- 2 min read

Milk Bath

The benefits of a milk bath have been known and practiced long before Cleopatra made it a thing. The combination of protein, fat and lactic acid work together to hydrate, exfoliate and soothe tired skin. Add to it your favourite scented oil, some fragrant flowers, fruits and leaves and you'll feel as regal as Cleopatra herself.

I recently poured a milk bath for photography purposes, and here's what I did:

Step 1. - Filled the tub with water. I used cold but if you're going to soak in it I recommend making it a little warmer than you usually would, because the milk will cool it off.

Step 2. - Added the milk once the water had stopped running. Otherwise the milk will bubble and make a frothy scum along the surface. Eew. Then I gently stirred the milk into the water.

*strictly for photography purposes, I added 1 drop of blue food colouring. I wanted the base colour of the water to have a soft blue green undertone.

How much?: The ratio of milk to water is dependant upon you. The more milk, the greater the benefits. It's a bit indulgent to replace the water altogether with milk, so my rule of thumb is a minimum of 2L, better with 4L.

What kind?: The fat content of whole milk offers great benefits, but goat milk, soy and coconut are also full of beneficial nutrients.

Step 3. - Added the pretties. I used roses that were on sale at my grocery store. I tore off the outer petals and used both the petals and the buds. I sliced a lemon to add in, as well as some eucalyptus seeds that were left over from my Christmas garland. I added a few rose leaves for some contrast.

Other ideas: a few drops of essential oil, lavender, honey (although this is best added at the beginning. The hot water will help to dissolve it), epsom salt, oatmeal...