All of the Unexpected Beauty Benefits of Goat Milk
We're being introduced to new and unusual beauty ingredients all the time, but there's a very good reason that goat milk is primed to be a super buzzy skincare ingredient in 2022.
It turns out that the natural qualities of goat milk make it a versatile and powerful beauty ingredient—especially when it comes to dealing with dry winter skin. We got the chance to ask dermatologist Dr. Onyeka Obioha all of our biggest questions about the ingredient and what it does for skin. Keep reading for her insightful answers.
Sweety High: What vitamins and minerals does goat milk contain that make it so great for skincare? What other beneficial components does it include? What do these components actually do for skin?
Dr. Onyeka Obioha: Vitamin A stimulates collagen and increases cell turnover leading to a more youthful appearance. Vitamins B and E are potent antioxidants that protect against UV-induced free radical formation. Probiotics, such as lactobacillus, help support the skin's microbiome. They're also rich in triglycerides, which help with skin elasticity.
SH: Can you explain goat milk's role as a humectant? What are humectants, and why are they important? Where do they fit into skincare and bodycare routines?
OO: Humectants act like a sponge and draw moisture into the top layers of the skin. They are especially important for those with dry skin, as well as seasonally during the dry, winter months when skin is most prone to becoming dry. Alpha hydroxy acids are classified as humectants and goat milk is a great humectant due to its high lactic acid content (which is an alpha hydroxy acid). It draws in moisture, yet also functions as a gentle exfoliant to treat dry skin. They have a role in soaps, body wash and moisturizers.
SH: What makes goat milk products especially beneficial in dry, cold winter months?
OO: Goat milk contains saturated and unsaturated fats, which nourish the skin, in addition to the humectant properties listed above.
SH: What are some of your favorite products that incorporate goat milk?
OO: Dionis Unscented Goat Milk Bar Soap ($8) and Unscented Goat Milk Hand & Body Cream ($10) are great for sensitive skin and dry skin. Dionis Milk & Honey Goat Milk Bar Soap ($8) is a gentle cleanser for eczema-prone skin with moisturizing goat milk. Dionis Goat Milk Hand Soap ($9) is a nourishing hand soap that doesn't overdry the skin. It's great for those who have an occupational hazard for dry skin and/or hand eczema from over washing.
SH: Are there any skin types that goat milk products are especially good for? Are there any skin types less compatible with these products?
OO: Goat milk products are great for all skin types. They work for dry skin for the reasons mentioned above, and are great for sensitive skin, as goat milk has a pH level similar to human skin (around 5.5) which further supports the skin's microbiome, as well as makes goat milk great for sensitive skin. It's also wonderful for those with eczema or eczema-prone skin and those with keratosis pilaris, in which the lactic acid component of goat milk is beneficial as a gentle exfoliant.
SH: Any recommendations for how to get the most out of goat milk products?
OO: Despite goat milk's hydrating properties, it's important to still adhere to favorable bathing habits when using goat milk products, such as making sure the shower water temperature is mild, limiting showers to less than 15 minutes and avoiding using harsh mechanical scrubs.
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