Why Milk Is Awesome For Your Skin
Many think it does your body good, but did you know it helps your skin too?
“Milk: It does a body good.” Arguably one of the most successful (also, in this writer’s opinion, annoying) advertising slogans of the eighties, it promised us that drinking calcium and protein-rich milk on the reg would give us strong bones and muscles. (To refresh your memory, check this out.)
But it turns out, the benefits of milk don’t stop there. In fact, spas all over the globe are now taking the humble ingredient and featuring it in luxurious, skin-healthy treatments. For example: At Sanctuary Cap Cana by AlSol in the Dominican Republic—it’s one of three swanky properties (in addition to AlSol Luxury Village and AlSol Del Mar) run by AlSol Hotels & Resorts, with a fourth (Tiara Cap Cana) slated to open come June—one of the most popular spa treatments is simply called Milk Bath. A three-step hourlong session, it involves a full-body exfoliation, soak, and massage. And each step incorporates some form of milk, whether it’s a scrub, a powder, or a liquid.
According to Sanctuary Spa director Almendra Urzua, there are plenty of reasons why milk is awesome for the skin. For starters, there’s the naturally occurring fat—we’re talking whole milk here, forget skim or 2 percent—which is really moisturizing. Vitamins (like D and E) and minerals (like zinc) “help with skin elasticity and encourage the production of collagen.” (In other words, your skin will look and feel firmer and tighter.) And last but not least: Milk is a rich source of lactic acid. Among the milder alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), “it’s a gentle chemical exfoliant. It goes deeper into the skin to help remove dead skin cells and bring fresher skin cells to the surface.”
Urzua says that many guests request milk-based treatments at the end of their vacation, for obvious reasons: “All that sun, heat, and salt water can really damage and dry you out. Milk helps reduce sunburn-related pain and redness and soothes skin almost immediately.”
Read more: 5 Exercise Machines You Should Never Use at the Gym
Want to see how milk can take your spa experience to the next level? Of course you do. So here you go.
New York, New York | The Milk & Honey Pedicure at Trump SoHo
Give your hard-working (and oftentimes neglected) feet a proper break with this special pedicure. After a luxurious milk-based soak, your feet and calves get scrubbed smooth with sugar, and finished with a warm honey wrap, steamed towels, and massage. It’s almost like a barbershop treatment, but for your feet.
Pune, India | Rose & Ashwagandha Milk Bath at JW Marriott Pune
Travel-fatigued globe trotters (and those simply short on time) will appreciate this thirty-minute treatment, which lets you soak your stress away. Fresh cow’s milk and Ashwagandha, a powerful herb used in Ayurvedic healing, join forces to hydrate even the driest skin and boost immune systems.
San Stefano, Egypt | Cleopatra Treatment at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria
Don’t be put off the name, because this treatment’s also fit for a pharoah. Cleopatra, whom was renown for her beautiful skin, made milk baths a part of her beauty ritual. Instead of donkey milk, though, this treatment features cow’s milk and honey, which helps skin retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
Syndey, Australia | Milk Moisture Facial at Milk Face Place & Spa
While it’s beneficial for all skin types, especially thirsty complexions will appreciate this soothing and hydrating facial. All the products used are holistic and sulfate and paraben-free, and you also get treated to a hand or foot massage. In just under an hour, watch your skin get restored to a healthy glow.
By Katie Chang
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