Did you know that your liquid gold isn’t just incredible for your baby’s nutrition but can also work wonders for your skin? That’s right — breast milk is packed with beneficial properties that can give both you and your little one a natural, nourishing glow. Whether you're an experienced mama or a newbie, find out why they say "put some breastmilk on it."
Breast milk lotion is a go-to skincare option for moms and babies alike. From its powerful moisturizing abilities to its soothing healing properties, breast milk lotion can transform your skincare routine. Plus, you can follow our step-by-step recipe to make your own at home.
The Benefits of Breast Milk Lotion
Breast milk lotion offers so many benefits for the skin, making it a great choice for babies and adults.
Moisturizing and nourishing: Breast milk contains natural fats, proteins, and vitamins that help moisturize and nourish the skin. The lipids in breast milk act as a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated.
Soothing and calming effect: The natural properties of breast milk create a relaxing and calming effect on the skin. This can be particularly beneficial for babies with sensitive or irritated skin conditions.
Healing properties: Breast milk contains antibodies, vitamins, and minerals that promote healing and relieve various skin conditions, such as eczema, diaper rash, and dry skin. The antimicrobial properties of breast milk can also help prevent infections.
Customizable and natural: Making breast milk lotion at home gives you the control to ensure a natural and chemical-free product. This is super helpful for sensitive skin or if you prefer organic skincare options.
How to Make Breast Milk Lotion at Home
Making breast milk lotion at home is a simple process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own nourishing and natural skincare product:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of breast milk
- 1/4 cup of carrier oil
- 1/4 cup of shea butter
- 1 tablespoon of emulsifying wax
- 10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Collect fresh breast milk and ensure it is properly stored and contamination-free. Choose a carrier oil such as coconut, almond, or olive oil. These oils provide additional moisturizing properties and help blend the breast milk into the lotion. Emulsifying wax, like beeswax, helps bind the oil and water components of the lotion together. It is essential for creating a smooth and consistent texture. If you'd like, add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance or additional skincare benefits. Ensure the essential oils are safe for use on the skin and suitable for you or baby.
Prepare the Equipment
1. Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: Use a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water to create a gentle heat source for melting the ingredients.
2. Whisk or Hand Mixer: A whisk or hand mixer will help blend the ingredients and create a smooth lotion consistency.
3. Sterilized Containers: Prepare sterilized containers to store the finished breast milk lotion. Glass jars or bottles with airtight lids are recommended.
Make the Breast Milk Lotion
1. In the double boiler or heatproof bowl, melt the emulsifying wax and carrier oil together. Stir occasionally until fully melted and combined.
2. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly. This helps the ingredients blend better when you add the breast milk.
3. Add the breast milk to the mixture slowly. Continuously whisk or use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until the lotion is smooth and creamy.
4. If you’re using essential oils, add them now and mix well.
5. Allow the mixture to cool to room temp and solidify into a lotion consistency.
6. Transfer the breast milk lotion into sterilized containers, ensuring they are tightly sealed. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and extend its shelf life.
Safety Considerations and Precautions: When making breast milk lotion at home, it is important to consider a few safety precautions:
a. Fresh and Properly Stored Breast Milk: Use fresh breast milk that has been properly stored and is free from contamination. Avoid using expired or spoiled breast milk.
b. Allergies and Sensitivities: You or your baby may have allergies or sensitivities to breast milk or other ingredients used in the lotion. Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the lotion more widely.
c. Hygiene and Storage: Ensure that all equipment and containers used in the lotion-making process are clean and sterilized. Proper hygiene practices help maintain the safety and quality of the lotion.
d. Shelf Life and Storage: Breast milk lotion made at home may have a shorter shelf life compared to commercially produced lotions. Store the lotion in a cool, dry place and use it within a reasonable timeframe to ensure its freshness and effectiveness.
Breast milk lotion is a great natural and nourishing skincare option. With its moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties, breast milk lotion can provide so many benefits for the skin. By following the step-by-step guide above, you can create your own breast milk lotion at home, and get all the benefits of breast milk in your skincare routine.
Remember to consider safety precautions, such as using fresh and properly stored breast milk, performing patch tests, and maintaining proper hygiene. Enjoy the process of making your own natural skincare product and embrace the nourishing properties of breast milk for healthy and radiant skin.
Happy lotion making mamas!
Insights from Peer-Reviewed Studies
While there is limited research specifically on breast milk lotion, studies have highlighted the beneficial properties of breast milk for the skin.Â
Can breastfeeding protect against antimicrobial resistance?
This study explored the antimicrobial properties of breast milk, highlighting its potential benefits for preventing and treating skin infections. The researchers found that breast milk contains various antimicrobial components, including antibodies and immune cells, which can help protect the skin from harmful bacteria.
Topical Use of Human Milk in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Integrative Review
This study investigated the moisturizing effects of breast milk on neonatal skin. The researchers found that breast milk helped improve skin hydration and barrier function, reducing the risk of dryness and skin conditions in newborns.
