We all know is milk great for your taste buds. We’ve also learned that milk can be used to make quick repairs to random things around the house. But did you know that milk is a great way to help with skin irritations? What CAN’T milk do? Let’s take a look at how milk can help soothe some of the most common skin irritants.
Milk Can Relieve Sunburn
Sunburns are no fun. Burning turns into itching, followed by peeling. Yuck. While it is extremely important to take preventative measures to avoid sunburn (don’t skip the SPF!), sometimes we spend a little too long soaking up the warm sun rays and we fall victim to sunburn. Luckily, a rag, some milk, water, and a few ice cubes can be a nice relief for burning skin. Here’s how:
1. You will need a clean cloth, medium-sized bowl, ice cubes, and water.
2. Soak the cloth in the bowls with equal parts milk, water, and ice cubes.
3. Hold the cloth on the irritated area for five minutes. Repeat three times.
How does this work? Well, the fat, protein, and pH level of milk have anti-inflammatory elements that help soothe the burning sensation. The coolness of the rag also helps shrink blood vessels and prevent swelling of the area.
Milk Can Stop The Itch From Bug Bites
Bug bites are an annoying side effect from enjoying the great outdoors. Maybe you forgot your bug spray, or you get them while walking the dog. No matter the source, itchy bug bites can range from irritating to miserable. Adding a little milk to those pesky bites can help reduce the irritation.
For an all-over treatment:
1. Add 2/3 cup of milk to a warm bath
2. Soak for at least 10 minutes
Spot treatment:
Soak a cotton ball with milk and apply to irritated spot.
The proteins in milk are anti-inflammatory and anti-itch. While skim milk is ideal for taming itch, any milk will do.
Milk Can Soothe Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is arguably the most frustrating and painful irritation of the skin. This itchy plant can be tricky to spot, which is why so many of us don’t even notice when we’ve come in contact with it. Fear not, milk is again here to save the day.
1. Take a clean rag and soak it in whole milk.
2. Place the damp (not soaked) rag on your rash.
3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
For poison ivy treatment it’s best to use whole milk. The fat lubricates the skin while the cold compress stops the itch. Be sure to rinse off the milk after applying!
It’s very important to take care of your skin. Using milk as a treatment for irritated skin is a cheap and natural way to find relief. Homestead Creamery makes milk the way it should be made. With care. Find out more about our process here. And stay tuned for more milk hacks!