DIY Milk Bath with Freeze Dried Milk: Soothe and Nourish Your Skin With 3 Easy Recipes

The Benefits of a DIY Milk Bath with Freeze Dried Milk

During winter, cold weather and indoor heating can treat your skin harshly, leaving it dry and dull. One way to restore moisture and nourish your skin is through a luxurious milk bath. Using freeze dried milk is an easy way to add all the benefits of milk proteins and fats to your bath without worrying about spoilage. The fats in milk create a moisturizing barrier on your skin, while proteins help to repair and rejuvenate, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Freeze dried milk preserves these beneficial components, making it a versatile and convenient choice for your skincare routine.

How It Works: When you add freeze dried milk to your bath, it rehydrates in the warm water, releasing nourishing proteins and fats. The lactic acid in milk gently exfoliates the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. It’s like giving your skin a drink of pure hydration!

Powdered Milk v Freeze Dried Milk

The process to create freeze dried milk is quite different from making traditional powdered milk. While both aim to remove water from milk, freeze drying involves freezing the milk first and then using a vacuum to evaporate the ice, preserving its nutrients, fats, and proteins without the use of high heat. In contrast, powdered milk is typically made through spray drying or drum drying, both of which use high temperatures to quickly evaporate water.

Spray drying involves spraying a fine mist of liquid milk into a chamber with hot air. As the droplets fall, the heat evaporates the moisture, leaving behind dry milk powder.

Drum drying involves spreading a thin layer of liquid milk onto heated, rotating drums. The milk dries on the drum’s surface and is then scraped off as a powder.

Intense heat required in the spray drying and drum drying processes can break down and damage the milk’s beneficial nutrients and alter the structure of its proteins and fats (not to mention altering flavor). As a result, while you can use powdered milk to make a milk bath, it doesn’t offer the same nourishing benefits as freeze dried milk. Freeze drying keeps the natural composition of milk intact, making it a more effective and nourishing option for skincare.

Dairy-Free Alternatives: Can They Work?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, don’t worry—there are plant-based alternatives to traditional milk baths. Freeze dried coconut milk, for example, is rich in lauric acid, which has antibacterial and moisturizing properties. Freeze dried oat milk contains beta-glucan, which can soothe irritated skin. While these options may not have the exact same protein structure as dairy milk, they still provide skin-nourishing benefits that can be ideal for a relaxing soak.

How to Freeze Dry Milk

Freeze drying milk at home is easier than you might think. Start by pouring milk onto freeze dryer trays and running a standard cycle. Once the milk is freeze dried, it can be powdered and stored in an airtight container for years. When you’re ready to use it, just rehydrate with warm water, and it’s good as new. This freeze dried milk powder can also be used to create your favorite recipes to recreate beauty products like a luxurious milk bath!

Essentials of a DIY Milk Bath Recipe

A luxurious and nourishing milk bath can be easily created at home with a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components and the basic ratios to use for any milk bath recipe:

1. Freeze Dried Milk Powder (1 cup): This is the base of your milk bath. Use freeze dried milk powder for maximum nutrient retention and skin benefits. For a rich and creamy texture, 1 cup of milk powder per bath is a good starting point.
2. Epsom Salt or Sea Salt (½ cup): Adding salts can help relax your muscles and detoxify your body. Epsom salt is great for soothing tired muscles, while sea salt can add a gentle exfoliation effect.
3. Baking Soda (¼ cup): Baking soda helps to soften the water and cleanse your skin, leaving it feeling silky smooth. It also helps balance the pH level of your bath water.
4. Oils (1-2 tablespoons): Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus can add an aromatherapy experience to your bath. Carrier oils such as almond, coconut, or jojoba can help moisturize your skin. You can mix 10-15 drops of essential oil into 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil before adding it to the bath.
5. Optional Additives: You can add various herbs, flower petals, or ground oats to elevate your bath experience. Freeze dried lavender petals or rose petals are wonderful for a calming effect, while ground oats can soothe irritated skin.

Basic Milk Bath Recipe:

• 1 cup freeze dried milk powder (or dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup Epsom salt or sea salt
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 10-15 drops of essential oil mixed into 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil
• Optional: freeze dried flower petals, ground oats, or herbs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the freeze dried milk powder, Epsom salt, baking soda, and any dry additions. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add Essential Oil: In a separate small bowl, mix the essential oil with your chosen carrier oil. This step helps disperse the essential oil evenly throughout the bath mixture.
3. Combine Everything: Pour the essential oil blend into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the oils are well combined with the dry ingredients.
4. Store: Transfer your milk bath mixture into an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
5. Use: To enjoy your milk bath, scoop 1/2 cup of the mixture into a warm bath. Stir to dissolve and soak for at least 20 minutes to fully relax and nourish your skin.

Three Favorite DIY Milk Bath Recipes

1. Relaxing Lavender Milk Bath

Whole dairy milk is rich in lactic acid and proteins, which exfoliate and hydrate the skin. Lavender is well-known for its calming and soothing effects, making it a perfect addition to a relaxing milk bath. It can help reduce stress and anxiety while also promoting better sleep. Combined, these ingredients will soothe your senses and leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup freeze dried milk powder
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salt
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 2 tablespoons freeze dried lavender buds
• Directions: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately and then combine and add all ingredients in a jar and store. Use 1/2 cup per bath for a relaxing soak that calms both body and mind. Stir to dissolve and soak for at least 20 minutes.

2. Coconut Vanilla Soothing Bath

Coconut milk is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which help to deeply moisturize and rejuvenate your skin. Calendula is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to your DIY milk bath for calming irritated skin. If you can’t find calendula flowers to freeze dry, you can easily use calendula oil instead. This milk bath bath will soothe and hydrate dry, itchy skin with a subtle hint of vanilla.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup freeze dried coconut milk powder
  • 1/2 cup sea salt
  • 10 drops vanilla essential oil
  • 1 tablespoon freeze dried calendula petals
• Directions: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately and then combine and add all ingredients in a jar and store. Add 1/2 cup to your warm bath water. Stir to dissolve and soak for at least 20 minutes.

3. Revitalizing Citrus Oat Milk Bath

Oat milk has natural soothing properties. It contains beta-glucan, which forms a protective barrier on your skin, helping to lock in moisture and reduce irritation. Adding orange peel enhances your bath with a refreshing citrus aroma while also providing a gentle exfoliation. Orange peel is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help brighten and revitalize your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Together, these ingredients offer a soothing, hydrating, and revitalizing experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and glowing.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup freeze dried oat milk powder
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salt
  • 5 drops sweet orange essential oil
  • 2 tablespoons freeze dried orange peel powder
• Directions: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately and then combine and add all ingredients in a jar and store. Add 1/2 cup to a warm bath water. Stir to dissolve and soak for at least 20 minutes.

Kate’s Pro Tip: These milk bath blends also make great homemade gifts for friends and family—just pack them into pretty jars and add a ribbon- Mother’s Day, Birthdays, Christmas– anytime you’re all set!

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A DIY milk bath with freeze dried milk is an easy and effective way to care for your skin, especially in harsh winter months. Whether you choose dairy or dairy-free options, you’ll enjoy the benefits of proteins, fats, and natural exfoliation. Don’t forget to mix in your favorite essential oils and freeze dried add-ins for a truly luxurious experience. Try these recipes, and see how your skin glows after a relaxing, nourishing soak!

Comment below with your favorite recipes or share your own ideas—we’d love to hear them!