Did You Know?
Fresh Milk is a wonderful additive for skin care!
Fresh, raw milk contains both bacteria and enzymes that are beneficial for cleansing and renewing your skin. You have probably heard of Alpha Hydroxy Acid, or AHA which is advertised in many ‘high-end’ skin care products. There are many types of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, one of which is lactic acid. Well guess what? Raw milk contains lactic acid bacteria, which convert milk sugars to lactic acid, or AHA.
Two enzymes also found in raw milk are lipase and protease. Lipase is an enzyme which breaks down lipids, or fats which are the oil-soluble impurities on skin. Similarly, protease cleanses the skin by breaking down protein-based impurities. All of these things help to cleanse and nourish your skin.
Why are AHA’s Significant?
AHA’s are commonly used as additives in commercial products for dry skin, aging skin, and acne prone skin. They work by naturally removing dead skin cells and lightening dark skin spots by promoting exfoliation. In addition, AHAs like lactic acid in raw milk can soothe irritated skin as well as increase thickness and promote firmness of the deeper skin layers.
Make Your Own!
I remember learning about Cleopatra of Egypt and her famous milk baths when I was in school, and I’ll be the first to admit it…I have yet to try a milk bath! Maybe when I am done remodeling this old farmhouse :)
I do however, enjoy a good foot soak and a face mask or even a scrub, made with milk. Below are some great recipes and ideas and just as with our soap, please make sure to check for sensitivity before using on a large area of skin!
Footbath Recipe
This is a wonderful recipe to relax at the end of a long day if a full bath is not an option. My feet feel amazingly soft and clean after a simple soak before bedtime!
2 gallons warm water - I pour this into a dedicated plastic sweater box, about 11” x 16” x 7” deep
1 cup raw milk
2-3 tablespoons steel cut oatmeal
4 drops Essential oil - lavender is one of my favorites
Soak feet for 10-15 minutes and air dry or pat gently
**You can even add honey, epsom salt, or your favorite dried flowers!
Face Wash, Mask or Scrub
A face wash is a thin liquid that can be applied with fingertips or a cotton ball and then rinsed off after a few minutes. A mask or scrub typically is left on up to 30 minutes and has a thicker consistency. This recipe below makes a mask-type consistency and can easily be made into a scrub by adding some sugar. I prefer a fine brown sugar! Skin care is very important to my daughter, who was willing to be a model for the recipe below ;)
1 tsp raw honey
1 tsp raw milk
1/2 tsp colloidal oatmeal (or finely ground oatmeal)
**Begin with a clean face. Mix milk and honey, then add oatmeal. Apply mixture to face in a circular motion with fingertips. Leave on for desired time and rinse off. Pat face dry with a clean towel.
Other great ingredients you may find in your home
Try experimenting with the following. Always make sure to check for skin sensitivity first!
turmeric
flax seed or ground flax
ground oatmeal
agave nectar
teas or tea water from steeping chamomile, calendula or rose petals
clays such as kaolin, bentonite, rose, green