It may have done wonders for Cleopatra's complexion, but for the rest of us, milk is generally something to be drunk rather than dunking ourselves in. But Cleopatra may have been onto something. Milk contains all sorts of nutritional properties which are just as good for the outside of the body as the inside. In fact, washing your face with milk offers benefits that can be found in some of the more expensive skin care products.


Milk as an exfoliator

Milk is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals which are essential for healthy bones and teeth. But milk also contains lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid, which is particularly beneficial for its exfoliating and hydrating properties. Because of this, lactic acid is often included in moisturizers and cleansers for helping generate faster skin cell turnover and assisting with hydration.

Why exfoliate?

As we age, the skin's natural shedding process slows down, causing a build-up of dead skin cells which regular washing doesn’t remove. This leaves skin looking dull, grey and tired. Regularly exfoliating your skin can help reveal brighter, fresher looking skin, giving a more glowing complexion. And this can be achieved simply through washing your face with milk.

Milk for skin conditions

The soothing and cooling properties of milk can be used to bring gentle relief from sunburn as well as reducing the itchiness caused by dry skin. Furthermore, a leading expert from the department of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, recommends lactic acid as solution for managing the dry skin condition associated with Keratosis Pilaris (KP), by keeping skin hydrated.

Washing with milk saves money

Women spend a small fortune on all manner of skin care products. Whether it's cleansers, facial washes, make up removers or face masks, they are all likely to cost a great deal more than the fresh milk found in the fridge. Milk can be used in place of all these common skincare products. Replacing just one of these for milk can help reduce some of the expense associated with purchasing cosmetics.

How to use milk for washing your face

Milk can be used in various ways to wash and cleanse your face. To use it as a simple facial cleanser, mix half a cup of milk with half a teaspoon of salt. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently wipe over dry skin as you would with a liquid cleanser. Once you’re done, splash your whole face with cold, clean water and pat dry. Alternatively, pour cold milk into your cupped hands and rub over your skin using circular motions. Again, rinse off thoroughly.

Other uses for skincare using milk

A mixture of powdered milk and warm water stirred into a smooth paste, can be used as a moisturizing face mask or as a makeup remover. When using milk as a moisturizer for dry skin, it’s best to use full fat milk. Simply rub over dry areas of skin and leave it to absorb for a short while. Whenever you use milk on your skin, take care to wash it off with clean water once you’ve finished as it will eventually leave an unpleasant odor.

While it may be a little unconventional, using milk as an alternative for some skin care products is one worth considering. Due to the lactic acid it contains, milk is particularly useful for washing your face to remove makeup or as a cleanser. Furthermore, the soothing properties of milk can help relieve dry skin as well as doubling up as a moisturizer. And using it to replace facial washes for example, can help reduce the cost of buying regular skin care products.

The idea of using milk for skincare is certainly not to be sniffed at. Just remember to wash it off when you’ve finished!