DIY Oatmeal Milk Bath

Our skin can become a bit more dry, itchy, and irritated during certain times of the year. If you have a skin condition, it's likely that your skin is having an even tougher time. Sometimes, a soothing soak in the tub can help with some symptoms, especially when you use colloidal oatmeal.

What kind of milk should I use for a milk bath?

Just adding milk alone to your bath can do a number of great things for your skin. It can reduce inflammation, hydrate and boost moisture retention, exfoliate dry patches, calm redness, and so much more. There are several options when choosing milk for your milk bath. Almond milk, oat milk, whole milk, goat milk, and coconut milk can all be used in a milk bath. Using powdered milk makes this a shelf-stable bath product that can be made ahead of time in large batches and stored.

What kind of oatmeal should I use for a milk bath?

You can use quick cooking, slow cooking, or instant oats, as long as they are unflavored. They all work equally well. You will need:

A blender, food processor, or coffee grinder
Warm water
1 cup of oatmeal (for a full-size bath; 1/3 cup for an infant tub)
Muslin bag, cheesecloth, or pantyhose as a bag for the oatmeal in a bath (optional)

Benefits:

Colloidal means ground into small particles. Finely ground oats become emollient when they are ground into small particles. Emollient is a preparation that softens or soothes the skin. Colloidal oatmeal packs fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients shown to benefit the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial for your skin.

When bathing in a colloidal oatmeal bath to soothe your skin, experts recommend that you keep the water between 80 and 85 degrees. It should still be comfortably warm, but not enough to turn your skin pink. A steamy hot bath may help loosen muscles but it's not ideal for dry, itchy, or irritable skin. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, exacerbate irritation, and dry out your skin even more.

Ingredients:

Milk Powder - The milk fat and proteins soften and nourish your skin, and the lactic acid gently exfoliates while you soak.
Colloidal Oatmeal - The saponins in the oatmeal act a gentle cleanser.
Baking Soda - You'll probably find this right in your pantry! It has many skincare benefits such as easing the symptoms of itchy, dry skin.

Instructions:

Pour 1 cup of oats into a high-speed blender, food processor, or spice grinder. Grind until you achieve a fine, even powder.
When the texture seems right, test the powder’s consistency by adding a tablespoon of your ground oats to a glass of warm water. The oat powder should quickly dissolve and give the water a silky, almost creamy texture.
If the powder sinks to the bottom of the glass without dissolving, the oats are probably not fine enough. Repeat the first step until you’ve reached the perfect consistency.
When the desired consistency is achieved, you can either store the colloidal oatmeal in a jar for several weeks or use it immediately for your bath.

Storage:

When stored in a glass or metal container, in a cool, dark and dry environment, colloidal oatmeal can last up to two years.

Use:

To use, pour the colloidal oats into a bath of warm water. At this point, you can add any desired additives for extra soothing benefits (see below for suggestions).

Optional Essential Oil Additions

Essential oils are a great addition to your milk bath. Incorporate these favorites into your routine using the methods discussed in this post and soak up their natural properties in a steaming, aromatic bath:

Lavender: This gentle scent promotes a relaxed atmosphere and is a perfect treat for a nighttime bath before bed.
Eucalyptus Globulus: Take a bath with Eucalyptus after a long day or a workout for a refreshing and stimulating experience. This oil is stronger than other oils, so use less of it or blend it with another oil like Sandalwood or Geranium.
Roman Chamomile: The warm and gentle aroma creates a calm atmosphere. It soothes dry skin while unwinding during your nighttime routine.
Ylang Ylang: Traditionally known for its romantic appeal, Ylang Ylang has a calming, relaxing, and comforting aroma. Massage into the scalp while you bathe to increase the appearance of healthy, shiny hair.
Sacred Frankincense™: This fan favorite can be diffused while you meditate in the bath for increased spiritual awareness and grounding.
Rose: Has a sensual aroma that creates a peaceful, loving, and nurturing environment while promoting a healthy complexion.
Patchouli: Provides an earthy, grounded atmosphere while occasionally improving the appearance of dry, chapped skin.

YL tip: Start with fewer drops and add more as desired. You can always add a little more, but you can’t take any out of the bath.

Note: Not all essential oils are good for your bath.

Before you begin using essential oils in your bathtime routine, it is important to note that not all essential oils are right for the bathtub. Some can cause skin irritation, such as Peppermint. Many of these oils that should not be used in the bath are “hot” oils, or oils that can cause a hot or warming sensation when applied undiluted to the skin. Some of these include: Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Oregano, Hyssop, Black Pepper, Lemongrass, Thyme, and Thieves®.

Follow label instructions and patch test any essential oils you are unsure about before using them in the bath. To perform a patch test, apply 1–2 drops of essential oil to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1–2 hours for any noticeable reaction; however, reactions usually occur within 5–10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or develop a rash, add V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex or another carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed. Avoid using any oils topically that you have a negative reaction to.

IMPORTANT: It is important to never add essential oils directly to your bath water. As you likely know, oils and water do not mix. If you place drops into your bath water without first diluting, the concentrated oil will sit on the water’s surface and will stick to your skin and other tender areas. This can cause irritation or burns. But don’t sweat it; we’re here to show you the various ways you dip into the bath safely using some of our favorite essential oils!

Always combine essential oils with a carrier oil

To help the essential oils dilute and disperse throughout the bath, combine them with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex.

Add 5–6 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil depending on your skin sensitivity and desired scent strength. Mix to incorporate. Fill the tub and turn off the water before adding the oil blend to achieve the full aromatic effect. Stir the oils around before climbing in to help circulate the mixture.

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