Homemade Goat Milk Soap for Acne-Free and Supple Skin

October 24, 2016

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The fact that beauty products are wreaking havoc on our skin and bodies is finally getting some attention. The things we put on our bodies are not unlike the things we put in our bodies.

First, anything you put on your body seeps right through your skin — so that’s why I believe in a natural skin care routine, as you really ARE putting it in your body. Second, just like processed foods, beauty products are made to last, often using the cheapest ingredients and chemicals to help them have a longer shelf life. So basically, whatever you rub onto your skin, your face, your hands … it goes right into the body where it can cause cancer and interrupt your endocrine system and more.

Though that may sound like doom and gloom (since we all use beauty products every single day from our shampoo to our lotions and makeup, to the hand and facial soap we have at our bathroom or kitchen sink), it doesn’t have to be so difficult.

Goat milk soap is a great alternative that can offer not only a chemical-free option, but generously provides a few more benefits, including anti-aging. Of course, consuming goat milk can certainly help too, but why not give your skin the thirst-quenching benefits of goat milk, from a well-made quality goat milk soap, right on the surface of the skin? (1)

4 Benefits of Goat Milk Soap

1. Helps You Look Younger

Goat milk has this amazing ability to help provide a youthful appearance and who doesn’t want that? It works because it contains a good amount of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), such as lactic acid that help break down the dead skin cells. When you remove the dead skin, you immediately gain a glow to the surface of the skin because it smooths it out and that can offer a more youthful appearance.

My wife says this helps her makeup go on much more evenly. Alpha hydroxy acid is nothing new and can be found in tons of products such as body creams, sunscreens, acne products, shampoos and more, but again, it’s the natural chemical-free product that you want. Alpha hydroxy acids are really great at exfoliating and with that process, they increase blood flow to the skin, give your face and skin the much-needed rejuvenation it longs for, and ultimately help minimize fine lines and wrinkles. (2)

2. Is An Anti-inflammatory

Goat milk has the ability to reduce skin inflammation because it contains a fat molecule that not only moisturizes the skin, but possesses anti-inflammatory characteristics. A study was conducted regarding the use of goat milk, in particular because of the numerous reports of digestive issues and allergic reactions to cow milk. (3)

Even though the study focuses on the internal consumption, the external application can greatly benefit, too. The study points out that goat milk is able to provoke a release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which help signal the cells by providing a stronger immune response. So, even though drinking or eating products that contain goat milk can have a direct effect, when you put it on your skin, the skin soaks up those benefits as well.

3. Can Help Treat Acne-Prone Skin

Goat milk unlike cow’s milk, may help treat acne-prone skin. It contains special properties that can offer a sort of exfoliation for the skin. The exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, that if not removed can cause your skin pores to clog, causing unwanted acne to surface.

Additionally, goat milk contains antibacterial properties that can eliminate and even prevent acne altogether, and it can even help reduce swelling and itching that acne can cause. (4)

4. Works for Dry Skin

Goat milk offers some hydrating benefits, especially for anyone with dry skin. Because the pH levels of goat milk are the same as the human epidermis, it can moisturize while cleansing and possibly eliminating any acne-causing bacteria. In addition, it contains some beneficial nutrients that offers a supple complexion. Vitamin A is famous for the help it provides to repair damaged skin tissue.

Of course, vitamin A reduces fine lines and wrinkles but can also provide relief to anyone suffering from psoriasis symptoms. A lot of other soaps are water-based and often do not contain the vitamins and natural hydration qualities required for healthy skin. But goat milk soap is chock-full of skin-nourishing goodness like vitamin D, C, B1, B6, B12 and E, all of which are absorbed into the body when applied without the harshness of detergents, alcohol, dyes, petroleum and other chemical-based ingredients. (5)

Now that we have learned why goat milk is so good for your skin, it’s time to give it a try. Soap making does not have to be hard, but it can take some practice, so be patient. Try this nourishing goat milk soap recipe right at home.

How to Make Goat Milk Soap

The easiest and safest way to make your own goat milk soap at home is using a goat milk melt and pour soap base. It can be hard to find a natural melt and pour soap base in stores, but it is easier online. Look for a base with the purest ingredients possible that fits your budget. If you’re unsure of one or more of the ingredients in a soap base, the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database offers helpful guidance and rates the safety of individual ingredients on a scale of 1 to 10.

If you find a soap base you like that doesn’t already contain goats milk, you can always add a tablespoon of powdered goat milk to the melted base when you add the essential oils. However, using a goat milk soap base definitely saves you money so don’t have to buy a goat milk powder separately.

On a clean cutting board, chop the goat milk soap base into small pieces (about an inch or so in size). Put the chunks into a double boiler on low heat until they are completely melted, but making sure not to overheat. While the base is melting, you can can very lightly grease the molds with coconut oil to make it easier for the soaps to come out.

Now, let’s add the oils. Let’s start with the coconut oil and olive oil. Coconut oil is an amazing antibacterial ingredient that also offers moisturizing benefits. Olive oil is no different in terms of moisturizing and softening the skin. It also provides vitamin E and other antioxidants that can help speed up the healing of the skin while fighting infection. Add and stir to blend.

Then add the remaining oils: almond and avocado. Almond oil is also rich in vitamin E. Avocado oil is excellent for dry skin and can improve psoriasis. Stir the mixture and remove from heat.

Last but not least, add the essential oils and stir until well-blended. Frankincense oil and lavender oil are two of my favorites for amazing skin, but you can also use tea tree oil, especially if you are acne-prone. If you are adding powdered goat milk, also add that at this point. Once the essential oils are mixed in well, it’s time to pour the mixture into your soap mold. Be very careful since the mixture is very hot. Hot soap can hurt if dripped or splashed on skin. Also, make sure not to let children handle the hot mixture.

Now, you will need to wait so that it has time to harden. It typically won’t take longer than 24 hours before your bars of homemade soap will be ready for use. To remove the soap from the mold(s), gently pull the mold’s edges away from the soap, turn upside-down and pop the soap out of the mold. Depending on the mold you chose, you can cut the soap into smaller pieces if you like. You can also find soap molds that are already in round or rectangular bar shapes.

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