This DIY Milk Bath Recipe Can Help Soothe Dry, Itchy Skin

Draw a Bath of Warm Water

As with any bath, your first step is going to be to fill your tub with water. Ciraldo recommends tepid, or lukewarm, water—both hot and cold water can have drying effects on the skin and are best avoided, she says.

Add One to Two Cups of Powdered Milk

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Toss in one to two cups of the powdered milk of your choice for some much-needed moisturizing effects on your dry and irritated skin. Cow's milk and goat milk are some of the most common options.

Many dermatologists recommend whole milk or buttermilk, which contains more lactic acid. The idea is that this may enhance its exfoliating and hydrating effects, leaving your skin feeling softer afterward: "Milk can make your skin feel softer and smoother because fats in the milk cling to the skin," says Engelman. "You'll notice a silky, (but not oily) feeling over your skin."

For people who don't use animal products, powdered soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk can be a good alternative to dairy milk. Oat is another great option you can learn more about below.

Toss in One Cup of Ground Oats (Optional)

This step is completely optional, but oatmeal is a great addition to your milk bath as a way to soothe dry and itchy skin. Palm doesn't generally recommend milk baths to her patients because of the potential allergic reactions and skin irritations that could result if someone is sensitive to milk. Instead, she often recommends colloidal oatmeal baths to patients who are experiencing conditions like atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, and dry skin.

"Colloidal oatmeal is comprised of oat grains that have been ground into a fine powder," she says. "This finely textured powder is then combined with other ingredients to soothe skin. It most commonly comes as a packet that can be added to warm bath water to create a cloudy, soothing bath treatment."

Colloidal oatmeal works its magic on our skin in a few ways—it's anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and may even provide a bit of UV protection. Many of these beneficial properties are due in part to phenolic compounds called avenanthramides that are found in oats, Palm explains.

Meanwhile, "the moisturizing and soothing properties of colloidal oatmeal derive from oat sugars such as starch and beta-glucan," Palm says. "These provided a protective coating to the skin that reduces water loss from the skin."

Add 1/2 Cup Oil (Optional)

This one is also totally optional, but for an extra moisturizing boost, you may want to toss in a bit of warmed coconut oil or another oil such as avocado, jojoba, or olive. As we all know, oils can get a bit slippery, so please remember to be careful if you decide to add an oil to your milk bath.

Add 1/2 Cup Epsom Salt

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If you have Epsom salt around, don't be shy about tossing a half or whole cup of it into your milk bath. Epsom salt is a common home remedy for joint pain and relaxing muscles.

Add a Few Drops of Essential Oils (Optional)

To add a nice scent, some people like to enhance their milk bath by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil, or another skin-safe essential oil. But use caution here, especially if you have sensitive skin. "Essential oils can cause severe contact allergies in some patients and should be avoided unless there is a history of good tolerance," Palm says.

Stir it Up, Then Settle In

Before settling into your milk bath, use your hand to mix the water and ingredients around a bit. Then at last you get to settle into your milk bath and relax. For the best results for your skin, aim to soak for somewhere around 20-30 minutes.