{"id":1698667,"date":"2026-01-04T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1698667"},"modified":"2026-01-04T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T09:00:00","slug":"how-to-create-a-diy-milk-bath-soak-for-calm-hydrated-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1698667","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a DIY Milk Bath Soak for Calm, Hydrated Skin"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><main id=\"main_1-0\" class=\"comp main layout-body--continuous-scroll mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">How to Create a DIY Milk Bath Soak for Calm, Hydrated Skin<\/h1>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Beth Krietsch is a health and food writer with a Masters's Degree in Public Health Nutrition. She covers wellness for Byrdie, with an emphasis on food and nutrition.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Beth Krietsch<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Beth Krietsch\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/krietsch_headshot-1ca84485031f4b489cdd4fbe735bf6d5-1.webp\" title=\"krietsch_headshot-1ca84485031f4b489cdd4fbe735bf6d5-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/krietsch_headshot-1ca84485031f4b489cdd4fbe735bf6d5-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Beth Krietsch\" title=\"krietsch_headshot-1ca84485031f4b489cdd4fbe735bf6d5-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nBeth Krietsch\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nBeth Krietsch is a health and food writer with a Masters&#8217;s Degree in Public Health Nutrition. She covers wellness for Byrdie, with an emphasis on food and nutrition.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on January 04, 2026 07:00AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Rhea Souhleris Grous is the founder of La Suite Skincare and an aesthetics specialist with more than two decades of skincare experience.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Rhea Souhleris Grous<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Rhea Souhleris Grous Headshot\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/rheasouhlerisgrousheadshot-c29553358c43421c8c51e4052e6820d4.webp\" title=\"rheasouhlerisgrousheadshot-c29553358c43421c8c51e4052e6820d4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/rheasouhlerisgrousheadshot-c29553358c43421c8c51e4052e6820d4.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Rhea Souhleris Grous Headshot\" title=\"rheasouhlerisgrousheadshot-c29553358c43421c8c51e4052e6820d4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nRhea Souhleris Grous\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nRhea Souhleris Grous is the founder of La Suite Skincare and an aesthetics specialist with more than two decades of skincare experience.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Esthetician<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Anna Harris<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top mntl-author-tooltip__top--no-image\">\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nAnna Harris\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nAnna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"true\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What Are Milk Bath Soaks?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Benefits<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Ingredients<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Step-by-Step Guide<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Side Effects<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Alternatives<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"Bubbles on a green liquid surface closeup view\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"Bubbles on a green liquid surface closeup view\" title=\"dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Daniel Far\u00f2 \/ Death to Stock<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Baths are beloved for many reasons: Beyond helping you to rinse off the day and calm your nerves, soaking in the tub can be an effective way to give your skin a boost, too. And while colorful bath bombs and exotic bath recipes have gained immense popularity, there&#8217;s something about a classic milk bath soak that feels extra enticing (and luxurious).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Perhaps, with iconic devotees like Cleopatra herself, it&#8217;s a milk bath&#8217;s enduring allure in the beauty sphere (now even as a source of nail inspo) that has us captivated\u2014or maybe it&#8217;s the soothing and moisturizing benefits that keep us intrigued. Either way, we turned to dermatologists to get the full rundown. <strong>Read on to learn all about DIY milk bath soaks<\/strong>, including the benefits, key considerations, and a step-by-step guide to creating your own.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience.<\/li>\n<li>Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, as well as a Byrdie Review Board member.<\/li>\n<li>Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California.<\/li>\n<li>Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Visha Skincare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Are Milk Bath Soaks? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A milk bath soak is almost exactly as it sounds: <strong>a bath comprising a bit of liquid or powdered milk and other skin-friendly ingredients in a base of warm water<\/strong>. Since the bath is still mostly water and uses only a cup or two of milk, it&#8217;s just enough to get the soothing benefits. It&#8217;s a minimalist, age-old practice for nourishing even the most sensitive skin types, allowing the outer layer of your skin to absorb the milk fats alongside the usual water and oils.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Benefits of Milk Bath Soaks <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, &#8220;milk has been used for centuries in bath form for its beauty benefits. It is said that Nefertiti herself bathed in them regularly.&#8221; According to 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 medical and cosmetic dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, MBA.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;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,&#8221; adds board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD. &#8220;When you add in certain types of milk\u2014buttermilk especially or oat milk for the calming benefits of oat\u2014you get greater calming and anti-itch benefits.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Ingredients for a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Creating a milk bath soak is fairly simple: It mostly uses natural ingredients that you may even already have around the house. To get started, gather the following ingredients:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>1-2 cups powdered milk of your choice (depending on the size of your tub)<\/li>\n<li>Warm water<\/li>\n<li>1 cup oats<\/li>\n<li>1\/2 cup oil<\/li>\n<li>Essential oils<\/li>\n<li>1 cup Epsom salt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Create and Enjoy a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<ol id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>As with any bath, the first step is to fill your tub with water. Ciraldo recommends a lukewarm temperature\u2014she says that both hot and cold water can have drying effects and are best avoided.