Each year in late October, when the golden-orange leaves begin carpeting the ground, the chill air sets in, and I start inching up the heat, the notion of a hot bath calls to me, and I make time in my busy schedule for this small weekly treatment ritual. A milk bath is, in my opinion, the ultimate way to pamper yourself.
A hot bath is always comforting and relaxing, but it’s what you add to it that can take it to a whole new level. In addition to repairing the skin damage wreaked by the summer sun, a milk bath helps you overcome the minor ailments that accompany the change of season, including dry skin and mild seasonal fatigue.
This recipe for a hydrating milk bath is super simple and can easily be adapted by substituting my choice of flowers for your favourite flowers or herbs.
So, without further ado, allow me to share my winning recipe for hydrating your skin and embracing the cold season!
How to make your own milk bath
Ingredients and materials
- 2 tbsp. (30 ml) chamomile powder
- 2 tbsp. (30 ml) hibiscus flower powder
- ½ cup (125 ml) ground oats (or: coconut milk powder, or goat milk powder)
- 2 tbsp. (30 ml) cornstarch
- 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice (e.g. lavender, chamomile, tea tree)
- 250-ml container
You can find the above ingredients at grocery stores, health food stores or herbalists.
Instructions
- Finely grind the flowers and oats in a coffee grinder.
- In a bowl, sift the cornstarch to thoroughly air out the powder and make it homogenous.
- Add the flowers and oats, along with the essential oils, and mix well.
- Store in a 250-ml container.
And that’s it! Easy as that.
Use
DO NOT USE SPARINGLY (haha). For best results, add 3 to 6 tbsp. to the tub as it’s filling up. To get the maximum benefit from the ingredients, make a weekly ritual of enjoying a minimum 10-minute bath. Your skin will be silky smooth and hydrated. Use a small cloth sachet to infuse your bath, or filter the water before draining the tub.
Properties of the ingredients
My choice of ingredients is not random. I specifically selected those that are nourishing and hydrating.
- Chamomile flowers: calm irritated skin and reduce inflammation.
- Hibiscus flowers: support hydration, and soften and regenerate the skin.
- Oats: soften, hydrate, calm and repair sensitive skin, and help prevent premature skin aging.
- Cornstarch: calms fragile, irritated or damaged skin.
Voilà! Enjoy a lovely autumn bath.
Do you enjoy relaxing? Cascades Fluff suggest you read the article, Aromatic bliss – Master the art of home aromatherapy!