Your skin will drink up the benefits
It’s been said that Cleopatra would take milk baths to improve the look and feel of her skin. Turns out, she was onto something. Fast forward many centuries later, and the idea of milk as a skin treatment is popular again; however, it doesn’t involve soaking in almonds, oats, or pistachios (keep those for your latte). Today, there are skin milks, specifically formulated to nourish your face and body.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum explains that the lightweight texture is the perfect solve for greasy summertime skin. Much like the jelly-texutured products that reigned supreme for a while, milky formulas keep the skin moisturized while still feeling light in peak humidity. And besides the fact that these serums, lotions, and toners feel good on your skin, there is also something nurturing about the concept of milk. We saw this with a recent wave of vanilla fragrances. The nose behind Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Milk scent, Meabh McCurtin, a perfumer at International Flavors & Fragrances, said,
"Milks are having a huge moment as well [for their] comfort level." It’s what inspired Chillhouse founder Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton to create Alt Milk Bathing Cream. She reiterated that “milk is one of those things that’s very comforting, so it makes sense that people want it in their skin care.”
Here, experts share more about this popular skin care trend, how to include it in your routine, and our favorite new skin milks your skin is sure to drink up.
What is a Skin Milk?
There is no actual milk in these products — it all comes down to the texture resembling your cereal’s best accessory. Cosmetic chemist Alex Padgett explains that a milky product typically contains both oil and water-soluble ingredients. Together the two
“give products barrier nourishing properties,” says Padgett.
Actual milk is known to calm irritation, hence why it’s a remedy for flare-ups like a poison ivy reaction. And milky skin care products have the capacity to do the same. Dr. Nussbaum says,
“skin milks are good for sensitive, dry skin and those with compromised skin barriers.” The liquid consistency is light enough to sink into the skin without clogging pores while moisturizing and soothing skin. As for their unique milky white color, “that’s simply from the emulsification of the water and oils, so there are no color additives needed to achieve the look,” says cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam.
How To Use Skin Milk In Your Routine
Adding a splash of milk to your coffee gives it a smoother texture; the same goes for your skin care routine. If you’re looking for a more gentle and nourishing cleanse a milky face wash is a nice replacement for your everyday gel or foam. Switch out your heavy winter body cream for a lightweight, milky lotion that will keep your skin just as moisturized — without the sticky feeling. Or opt for a milk toner after cleansing for a feel-good prep step before the rest of your skin care routine.
Adapted from: Allure
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