<\/li>\n<li>Once you&#8217;ve drawn the bath, toss in one to two cups of the powdered milk of your choice for some much-needed moisturizing effects. Cow&#8217;s milk and goat milk are two common options. Many dermatologists also recommend whole milk or buttermilk, which contains more lactic acid. The idea is that this may enhance its exfoliating and hydrating effects: &#8220;Milk can make your skin feel softer and smoother because the fats cling to the skin,&#8221; says board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD. &#8220;You&#8217;ll notice a silky (but not oily) feeling.&#8221; For people who want to avoid using dairy products, powdered soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk can be good alternatives.<\/li>\n<li>This step is completely optional, but oatmeal is a great addition (or alternative) to soothe dry, itchy skin. Palm doesn&#8217;t generally recommend milk baths to her patients because of the potential allergic reactions and irritations that could result if someone is sensitive to milk. Instead, she often recommends colloidal oatmeal baths to patients experiencing conditions like eczema and dry skin\u2014more on that below.<\/li>\n<li>This is also optional, but for an extra moisturizing boost, you may want to add a bit of warmed coconut oil or another oil such as avocado, jojoba, or olive.\u00a0Of course, this can get a bit slippery, so remember to be careful if you decide to use an oil in your milk bath.<\/li>\n<li>If you have Epsom salt around, don&#8217;t be shy about tossing a half or whole cup of it into your milk bath. Epsom salt\u2014the better-known name for magnesium sulfate, which can reduce inflammation and help detox the skin\u2014is a common home remedy for joint pain and relaxing muscles.<\/li>\n<li>Some people like to enhance their milk bath&#8217;s scent by adding a few drops of lavender oil or another skin-safe essential oil. But use caution here, especially if you have sensitive skin. &#8220;Essential oils can cause severe contact allergies in some patients and should be avoided unless there is a history of good tolerance,&#8221; Palm says.<\/li>\n<li>Before getting into your milk bath, use your hand to mix the water and ingredients around a bit. Then, settle in and relax. For the best results, aim to soak for around 20 to 30 minutes.<\/li>\n<li>After you&#8217;re done with your bath, it&#8217;s smart to hop into the shower and rinse off using warm water. This way, you won&#8217;t be left with any milky residue.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Side Effects of a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Any adverse side effect of a milk bath soak would be resulting from a reaction to individual ingredients. Someone with a sensitivity to milk may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions, and the use of essential oils can also be sensitizing to certain skin types. If the water is too hot, it can disrupt the skin&#8217;s natural moisture balance, exacerbating dryness and potentially even causing inflammation, redness, peeling, or burns. If you have a history of skin sensitivity or reactivity, it&#8217;s best to consult your physician before taking a milk bath.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Alternatives <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As mentioned, colloidal oatmeal is an option that Palm and others recommend to soothe and nourish the skin, either in tandem with or instead of a milk bath. &#8220;Colloidal oatmeal is comprised of grounded oat grains,&#8221; she says.\u00a0&#8220;This finely textured powder is combined with other ingredients to soothe skin. It most commonly comes as a packet that can be added to warm bath water to create a cloudy, soothing treatment.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Colloidal oatmeal works its magic on our skin in a few ways: It&#8217;s anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and may even provide a bit of UV protection. Many of these beneficial properties are due in part to phenolic compounds called avenanthramides that are found in oats, Palm explains. Meanwhile, &#8220;the moisturizing and soothing properties of colloidal oatmeal derive from oat sugars such as starch and beta-glucan,&#8221; Palm says.\u00a0&#8220;These provided a protective coating that reduces water loss from the skin.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Milk baths are a gentle, longstanding method to soothing dryness and irritation, and they&#8217;re fairly simple to DIY using natural ingredients that you may already have around. While some of the ingredients\u2014such as the milk itself and the essential oils\u2014may irritate certain sensitive skin types, it&#8217;s possible to adjust your bath to better fit your needs if this is a concern. At the end of the day, if you&#8217;re looking for an at-home treatment to soothe and nourish your skin, a milk bath can be an effective, meditative option.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-2\">\n<p>Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin.\u00a0<em>J Drugs Dermatol<\/em>. 2015;14(1):43-48.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Kazerouni A, Feily A. Oatmeal in dermatology: a brief review.\u00a0<em>Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol<\/em>. 2012;78(2):142-145. doi:10.4103\/0378-6323.93629<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Body<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"recirc_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h2 id=\"recirc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc__heading mntl-text-block\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<ul id=\"card-list-1_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-1 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A bottle of LOccitane Supple Skin Oil and a person applying oil to their shoulder with a pump dispenser\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/best-body-oils-byrdie-tout-recirc-bdf1d229afea42fbaccddfc1360a765e-1.webp\" title=\"best-body-oils-byrdie-tout-recirc-bdf1d229afea42fbaccddfc1360a765e-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/best-body-oils-byrdie-tout-recirc-bdf1d229afea42fbaccddfc1360a765e-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A bottle of LOccitane Supple Skin Oil and a person applying oil to their shoulder with a pump dispenser\" title=\"best-body-oils-byrdie-tout-recirc-bdf1d229afea42fbaccddfc1360a765e-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">8 Body Oils That Are So Good They May Just Replace Your Go-To Lotion<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_2-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Closeup of a person applying cream to their thigh from a jar\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/retinol-body-2-938e7f9c61804f33b0b1fef11caa524b-4.webp\" title=\"retinol-body-2-938e7f9c61804f33b0b1fef11caa524b-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/retinol-body-2-938e7f9c61804f33b0b1fef11caa524b-4.