How to Make Breastmilk Soap
Soap has always been an essential part of our lives. We use it in the shower, bath, to wash our hands, and even to clean our clothes. However, with the changes going on in the world, we now need it more than ever. Washing your hands thoroughly with water and soap for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to get rid of the Coronavirus germs you might have picked up on your trip to the grocery store. With the pandemic ongoing, we rely on soap to keep us safe.
Dry Skin
But with all the handwashing, your hands might start to crack, dry out, and get irritated, red, and itchy. Or even worse, some people might experience more severe allergic reactions. Why is this happening? Handwashing is supposed to be good for us, right? Well, many commercial soaps contain harsh synthetic ingredients and chemicals that strip your skin of its healthy fats (lipids), leading to moisture loss and dehydration. Dehydrated skin becomes red, tight, and in severe cases, it cracks and itches.
The Best Way to Moisturize Your Skin
So, what can you do to keep your hands moisturized? Stopping handwashing isn't an option, especially now! Sure, you could use expensive moisturizing hand creams or wear hand treatment gloves, but why not start at the beginning? Prevent your hands from getting dehydrated in the first place by simply changing your soap.
Natural Soap
Natural soap is handmade in small batches with high-quality, organic, and plant-based ingredients. Many handmade natural soaps contain glycerin, a clear liquid typically made from soybean, coconut, or palm oils. It is gentle on your skin and has a lower pH level than other soaps, helping the skin retain its natural moisture and giving it a youthful, healthy glow. Natural soap is nourishing and moisturizing, making it the best way to prevent dry, red, and itchy skin.
The Smell of Natural Soap
Natural soap is better for your skin, but what about the smell? Customizing your natural soap is the fun part! Most natural soap bars get their fragrance from essential oils, fragrance oils, or ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and flowers. Add the fragrance you like or mix several. You can even add ingredients like chamomile herb, oats, peppermint, lavender, or poppy seeds for exfoliation. Each additional ingredient has its own set of benefits. Want to go even wilder? Add some color! There are many ways to naturally color your soap bars without irritating the skin. Make your bath time fun with amazing-smelling, good-looking soap bars that are gentle on your skin and provide a silky soft lather.
What About SLS, Parabens, and Other Bad Stuff?
Another benefit of using natural soap is its purity. Natural soap contains no chemicals or harsh ingredients. Most natural soaps are paraben-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and free from SLS and SLES. They are also better for the environment because they are biodegradable. If you are eco-friendly, human-friendly, and want to take care of your skin, natural soap is the way to go. Plus, you would be supporting a small, local business and helping artisans make a living.
Breastmilk Soap
We saved the best for last: breastmilk soap. For those lucky enough to have access to this liquid gold, don't let it go to waste! Breastmilk is full of antibodies, antiviral agents, micronutrients, and enzymes, making it a superfood for babies. It contains all the nutrients a baby needs until the age of one year.
With excellent breastmilk pumps available, it's easier to pump and store breastmilk for later use. However, life happens, and sometimes not all breastmilk can be used for consumption due to improper thawing, overproduction, or other reasons. Instead of letting this precious liquid go to waste, turn it into something beneficial!
The Benefits of Breastmilk Soap
Imagine the awesomeness of adding breastmilk to natural soap. Say goodbye to dry, red, and itchy skin and welcome nourished, silky soft, and well-hydrated skin. Breastmilk is high in fats, making it ideal for a creamy soap. It contains more sugars than other types of milk used in soap making, giving breastmilk soap a silky lather. Breastmilk soap is soothing for various skin issues, like diaper rash and eczema. It can be used by the whole family and is especially beneficial for sensitive baby skin. Turn your very own breastmilk into a soothing, nourishing, and amazing-smelling bar of breastmilk soap for yourself and your baby.
How to Make Breastmilk Soap
Making breastmilk soap at home with a shea butter soap base is simple and effective. Start by gathering your ingredients: 1 cup of breastmilk and 1 pound of shea butter soap base. Freeze the breastmilk in an ice cube tray to maintain its nutrients. Next, melt the shea butter soap base in a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally until fully melted. Once melted, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before adding the frozen breastmilk cubes. Stir continuously until the breastmilk is fully incorporated. Pour the mixture into soap molds and let it sit undisturbed for 24 hours. After the soap has hardened, remove it from the molds and store it in the fridge to keep it fresh longer. This easy DIY breastmilk soap with shea butter is rich in moisturizing properties and offers a special touch for your baby’s skincare routine.
The Benefits of a Breastmilk Bath for Your Baby
Another way to use your breastmilk is to make a breastmilk bath. This is a wonderful and natural way to soothe and nourish your baby’s delicate skin. Simply fill your baby’s bathtub with warm water, then add 5-10 ounces of breastmilk, stirring gently to mix. The milk creates a creamy, comforting bath that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural antibodies. This helps hydrate and protect your baby’s skin, alleviate dryness, and aid in healing minor irritations like diaper rash or eczema. As your baby soaks, the breastmilk's natural properties work to moisturize and soothe, leaving their skin soft and smooth. A breastmilk bath is not only beneficial for the skin but also provides a calming, bonding experience for both you and your baby.
Have some extra breastmilk that is expired or simply more than you need to feed your baby? Use it in a bath or turn it into a precious breastmilk jewelry piece or ornament that you can treasure forever!