This DIY Milk Bath Recipe Can Help Soothe Dry, Itchy Skin

We’ll take any excuse for a bath we can find—especially if a luxurious soak not only calms our nerves but gives our skin a boost, too. And while we’re pretty much down for any kind of soak here at Review2Coupon HQ, lately we’ve been hearing a lot about the soothing and moisturizing benefits of milk baths (especially as the weather cools down). So ahead, we’ve tapped some of the nation’s top dermatologists to discuss the benefits of milk baths and how to DIY your own milk bath recipe at home.

Meet the Expert

• Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, as well as a Review2Coupon Review Board member.
• Dr. Purvisha Patel is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare.
• Dr. Loretta Ciraldo is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, FL with over 40 years experience in dermatology.
• Dr. Melanie Palm is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, CA.

Benefits of Milk Baths

According to Patel, “milk has been used for centuries in bath form for its beauty benefits. It is said that Nefertiti herself bathed in them regularly.” According to Dr. Patel, the milk itself can help soothe poison ivy and sunburns, soften dead skin, smooth rough skin, and can even moisturize and soothe inflamed skin. Meanwhile, other ingredients like oats (which you can optionally add to your milk bath) have anti-inflammatory properties. It should be noted, however, that sensitive skin can be easily irritated by milk, according to Palm. (If you have a history of skin sensitivity or reactivity, it’s best to consult your physician before taking a milk bath).

“Taking a bath compared to a shower can be more effective at hydrating the skin since there is better replenishment of water soaking in a tub than simply showering,” adds Ciraldo “When you add in certain types of milk—buttermilk especially or oat milk for the calming benefits of oat—you get greater calming and anti-itch benefits.”

Intrigued? Same. We reached out to some dermatologists to learn more about milk baths—the benefits, drawbacks, directions, and all. Keep reading to find out what we learned, and for some easy directions on creating a milk bath at home.

DIY Milk Bath Ingredients

• 1-2 cups powdered milk (depending on the size of your tub)
• Warm water
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup oil
• Essential oils
• 1 cup Epsom salt

Follow along for 8 easy steps for drawing a milk bath from home to try to help relieve dry or itchy skin, with tips and advice from dermatologists.

Instructions:

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Draw a Bath of Warm Water

As with any bath, your first step is going to be to fill your tub with water. Ciraldo recommends tepid, or lukewarm, water—both hot and cold water can have drying effects on the skin and are best avoided, she says.

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Add One to Two Cups of Powdered Milk

This one is also totally optional, but for an extra moisturizing boost, you may want to toss in a bit of warmed coconut oil or another oil such as avocado, jojoba, or olive. As we all know, oils can get a bit slippery, so please remember to be careful if you decide to add an oil to your milk bath.

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Add 1/2 Cup Epsom Salt

Before settling into your milk bath, use your hand to mix the water and ingredients around a bit. Then at last you get to settle into your milk bath and relax. For the best results for your skin, aim to soak for somewhere around 20-30 minutes.

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