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Closeup of a person applying cream to their thigh from a jar\" title=\"retinol-body-2-938e7f9c61804f33b0b1fef11caa524b-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Why Retinol Belongs in Your Body Care Routine<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_3-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Three body exfoliation tools shown closeup including a dry brush and hand tool in use on a persons shoulder\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-body-exfoliating-tools-tout-recirc-1902638035b1429db2dbc51620e5273c-1.webp\" title=\"the-best-body-exfoliating-tools-tout-recirc-1902638035b1429db2dbc51620e5273c-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-body-exfoliating-tools-tout-recirc-1902638035b1429db2dbc51620e5273c-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Three body exfoliation tools shown closeup including a dry brush and hand tool in use on a persons shoulder\" title=\"the-best-body-exfoliating-tools-tout-recirc-1902638035b1429db2dbc51620e5273c-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 15 Best Exfoliating Tools for Unbelievably Silky Skin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_4-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Two people trying drugstore moisturizers on their face\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/best-drugstore-moisturizers-byrdie-recirc-2b21131d3481439f952cd315154b8bd3-1.webp\" title=\"best-drugstore-moisturizers-byrdie-recirc-2b21131d3481439f952cd315154b8bd3-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/best-drugstore-moisturizers-byrdie-recirc-2b21131d3481439f952cd315154b8bd3-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Two people trying drugstore moisturizers on their face\" title=\"best-drugstore-moisturizers-byrdie-recirc-2b21131d3481439f952cd315154b8bd3-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 9 Best Drugstore Moisturizers for Glowing, Hydrated Skin, Tested by Byrdie<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_5-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A hand holds a body of SOS Body Wash underwater.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sossocial-d8826d1f461d41b4bccc003f734aa9cd-1.webp\" title=\"sossocial-d8826d1f461d41b4bccc003f734aa9cd-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sossocial-d8826d1f461d41b4bccc003f734aa9cd-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A hand holds a body of SOS Body Wash underwater.\" title=\"sossocial-d8826d1f461d41b4bccc003f734aa9cd-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">You Can Now Literally Bathe in Tower 28&#8217;s SOS Spray<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_6-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Three bars of soap in varying shades placed on a wooden surface\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bar-soap-1-cf199d59ca3e4573aaa0f0488b1ae771-1.webp\" title=\"bar-soap-1-cf199d59ca3e4573aaa0f0488b1ae771-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bar-soap-1-cf199d59ca3e4573aaa0f0488b1ae771-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Three bars of soap in varying shades placed on a wooden surface\" title=\"bar-soap-1-cf199d59ca3e4573aaa0f0488b1ae771-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Bar Soap or Body Wash? Derms Break Down What&#8217;s Best For Your Skin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_7-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A woman's legs on a massage table receiving a lymphatic drainage massage with a wooden tool\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lymphaticdrainagemassage-6f8c7c4b441d4097a594e7cf181f2b0a-1.webp\" title=\"lymphaticdrainagemassage-6f8c7c4b441d4097a594e7cf181f2b0a-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lymphaticdrainagemassage-6f8c7c4b441d4097a594e7cf181f2b0a-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A woman's legs on a massage table receiving a lymphatic drainage massage with a wooden tool\" title=\"lymphaticdrainagemassage-6f8c7c4b441d4097a594e7cf181f2b0a-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Lymphatic Drainage Is the Sculpting, Stimulating Massage That Feels As Good as It Looks<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_8-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Woman sitting with arms around her knees wearing a black outfit looking at the camera\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bikini-wax-2-18617bf6522947f482471903591e22bc-1.webp\" title=\"bikini-wax-2-18617bf6522947f482471903591e22bc-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bikini-wax-2-18617bf6522947f482471903591e22bc-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Woman sitting with arms around her knees wearing a black outfit looking at the camera\" title=\"bikini-wax-2-18617bf6522947f482471903591e22bc-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Hollywood Bikini Wax vs. Brazilian Wax: What Sets Them Apart, According to Pros<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul id=\"card-list-2_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-2 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_9-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Three gold hoop earrings displayed on the petal of a flower\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/snug-piercing-1-7d111514405b4b67886f07158ef5569f-1.webp\" title=\"snug-piercing-1-7d111514405b4b67886f07158ef5569f-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/snug-piercing-1-7d111514405b4b67886f07158ef5569f-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Three gold hoop earrings displayed on the petal of a flower\" title=\"snug-piercing-1-7d111514405b4b67886f07158ef5569f-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Snug Piercings Are the Sleeper Hit of Your Ear Stack\u2014Here&#8217;s What to Know About Pain Level and Healing Time<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_10-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Closeup of a person touching their lips with a finger possibly applying a product\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/aquaphor-recirc-41a4c5b1ba164b2999878c9ff7b794ae-1.webp\" title=\"aquaphor-recirc-41a4c5b1ba164b2999878c9ff7b794ae-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/aquaphor-recirc-41a4c5b1ba164b2999878c9ff7b794ae-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Closeup of a person touching their lips with a finger possibly applying a product\" title=\"aquaphor-recirc-41a4c5b1ba164b2999878c9ff7b794ae-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Vaseline vs. Aquaphor: The Subtle (but Important) Difference Between the Popular Occlusives<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_11-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person applying moisturizer to their face in a beforeandafter skincare comparison\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-oil-free-moisturizers-tout-recirc-ad0b8ea357c8440da7e6af8aa5d05350-2.webp\" title=\"byr-oil-free-moisturizers-tout-recirc-ad0b8ea357c8440da7e6af8aa5d05350-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-oil-free-moisturizers-tout-recirc-ad0b8ea357c8440da7e6af8aa5d05350-2.