Ever since word got out about Cleopatra’s milk and honey baths, beauty fanatics have been using both ingredients for major hydration and silky soft skin. Considering that was in 69 BC, the trend has continued for a couple thousand years… and here’s some ways to use it at home. Two things: (1) always stick to full fat and (2) you can substitute with goat’s milk or almond and rice milk too!
DIY Milk Recipes For Your Face:
- Cleanser and toner – If you have access to unpasteurized milk, all the better, but you can rinse your skin in cold milk, or even soak a cotton ball and apply as you would a toner. It helps to unclog pores (that lactic acid works wonders) and moisturize, plus zaps zits!
- Moisturizing Mask – Take a couple tbsp. of milk and add a mashed banana, mix thoroughly. Apply to the skin, wait 30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water for ultimate hydration.
- Exfoliating Mask – Milk has natural AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), and coupled with honey and oatmeal (yes this sounds like breakfast), you can mix up a pretty great facial scrub. You’ll need 2 tbsp of milk and oatmeal and ½ tbsp. of honey. Scrub away.
- Invigorating Mask – Skin looking dull? Make a mask with 2 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp honey, ½ tsp of Vitamin E oil and 1 tbsp aloe vera. Apply generously to skin with a cotton pad, and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Green Tea & Milk Toner – Take 1 tbsp milk and 1 tbsp green tea. Mix together and apply to skin with a cotton pad for antioxidant-packed hydration.
- Purifying Treatment – Take 1 egg white and 2 tbsp milk, mixing thoroughly. Apply to your face with a brush and let sit for 30 minutes. You will feel it working! Rinse and then moisturize.
- Acne Scar Treatment – Take ½ c milk, 2 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tbsp mashed potato and apply to the face. Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Remember that tomatoes can be volatile on sensitive skin, so check on the inside of your elbow for reactions!
- Anti-Aging Mask – To help increase flexibility, take 2 tbsp milk, 1 tsp flaxseed oil, and ½ a mashed banana and apply to the face. Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Brightening Treatment – Mix equal parts milk and lemon juice to treat acne and hyperpigmentation. Easily apply with a cotton bud to spot treat!
DIY Milk Recipes For Your Hair:
- Dry & Damaged Hair Mask – Take 3 tbsp milk, ½ a banana, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil. Blend thoroughly for a conditioner-like cream. Apply to hair and leave on for an hour. Rinse thoroughly for smoother, shinier hair!
- Conditioning Mask – Mix together 1 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp mayo, and apply to the head, focusing on the scalp, and leave in for 40 minutes. Rinse completely out, and then shampoo and condition as usual.
DIY Milk Recipes For Your Body:
- Rejuvenating Bath – Add to a warm bath: 2 cups milk, 1 cup honey, 6 tbsp baking soda, 3 tbsp lemon juice and ½ c of olive oil. Stir, then steep! After your bath, rinse in a quick shower.
- Relaxing Foot Soak – On your feet all day? Soak in a foot bath of warm water, 2 c milk, 1 tsp lemon juice, 4 tbsp Epsom salt and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Soak for 10 minutes.
- Quick Elbow Scrub – Mix 1 c milk with 3 tbsp oatmeal in a bowl, then get to scrubbing dry patches. Rinse thoroughly (and don’t forget to use a drain catcher).
- Burn relief – For minor burns, use a washcloth soaked in milk. Of course with finger tips, you can directly put the affected area in a cup of milk. It takes the sting out and promotes healing. And don’t forget milk can help cool out a mouth on fire from spicy foods!
