We’ve all heard of Cleopatra bathing in milk and honey for their moisturising and beauty properties, but the latest trend is to have coconut milk baths. Organic, full fat coconut milk is rich in skin loving fatty acids that will plump your skin and make it feel smooth and dewy. All you have to do is empty a can of organic coconut milk into your bath and step in. You can keep it plain or use orange or ginger essential oils to target problem areas like painful joints. Even better, if you have a jar of Epsom Bath salts (magnesium sulfate) to hand, you can also throw a cup in the hot water to melt before you step in. This will make your skin even more glowing and smooth. The magnesium is absorbed straight into your bloodstream aiding relaxation, and the sulfur will give your liver a boost and help shift toxins out of your body.
You can add other things to your coconut milk bath to make it even more luxurious. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Coconut milk and honey blend
- 1 can of organic coconut milk
- 2 tbsp organic honey
You may think of honey as sticky and annoying, but amazingly, when you smooth honey on damp skin it turns into the most beautiful serum for moisturising skin. You can use the honey to pour into the bath whilst it is running, or step in and smooth over your wet skin (it is a wonderful cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser in one). You can also smooth it over your face as well, then just rinse it off. It sounds odd, but you won’t be disappointed.
Coconut milk, lime juice and rose oil
Add the juice of 1 lime and a few drops of rose oil into your bath for a heavenly soak, breathe in the scent deeply through your nostrils….. and relax. Rose oil lifts mood, improves libido, has anti-ageing properties and is a superb tonic for stressed skin.
Coconut milk, vanilla oil and oatmeal
Add vanilla essential oil to your coconut milk bath with some oatmeal. You can place your oats into a poultice (a cloth bag tied) and enjoy the skin softening effects without flakes milling in your bath water, or just throw them in and they’ll help exfoliate your skin. The saponins in the oats have cleansing properties whilst leaving your skin glowing and smooth. You could also try putting your oats in a blender before using to mill them into a finer polish then just keep them in a jar in your bathroom for when you need them.
Coconut milk and lavender soak
Use half a cup of dried lavender flowers and pour into your bath water with the coconut milk. Steep for half an hour (at least) and allow the lavender to calm the chatter in your head, lift any tension in your temples, and breathe…
Experiment with essential oils, salts, sugar scrubs and coconut fats to find your perfect combination. Bubble baths step aside, it’s the age of the coconut.
Key benefits of coconut milk for skin
- Nourishes itchy, red skin
- Soothes and softens
- Balances your skins' ph
Read our ultimate guide to how omega-3 can benefit your skin.