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person applying moisturizer to their face in a beforeandafter skincare comparison\" title=\"byr-oil-free-moisturizers-tout-recirc-ad0b8ea357c8440da7e6af8aa5d05350-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 5 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers for Hydrated, Nongreasy Skin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_12-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person applying a skincare product and showcasing the result\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-moisturizers-for-rosacea-tout-recirc-74ce224fad10427bb10f699280a99f88-2.webp\" title=\"byr-best-moisturizers-for-rosacea-tout-recirc-74ce224fad10427bb10f699280a99f88-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-moisturizers-for-rosacea-tout-recirc-74ce224fad10427bb10f699280a99f88-2.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person applying a skincare product and showcasing the result\" title=\"byr-best-moisturizers-for-rosacea-tout-recirc-74ce224fad10427bb10f699280a99f88-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 13 Best Rosacea-Friendly Moisturizers for Calm, Comfortable Skin, Per Testers<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_13-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Person holding a cleansing oil bottle and applying it to their face\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-cleansing-oils-tout-recirc-1553ace61ca0482ca594cc57158de7c8-1.webp\" title=\"byr-best-cleansing-oils-tout-recirc-1553ace61ca0482ca594cc57158de7c8-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-cleansing-oils-tout-recirc-1553ace61ca0482ca594cc57158de7c8-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Person holding a cleansing oil bottle and applying it to their face\" title=\"byr-best-cleansing-oils-tout-recirc-1553ace61ca0482ca594cc57158de7c8-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 8 Best Cleansing Oils for Soft, Truly Clean Skin, According to Testers<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_14-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Two individuals applying facial moisturizer to their cheeks\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byrdie-moisturizers-tout-baa58b5d3e3848c3a99350a16b6c0242-5.webp\" title=\"byrdie-moisturizers-tout-baa58b5d3e3848c3a99350a16b6c0242-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byrdie-moisturizers-tout-baa58b5d3e3848c3a99350a16b6c0242-5.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Two individuals applying facial moisturizer to their cheeks\" title=\"byrdie-moisturizers-tout-baa58b5d3e3848c3a99350a16b6c0242-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 13 Best Noncomedogenic Moisturizers for Clear, Healthy Skin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_15-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person's face after applying Tula Skincare Beauty Sleep Overnight Repair Treatment and a person applying the Derma-E Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream to their cheek\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-night-creams-tout-2-recirc-d412a8c0a1e948a2bb42503e06a14c09-2.webp\" title=\"the-best-night-creams-tout-2-recirc-d412a8c0a1e948a2bb42503e06a14c09-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-night-creams-tout-2-recirc-d412a8c0a1e948a2bb42503e06a14c09-2.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person's face after applying Tula Skincare Beauty Sleep Overnight Repair Treatment and a person applying the Derma-E Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream to their cheek\" title=\"the-best-night-creams-tout-2-recirc-d412a8c0a1e948a2bb42503e06a14c09-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">12 Best Night Creams to Wake Up With Glowing Skin, According to Testers and Derms<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_16-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Closeup of a persons face with a dropper applying liquid to the skin\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/eucalyptus-1-eb1e1fcc422043a997ce610908d22fb7-1.webp\" title=\"eucalyptus-1-eb1e1fcc422043a997ce610908d22fb7-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/eucalyptus-1-eb1e1fcc422043a997ce610908d22fb7-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Closeup of a persons face with a dropper applying liquid to the skin\" title=\"eucalyptus-1-eb1e1fcc422043a997ce610908d22fb7-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The Case for Eucalyptus Oil in Your Skincare Routine<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">How to Create a DIY Milk Bath Soak for Calm, Hydrated Skin<\/h1>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Beth Krietsch is a health and food writer with a Masters's Degree in Public Health Nutrition. She covers wellness for Byrdie, with an emphasis on food and nutrition.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Beth Krietsch<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Beth Krietsch\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/krietsch_headshot-1ca84485031f4b489cdd4fbe735bf6d5-1.webp\" title=\"krietsch_headshot-1ca84485031f4b489cdd4fbe735bf6d5-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/krietsch_headshot-1ca84485031f4b489cdd4fbe735bf6d5-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Beth Krietsch\" title=\"krietsch_headshot-1ca84485031f4b489cdd4fbe735bf6d5-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nBeth Krietsch\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nBeth Krietsch is a health and food writer with a Masters&#8217;s Degree in Public Health Nutrition. She covers wellness for Byrdie, with an emphasis on food and nutrition.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on January 04, 2026 07:00AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Rhea Souhleris Grous is the founder of La Suite Skincare and an aesthetics specialist with more than two decades of skincare experience.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Rhea Souhleris Grous<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Rhea Souhleris Grous Headshot\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/rheasouhlerisgrousheadshot-c29553358c43421c8c51e4052e6820d4.webp\" title=\"rheasouhlerisgrousheadshot-c29553358c43421c8c51e4052e6820d4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/rheasouhlerisgrousheadshot-c29553358c43421c8c51e4052e6820d4.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Rhea Souhleris Grous Headshot\" title=\"rheasouhlerisgrousheadshot-c29553358c43421c8c51e4052e6820d4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nRhea Souhleris Grous\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nRhea Souhleris Grous is the founder of La Suite Skincare and an aesthetics specialist with more than two decades of skincare experience.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Esthetician<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Anna Harris<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top mntl-author-tooltip__top--no-image\">\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nAnna Harris\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nAnna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"true\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What Are Milk Bath Soaks?