Milky Way Milk Baths

Cleopatra knew well the therapeutic properties of milk and regularly filled her swan-shaped tub with camel milk to insure that her skin remained soft and supple. Two thousand years later, the benefits of milk baths are being rediscovered. Milk-based products for the bath and shower are now used for everything from cleansing to moisturizing to masking.

Milk, which contains natural beta hydroxy acids, not only exfoliates old skin, it also soothes it. "It's a natural way to eliminate old skin," says Ann Robinson, CEO of Caswell-Massey, the nation's oldest apothecary. "Milk conditions skin so it is soft and glowing, not flaky." Caswell-Massey's goat milk and honey bath is a long-time favorite; an old-fashioned milk bath made with real milk, and a milk moisturizer and shampoo, will be introduced this year. And the benefits to hair are many: "Hair has scales on the cuticle that make it look dull. Milk proteins close the cuticle to give it shine," explains Robinson.

Archipelago Botanicals combines milk solids with soy, rice and oat protein in their collection of milk bath products and creams. Their oat milk contains oat grain, which is best for sensitive skin types because of its soothing and moisturizing properties; rice milk is an indulgent base for a tranquil bath, and soy milk is renowned for its strengthening proteins and amino acids, acting as a skin hydrator and promoting healthy new cells.

Milk is also a gentle way to bathe baby's skin. Burt's Bees developed Baby Bee buttermilk bath to cleanse, soothe and soften normal or irritated skin. Gentle enough for use on children of all ages, it's suited for adults with sensitive skin, too. Their buttermilk soap has naturally moisturizing honey in it, so it can be used as a daily cleanser. Kitchen Cupboards Almond Milk Hand Creme by Burt's Bees contains milk, almond oil, aloe vera and vitamin E, providing relief for adults with dry, chapped hands.

While milk-based products can be found in many beauty boutiques and stores, making your own milk bath is easy. Add 2 to 3 cups of slightly warmed milk (or use instant powder) to a tub of warm water and soak for 15 minutes for a beneficial beauty bath. A few drops of almond oil can be added for extra softening. If desired, use a loofah to exfoliate dead skin. Creamy, glowing skin is the result.

source from http://beauty.ivillage.com