Every time we drank cow’s milk a gallon, we completely forgot about “other” milk. Even before plant-based and water-based milk became a staple, goat’s milk was considered a healthy alternative – as long as you could adapt to its strong odor, that is. Goat milk producer Mt. Capra even points out that 65 percent of the world’s milk production includes goat’s milk.
Diet and medical websites like Healthline say that goat’s milk has more protein and calcium than cow’s milk. It also notes that goat’s milk can help our bodies absorb more nutrients than cow’s milk, which often disrupts our body’s ability to process minerals such as iron and copper.
And while goat’s milk is not entirely lactose (which most of us would be sensitive to), goat’s milk contains about 12 percent, making it easier to tolerate. Also, even though goat’s milk is richer in protein than cow’s milk, Dr. Ax says it contains less A1 protein which can cause allergies in some people, as protein is linked to many skin problems including acne and eczema.
Goat Milk Benefits for Skin
Goat’s milk can be great for your skin
If you are allergic to the protein A1 casein, simply switching cow’s milk to goat’s milk can lead to fewer skin rashes because Dr. Ax says the milk is lean. And in addition to being good for your skin, goat’s milk is also good for your skin.
Studies show that goat’s milk can keep your skin soft and moist, making it an excellent ingredient in utensils, washing, and lubricants. It has high levels of vitamin A, which helps keep your skin healthy. Its high levels of lactic acid can help your skin shed its dead cells, make your complexion clearer in the process, and have a friendly pH level on human skin.
But like everything else, goat’s milk comes with a nice print. A study published by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology shows that if you are unable to drink goat’s milk because you are allergic to it, you are more likely to respond if you use products, such as soaps or lubricants, that contain goat’s milk as an active ingredient. It would therefore be wise to do a patch test and make sure you are ready before switching.
Goat milk improves anti-aging
Goat’s milk contains two important nutrients – lactic acid and Vitamin A – which make it a battle against fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
In another study, participants who applied a 12% solution of lactic acid twice a day had firmer, thicker skin, and “clinical improvement in skin smoothness and the appearance of lines and wrinkles.” In addition, studies have shown that Vitamin A supplementation, also known as retinol, can increase skin retention while also stimulating collagen production. Finally, both of these functions also contribute to improved skin appearance.
Goat’s milk increases moisture
Americans spend millions of dollars on lotions, creams, and cosmetics each year to combat dry skin, and as temperatures draw and winter approaches, our skin will become drier. The good news is that lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found in goat’s milk, has been shown to increase skin moisture levels.
Goat milk lotion from a bend soap company
Like other AHAs, lactic acid is a well-known humectant. “You can think of humectants as magnets that attract water,” read a Healthline article on the subject. “They absorb moisture into the air the upper layer of your skin.”
The lactic acid in goat’s milk will not automatically give you temporary relief from your dry skin; it will also reduce your dependence on lotions and creams going forward.
Goat’s milk gives deep but kindly
In addition to moisturizing and moisturizing the skin, AHAs are known as powerful exfoliants that penetrate deep into the skin, improving the appearance of acne, old spots, and scars, but while other AHAs, such as those found in chemical peels, can leave the skin red and irritated, lactic acid is mild as it works effectively.
Lactic acid eliminates contact between skin cells to make it easier to clean. It also promotes cell regeneration, ensuring that any dead or damaged cells are replaced by new, healthy ones. And the best part? Lactic acid is very mild on the skin and is found to be less irritating and causes fewer complaints than other AHAs – or some of the over-the-counter products that can be more harmful than good.
FAQ
Is goat milk good for your face?
Studies show goat's milk can keep your skin soft and moisturized, making it a great ingredient in soaps, washes, and lotions. ... Its high levels of lactic acid can help your skin shed its dead cells, making your complexion brighter in the process, and it has a pH level that's friendly to human skin.
How does goat milk help your skin?
In addition to lactic acid, “goat milk contains fatty acids that help repair the skin barrier, probiotics to encourage the growth of normal skin flora, and vitamin A to help gently exfoliate,” says Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist. Those fatty acids also contribute to noticeably softer skin.
How do you use goats milk on your face?
Goat milk can be used directly on the skin as a light face mask. It can also be added to one's skincare routine through moisturizing face creams and nourishing soaps for the body.
Is goat milk good for dark skin?
As a skin-care product, there are five main benefits that make goat milk desirable: Goat milk skin products contain vitamins A, B, C, and E. Vitamin A contains anti-aging and discoloration-reducing properties. Vitamin B works to diminish redness and dark spots.