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Benefits<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Ingredients<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Step-by-Step Guide<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Side Effects<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Alternatives<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"Bubbles on a green liquid surface closeup view\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"Bubbles on a green liquid surface closeup view\" title=\"dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Daniel Far\u00f2 \/ Death to Stock<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Baths are beloved for many reasons: Beyond helping you to rinse off the day and calm your nerves, soaking in the tub can be an effective way to give your skin a boost, too. And while colorful bath bombs and exotic bath recipes have gained immense popularity, there&#8217;s something about a classic milk bath soak that feels extra enticing (and luxurious).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Perhaps, with iconic devotees like Cleopatra herself, it&#8217;s a milk bath&#8217;s enduring allure in the beauty sphere (now even as a source of nail inspo) that has us captivated\u2014or maybe it&#8217;s the soothing and moisturizing benefits that keep us intrigued. Either way, we turned to dermatologists to get the full rundown. <strong>Read on to learn all about DIY milk bath soaks<\/strong>, including the benefits, key considerations, and a step-by-step guide to creating your own.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience.<\/li>\n<li>Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, as well as a Byrdie Review Board member.<\/li>\n<li>Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California.<\/li>\n<li>Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Visha Skincare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Are Milk Bath Soaks? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A milk bath soak is almost exactly as it sounds: <strong>a bath comprising a bit of liquid or powdered milk and other skin-friendly ingredients in a base of warm water<\/strong>. Since the bath is still mostly water and uses only a cup or two of milk, it&#8217;s just enough to get the soothing benefits. It&#8217;s a minimalist, age-old practice for nourishing even the most sensitive skin types, allowing the outer layer of your skin to absorb the milk fats alongside the usual water and oils.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Benefits of Milk Bath Soaks <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, &#8220;milk has been used for centuries in bath form for its beauty benefits. It is said that Nefertiti herself bathed in them regularly.&#8221; According to 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 medical and cosmetic dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, MBA.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;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,&#8221; adds board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD. &#8220;When you add in certain types of milk\u2014buttermilk especially or oat milk for the calming benefits of oat\u2014you get greater calming and anti-itch benefits.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Ingredients for a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Creating a milk bath soak is fairly simple: It mostly uses natural ingredients that you may even already have around the house. To get started, gather the following ingredients:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>1-2 cups powdered milk of your choice (depending on the size of your tub)<\/li>\n<li>Warm water<\/li>\n<li>1 cup oats<\/li>\n<li>1\/2 cup oil<\/li>\n<li>Essential oils<\/li>\n<li>1 cup Epsom salt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Create and Enjoy a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<ol id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>As with any bath, the first step is to fill your tub with water. Ciraldo recommends a lukewarm temperature\u2014she says that both hot and cold water can have drying effects and are best avoided.<\/li>\n<li>Once you&#8217;ve drawn the bath, toss in one to two cups of the powdered milk of your choice for some much-needed moisturizing effects. Cow&#8217;s milk and goat milk are two common options. Many dermatologists also recommend whole milk or buttermilk, which contains more lactic acid. The idea is that this may enhance its exfoliating and hydrating effects: &#8220;Milk can make your skin feel softer and smoother because the fats cling to the skin,&#8221; says board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD. &#8220;You&#8217;ll notice a silky (but not oily) feeling.&#8221; For people who want to avoid using dairy products, powdered soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk can be good alternatives.<\/li>\n<li>This step is completely optional, but oatmeal is a great addition (or alternative) to soothe dry, itchy skin. Palm doesn&#8217;t generally recommend milk baths to her patients because of the potential allergic reactions and irritations that could result if someone is sensitive to milk. Instead, she often recommends colloidal oatmeal baths to patients experiencing conditions like eczema and dry skin\u2014more on that below.<\/li>\n<li>This is also optional, but for an extra moisturizing boost, you may want to add a bit of warmed coconut oil or another oil such as avocado, jojoba, or olive.\u00a0Of course, this can get a bit slippery, so remember to be careful if you decide to use an oil in your milk bath.<\/li>\n<li>If you have Epsom salt around, don&#8217;t be shy about tossing a half or whole cup of it into your milk bath. Epsom salt\u2014the better-known name for magnesium sulfate, which can reduce inflammation and help detox the skin\u2014is a common home remedy for joint pain and relaxing muscles.<\/li>\n<li>Some people like to enhance their milk bath&#8217;s scent by adding a few drops of lavender oil or another skin-safe essential oil. But use caution here, especially if you have sensitive skin. &#8220;Essential oils can cause severe contact allergies in some patients and should be avoided unless there is a history of good tolerance,&#8221; Palm says.<\/li>\n<li>Before getting into your milk bath, use your hand to mix the water and ingredients around a bit. Then, settle in and relax. For the best results, aim to soak for around 20 to 30 minutes.<\/li>\n<li>After you&#8217;re done with your bath, it&#8217;s smart to hop into the shower and rinse off using warm water. This way, you won&#8217;t be left with any milky residue.