skin can start to cause irritation. If essential oils are used, bathers should be alert to the early signs of irritation, such as tingling, itching, or blotchy, raised skin, as sometimes people can have peculiar reactions to essential oils.

Essential oils can be added to a milk bath.
Essential oils can be added to a milk bath.

When people take a milk bath at home, cleanup is important. Spas typically rely on industrial-strength cleaning agents to wipe out their treatment tubs after use, and a solvent like rubbing alcohol applied after a washing can also help to cut down on residue, ensuring that the bathroom doesn't smell like moldering milk for months on end.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a BeautyAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a BeautyAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

minombre

Here is one way to get a nice treat for the skin. To the running water in your tub add half a cup of honey and two cups of warm milk. Ah, what a luxury.

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    • Cleopatra is said to have bathed regularly in milk and honey.
      By: monticellllo
      Cleopatra is said to have bathed regularly in milk and honey.
    • A pitcher of milk.
      By: picsfive
      A pitcher of milk.
    • Lavender is a calming addition to bath products.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Lavender is a calming addition to bath products.
    • Essential oils can be added to a milk bath.
      By: viperagp
      Essential oils can be added to a milk bath.
    • Adding oatmeal to a bath helps soothe and moisturize skin.
      By: Elena Schweitzer
      Adding oatmeal to a bath helps soothe and moisturize skin.