Benefits of Breastmilk Soap
Looking after your baby’s skin can be overwhelming at times. With so many soaps promising numerous benefits, it can be hard to know which soaps are safe and which are full of nasty chemicals and additives. Sometimes, simple is better, especially when it comes to looking after your baby.
Breastmilk soap is a completely natural and gentle way to soothe and moisturize your baby’s skin. Our guide will explain the benefits of breastmilk soap, how it works, and how you can make it yourself.
What is Breastmilk Soap and How Is It Made?
Breastmilk soap is a bar of soap that has been made using breastmilk and other natural ingredients.
Professional soap-making involves the use of lye, which can be highly acidic when it comes in contact with skin. You should therefore only attempt to do this if you have been trained how to do so safely.
Alternatively, there is a simpler method that avoids the use of lye while still making an effective soap.
- Begin by measuring out 1 cup of breastmilk and freezing it in an ice cube tray.
- Melt 1 pound of shea butter soap base in a microwave or on the stove. Stir it occasionally until it is fully melted and smooth.
- Let it cool slightly. Then add the frozen breastmilk cubes to the shea butter until it is completely incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into your chosen mold and let it sit for 24 hours.
- Once it has completely set, you can remove it from the molds. Storing it in the fridge in an airtight container will help it stay fresh for longer.
The added natural benefits of the shea butter help make this soap the ideal choice for you and your baby’s skin.
Alternatively, you can buy pre-made breastmilk soap online. Websites such as Etsy have several sellers offering handmade soaps.
What Are the Benefits of Breastmilk Soap?
Soothes Skin
Breastmilk soap can soothe and treat a number of skin conditions. These include:
Cradle Cap: Breastmilk contains natural oils that can help loosen and soften dry skin flakes associated with cradle cap.
Diaper Rash: Breastmilk soap can help soothe diaper rash as it contains natural antibacterial properties to help soothe inflammation and calm angry skin.
Eczema: Breastmilk contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to help ease eczema when used regularly.
Free from Unwanted Additives and Toxins
One reason parents love breastmilk soap is that it is a natural way to cleanse and moisturize your baby’s skin. Unlike shop-bought products, it is free from SLS and SLES.
Compared to manufactured soaps, breastmilk soap can be more nourishing and less drying. As any parent knows, when it comes to your baby, the fewer chemicals, the better.
The Science Behind Breastmilk Soap
The power of breastmilk has long been celebrated by parents, but recent years have seen science also moving to support these claims. The composition of breastmilk has been extensively studied, so now we have a better understanding of what it is made up of and why it is so effective.
We now know that breastmilk is made up of a complex selection of elements, including acids, enzymes, proteins, and live cells. It is the acids that are thought to have the most skin-supportive properties. A few of the most important are:
Oleic acid: This unsaturated fatty acid helps the skin to absorb moisture.
Palmitic acid: This saturated acid is the most commonly found acid in our body. It is fantastic at moisturizing skin and keeping it super soft.
Linoleic acid: This is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that helps to regulate and maintain hydration. It also has anti-inflammation properties.
Studies into using breastmilk to treat and soothe skin conditions have shown that it is just as effective as using over-the-counter products. For example, a study compared the use of breastmilk and 1% hydrocortisone cream on diaper rash. After seven days, the results showed that breastmilk was just as effective as the cream.
FAQ: Your Breast Milk Ice Cream Questions Answered
Can I use any breastmilk to make soap?
If you are making your own breastmilk soap, you should make sure it is fresh and hasn’t gone rancid. Use Dr Talbot’s MilkFresh Sensors to track milk freshness.
Can I use breastmilk soap on a newborn baby?
Yes, it is safe to use breastmilk soap on a newborn baby. However, it is sometimes advised not to bathe babies in the first few days, so always check with your medical practitioner first.
Can I use breastmilk soap?
Yes, absolutely! Milk soaps have been shown to have amazing skin-supportive properties that can be enjoyed by anyone.
Conclusion
The simple act of bathing your baby can be both joyful and help you build a stronger bond. So many soaps aimed at babies can be unnecessarily harsh and can do more harm than good. Using breastmilk soap is a great way to naturally bathe your baby and support their skin without any harsh chemicals or additives. Whether you make it yourself or buy it, it is packed with natural properties to help keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth.
For more advice, including How to Warm Up Frozen Breast Milk and Pumping Tips, join our wellness hub or explore our other articles.