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Side Effects of a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Any adverse side effect of a milk bath soak would be resulting from a reaction to individual ingredients. Someone with a sensitivity to milk may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions, and the use of essential oils can also be sensitizing to certain skin types. If the water is too hot, it can disrupt the skin&#8217;s natural moisture balance, exacerbating dryness and potentially even causing inflammation, redness, peeling, or burns. If you have a history of skin sensitivity or reactivity, it&#8217;s best to consult your physician before taking a milk bath.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Alternatives <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As mentioned, colloidal oatmeal is an option that Palm and others recommend to soothe and nourish the skin, either in tandem with or instead of a milk bath. &#8220;Colloidal oatmeal is comprised of grounded oat grains,&#8221; she says.\u00a0&#8220;This finely textured powder is combined with other ingredients to soothe skin. It most commonly comes as a packet that can be added to warm bath water to create a cloudy, soothing treatment.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Colloidal oatmeal works its magic on our skin in a few ways: It&#8217;s anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and may even provide a bit of UV protection. Many of these beneficial properties are due in part to phenolic compounds called avenanthramides that are found in oats, Palm explains. Meanwhile, &#8220;the moisturizing and soothing properties of colloidal oatmeal derive from oat sugars such as starch and beta-glucan,&#8221; Palm says.\u00a0&#8220;These provided a protective coating that reduces water loss from the skin.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Milk baths are a gentle, longstanding method to soothing dryness and irritation, and they&#8217;re fairly simple to DIY using natural ingredients that you may already have around. While some of the ingredients\u2014such as the milk itself and the essential oils\u2014may irritate certain sensitive skin types, it&#8217;s possible to adjust your bath to better fit your needs if this is a concern. At the end of the day, if you&#8217;re looking for an at-home treatment to soothe and nourish your skin, a milk bath can be an effective, meditative option.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-2\">\n<p>Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin.\u00a0<em>J Drugs Dermatol<\/em>. 2015;14(1):43-48.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Kazerouni A, Feily A. Oatmeal in dermatology: a brief review.\u00a0<em>Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol<\/em>. 2012;78(2):142-145. doi:10.4103\/0378-6323.93629<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Body<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"Bubbles on a green liquid surface closeup view\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1.webp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"Bubbles on a green liquid surface closeup view\" title=\"dts_solitude_daniel_faro_photos_id4214-57bed885b5284db3b588e843f38fff63-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Daniel Far\u00f2 \/ Death to Stock<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Baths are beloved for many reasons: Beyond helping you to rinse off the day and calm your nerves, soaking in the tub can be an effective way to give your skin a boost, too. And while colorful bath bombs and exotic bath recipes have gained immense popularity, there&#8217;s something about a classic milk bath soak that feels extra enticing (and luxurious).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Perhaps, with iconic devotees like Cleopatra herself, it&#8217;s a milk bath&#8217;s enduring allure in the beauty sphere (now even as a source of nail inspo) that has us captivated\u2014or maybe it&#8217;s the soothing and moisturizing benefits that keep us intrigued. Either way, we turned to dermatologists to get the full rundown. <strong>Read on to learn all about DIY milk bath soaks<\/strong>, including the benefits, key considerations, and a step-by-step guide to creating your own.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience.<\/li>\n<li>Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, as well as a Byrdie Review Board member.<\/li>\n<li>Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California.<\/li>\n<li>Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Visha Skincare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Are Milk Bath Soaks? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A milk bath soak is almost exactly as it sounds: <strong>a bath comprising a bit of liquid or powdered milk and other skin-friendly ingredients in a base of warm water<\/strong>. Since the bath is still mostly water and uses only a cup or two of milk, it&#8217;s just enough to get the soothing benefits. It&#8217;s a minimalist, age-old practice for nourishing even the most sensitive skin types, allowing the outer layer of your skin to absorb the milk fats alongside the usual water and oils.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Benefits of Milk Bath Soaks <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, &#8220;milk has been used for centuries in bath form for its beauty benefits. It is said that Nefertiti herself bathed in them regularly.&#8221; According to 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 medical and cosmetic dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, MBA.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;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,&#8221; adds board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD. &#8220;When you add in certain types of milk\u2014buttermilk especially or oat milk for the calming benefits of oat\u2014you get greater calming and anti-itch benefits.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Ingredients for a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Creating a milk bath soak is fairly simple: It mostly uses natural ingredients that you may even already have around the house. To get started, gather the following ingredients:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>1-2 cups powdered milk of your choice (depending on the size of your tub)<\/li>\n<li>Warm water<\/li>\n<li>1 cup oats<\/li>\n<li>1\/2 cup oil<\/li>\n<li>Essential oils<\/li>\n<li>1 cup Epsom salt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Create and Enjoy a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<ol id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>As with any bath, the first step is to fill your tub with water. Ciraldo recommends a lukewarm temperature\u2014she says that both hot and cold water can have drying effects and are best avoided.<\/li>\n<li>Once you&#8217;ve drawn the bath, toss in one to two cups of the powdered milk of your choice for some much-needed moisturizing effects. Cow&#8217;s milk and goat milk are two common options. Many dermatologists also recommend whole milk or buttermilk, which contains more lactic acid. The idea is that this may enhance its exfoliating and hydrating effects: &#8220;Milk can make your skin feel softer and smoother because the fats cling to the skin,&#8221; says board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD. &#8220;You&#8217;ll notice a silky (but not oily) feeling.&#8221; For people who want to avoid using dairy products, powdered soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk can be good alternatives.<\/li>\n<li>This step is completely optional, but oatmeal is a great addition (or alternative) to soothe dry, itchy skin. Palm doesn&#8217;t generally recommend milk baths to her patients because of the potential allergic reactions and irritations that could result if someone is sensitive to milk. Instead, she often recommends colloidal oatmeal baths to patients experiencing conditions like eczema and dry skin\u2014more on that below.<\/li>\n<li>This is also optional, but for an extra moisturizing boost, you may want to add a bit of warmed coconut oil or another oil such as avocado, jojoba, or olive.\u00a0Of course, this can get a bit slippery, so remember to be careful if you decide to use an oil in your milk bath.<\/li>\n<li>If you have Epsom salt around, don&#8217;t be shy about tossing a half or whole cup of it into your milk bath. Epsom salt\u2014the better-known name for magnesium sulfate, which can reduce inflammation and help detox the skin\u2014is a common home remedy for joint pain and relaxing muscles.<\/li>\n<li>Some people like to enhance their milk bath&#8217;s scent by adding a few drops of lavender oil or another skin-safe essential oil. But use caution here, especially if you have sensitive skin. &#8220;Essential oils can cause severe contact allergies in some patients and should be avoided unless there is a history of good tolerance,&#8221; Palm says.<\/li>\n<li>Before getting into your milk bath, use your hand to mix the water and ingredients around a bit. Then, settle in and relax. For the best results, aim to soak for around 20 to 30 minutes.<\/li>\n<li>After you&#8217;re done with your bath, it&#8217;s smart to hop into the shower and rinse off using warm water. This way, you won&#8217;t be left with any milky residue.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Side Effects of a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Any adverse side effect of a milk bath soak would be resulting from a reaction to individual ingredients. Someone with a sensitivity to milk may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions, and the use of essential oils can also be sensitizing to certain skin types. If the water is too hot, it can disrupt the skin&#8217;s natural moisture balance, exacerbating dryness and potentially even causing inflammation, redness, peeling, or burns. If you have a history of skin sensitivity or reactivity, it&#8217;s best to consult your physician before taking a milk bath.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Alternatives <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As mentioned, colloidal oatmeal is an option that Palm and others recommend to soothe and nourish the skin, either in tandem with or instead of a milk bath. &#8220;Colloidal oatmeal is comprised of grounded oat grains,&#8221; she says.\u00a0&#8220;This finely textured powder is combined with other ingredients to soothe skin. It most commonly comes as a packet that can be added to warm bath water to create a cloudy, soothing treatment.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Colloidal oatmeal works its magic on our skin in a few ways: It&#8217;s anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and may even provide a bit of UV protection. Many of these beneficial properties are due in part to phenolic compounds called avenanthramides that are found in oats, Palm explains. Meanwhile, &#8220;the moisturizing and soothing properties of colloidal oatmeal derive from oat sugars such as starch and beta-glucan,&#8221; Palm says.\u00a0&#8220;These provided a protective coating that reduces water loss from the skin.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Milk baths are a gentle, longstanding method to soothing dryness and irritation, and they&#8217;re fairly simple to DIY using natural ingredients that you may already have around. While some of the ingredients\u2014such as the milk itself and the essential oils\u2014may irritate certain sensitive skin types, it&#8217;s possible to adjust your bath to better fit your needs if this is a concern. At the end of the day, if you&#8217;re looking for an at-home treatment to soothe and nourish your skin, a milk bath can be an effective, meditative option.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-2\">\n<p>Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin.\u00a0<em>J Drugs Dermatol<\/em>. 2015;14(1):43-48.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Kazerouni A, Feily A. Oatmeal in dermatology: a brief review.\u00a0<em>Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol<\/em>. 2012;78(2):142-145. doi:10.4103\/0378-6323.93629<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Baths are beloved for many reasons: Beyond helping you to rinse off the day and calm your nerves, soaking in the tub can be an effective way to give your skin a boost, too. And while colorful bath bombs and exotic bath recipes have gained immense popularity, there&#8217;s something about a classic milk bath soak that feels extra enticing (and luxurious).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Perhaps, with iconic devotees like Cleopatra herself, it&#8217;s a milk bath&#8217;s enduring allure in the beauty sphere (now even as a source of nail inspo) that has us captivated\u2014or maybe it&#8217;s the soothing and moisturizing benefits that keep us intrigued. Either way, we turned to dermatologists to get the full rundown. <strong>Read on to learn all about DIY milk bath soaks<\/strong>, including the benefits, key considerations, and a step-by-step guide to creating your own.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience.<\/li>\n<li>Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, as well as a Byrdie Review Board member.<\/li>\n<li>Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California.<\/li>\n<li>Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Visha Skincare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Are Milk Bath Soaks? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A milk bath soak is almost exactly as it sounds: <strong>a bath comprising a bit of liquid or powdered milk and other skin-friendly ingredients in a base of warm water<\/strong>. Since the bath is still mostly water and uses only a cup or two of milk, it&#8217;s just enough to get the soothing benefits. It&#8217;s a minimalist, age-old practice for nourishing even the most sensitive skin types, allowing the outer layer of your skin to absorb the milk fats alongside the usual water and oils.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Benefits of Milk Bath Soaks <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, &#8220;milk has been used for centuries in bath form for its beauty benefits. It is said that Nefertiti herself bathed in them regularly.&#8221; According to 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 medical and cosmetic dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, MBA.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;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,&#8221; adds board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD. &#8220;When you add in certain types of milk\u2014buttermilk especially or oat milk for the calming benefits of oat\u2014you get greater calming and anti-itch benefits.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Ingredients for a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Creating a milk bath soak is fairly simple: It mostly uses natural ingredients that you may even already have around the house. To get started, gather the following ingredients:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>1-2 cups powdered milk of your choice (depending on the size of your tub)<\/li>\n<li>Warm water<\/li>\n<li>1 cup oats<\/li>\n<li>1\/2 cup oil<\/li>\n<li>Essential oils<\/li>\n<li>1 cup Epsom salt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Create and Enjoy a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<ol id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>As with any bath, the first step is to fill your tub with water. Ciraldo recommends a lukewarm temperature\u2014she says that both hot and cold water can have drying effects and are best avoided.<\/li>\n<li>Once you&#8217;ve drawn the bath, toss in one to two cups of the powdered milk of your choice for some much-needed moisturizing effects. Cow&#8217;s milk and goat milk are two common options. Many dermatologists also recommend whole milk or buttermilk, which contains more lactic acid. The idea is that this may enhance its exfoliating and hydrating effects: &#8220;Milk can make your skin feel softer and smoother because the fats cling to the skin,&#8221; says board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD. &#8220;You&#8217;ll notice a silky (but not oily) feeling.&#8221; For people who want to avoid using dairy products, powdered soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk can be good alternatives.<\/li>\n<li>This step is completely optional, but oatmeal is a great addition (or alternative) to soothe dry, itchy skin. Palm doesn&#8217;t generally recommend milk baths to her patients because of the potential allergic reactions and irritations that could result if someone is sensitive to milk. Instead, she often recommends colloidal oatmeal baths to patients experiencing conditions like eczema and dry skin\u2014more on that below.<\/li>\n<li>This is also optional, but for an extra moisturizing boost, you may want to add a bit of warmed coconut oil or another oil such as avocado, jojoba, or olive.\u00a0Of course, this can get a bit slippery, so remember to be careful if you decide to use an oil in your milk bath.<\/li>\n<li>If you have Epsom salt around, don&#8217;t be shy about tossing a half or whole cup of it into your milk bath. Epsom salt\u2014the better-known name for magnesium sulfate, which can reduce inflammation and help detox the skin\u2014is a common home remedy for joint pain and relaxing muscles.<\/li>\n<li>Some people like to enhance their milk bath&#8217;s scent by adding a few drops of lavender oil or another skin-safe essential oil. But use caution here, especially if you have sensitive skin. &#8220;Essential oils can cause severe contact allergies in some patients and should be avoided unless there is a history of good tolerance,&#8221; Palm says.<\/li>\n<li>Before getting into your milk bath, use your hand to mix the water and ingredients around a bit. Then, settle in and relax. For the best results, aim to soak for around 20 to 30 minutes.<\/li>\n<li>After you&#8217;re done with your bath, it&#8217;s smart to hop into the shower and rinse off using warm water. This way, you won&#8217;t be left with any milky residue.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Side Effects of a Milk Bath Soak <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Any adverse side effect of a milk bath soak would be resulting from a reaction to individual ingredients. Someone with a sensitivity to milk may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions, and the use of essential oils can also be sensitizing to certain skin types. If the water is too hot, it can disrupt the skin&#8217;s natural moisture balance, exacerbating dryness and potentially even causing inflammation, redness, peeling, or burns. If you have a history of skin sensitivity or reactivity, it&#8217;s best to consult your physician before taking a milk bath.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Alternatives <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> As mentioned, colloidal oatmeal is an option that Palm and others recommend to soothe and nourish the skin, either in tandem with or instead of a milk bath. &#8220;Colloidal oatmeal is comprised of grounded oat grains,&#8221; she says.\u00a0&#8220;This finely textured powder is combined with other ingredients to soothe skin. It most commonly comes as a packet that can be added to warm bath water to create a cloudy, soothing treatment.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Colloidal oatmeal works its magic on our skin in a few ways: It&#8217;s anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and may even provide a bit of UV protection. Many of these beneficial properties are due in part to phenolic compounds called avenanthramides that are found in oats, Palm explains. Meanwhile, &#8220;the moisturizing and soothing properties of colloidal oatmeal derive from oat sugars such as starch and beta-glucan,&#8221; Palm says.\u00a0&#8220;These provided a protective coating that reduces water loss from the skin.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Milk baths are a gentle, longstanding method to soothing dryness and irritation, and they&#8217;re fairly simple to DIY using natural ingredients that you may already have around. While some of the ingredients\u2014such as the milk itself and the essential oils\u2014may irritate certain sensitive skin types, it&#8217;s possible to adjust your bath to better fit your needs if this is a concern. At the end of the day, if you&#8217;re looking for an at-home treatment to soothe and nourish your skin, a milk bath can be an effective, meditative option.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/milk-bath-soak-diy-guide-11874474<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Create a DIY Milk Bath Soak for Calm, Hydrated Skin By Beth Krietsch Beth Krietsch Beth Krietsch is a health and food writer with a Masters&#8217;s Degree in Public Health Nutrition. She covers wellness for Byrdie, with an emphasis on food and nutrition. Byrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines Published on January 04, 2026 07:00AM Reviewed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1698668,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83,226],"class_list":["post-1698667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1698667","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1698667"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1698667\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1698668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1698667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1698667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1698667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}