Our founder, Kate Somerville, is a big proponent of the benefits of goat’s milk for skin because she has experienced them herself. Kate's story [1] is inspiring, especially when she tells it. As a child, she suffered from severe eczema, and it wasn’t until her mother put goat milk in her bath that she found relief. Since then, Kate Somerville has proudly pioneered goat milk skincare, hoping to help others find the same sort of comfort. In recent years, more and more people have started to use goat milk skin care products, leaving a lot of consumers with questions about this powerful ingredient. So, if you have been wondering what goat milk for skin care is all about, you are not alone.
Our goat milk skin care products contain Goat’s Milk Powder, which is a natural emollient that helps soothe and moisturize the skin. It contains vitamins A, B6, B12 and E. The content of triglycerides, capric, caprylic and caproic acid help to balance the skin's natural pH and promote natural exfoliation of dry skin.
Kelly Viavattine, our very own celebrity esthetician and Kate Somerville Skin Health Expert, has shared the great benefits of using goat’s milk in your skincare routine:
- Moisturizing - Goat’s milk lotions and moisturizers have a soft and silky texture that is lightweight on your face and smooth to the touch.
- Nourishes the Skin - Goat’s milk is packed full of vitamins and minerals that have wonderful effects on the skin. More on the exact nutrients in a minute.
- Balances Skin - Goat’s milk has a similar pH level to that of human skin, which means that using goat’s milk can help balance skin’s microbiome. In addition, goat’s milk is so gentle that it helps to calm troubled skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
- Helps With Skin Conditions - People with eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions that result in red, itchy, skin patches, often benefit from using goat’s milk products. The natural nutrients in the milk, which help to moisturize the skin, also aid in reducing redness and itchiness of the skin. Plus, it is gentle enough that it does not cause further irritation , making it a perfect ingredient in skincare for sensitive skin.
It is hard to believe that one gentle ingredient can have such dramatic effects on the skin, but it is the result of a combination of substances that are found in the milk.
What Makes Goat’s Milk Effective?
To fully understand the benefits that goat’s milk can offer you, such as helping to improve the skin barrier function and soothing dry, sensitive skin, it is important to recognize and acknowledge the nutrients contained within goat’s milk, which make it very effective as a skincare ingredient:
Goat’s Milk is made up of Vitamins A, B6, B12 and E, Triglycerides, Capric, Caprylic, and Caproic acids
Vitamins B6 & B12 - Aid in adding moisture.
Triglycerides - Enhance skin elasticity and reinforce skin’s hydro-lipid barrier.
The milk contains major and trace minerals including Ca, Na, Mg, P, K and Zn, Mn, Se, Co, Cu, Fe respectively. This makes it a good source of calcium, containing approximately 13% more calcium per serving than cow’s milk.
One of the more significant differences from cow’s milk is found in the composition and structure of fat in goat milk. The fat globules are 1/5th the size of those in cow's milk. These smaller sized fat globules provide a better dispersion and a more homogeneous mixture of fat in the milk.
The reaction of goat milk is alkaline, the same as mother's milk. Cow milk produces an acid reaction. An acid environment promotes the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Rich in Butterfat - As unhealthy as this sounds, it is actually outstanding for your skin.
Contains Selenium which is a mineral with antioxidant properties that helps to neutralize free radicals that can cause premature aging of the skin.
It is easy to see that each of these nutrients provide unique benefits to the skin, but when combined within goat’s milk, the results are incredible - especially for those with sensitive skin, as it helps to rebuild the barrier function of skin while soothing any irritation.
Types Of Goat Milk Products
Goat milk products continue to increase in popularity. The most common products that contain goat’s milk as a primary ingredient include:
Cleansers - Soaps and face washes made with goat’s milk offer a gentle way to remove excess dirt and oil from the face without over-drying the skin.
Moisturizers - The natural milk proteins found in goat’s milk help reinforce the lipid barrier, which makes it an excellent ingredient for moisturizers.
Eye Cream - Goat's milk makes the perfect ingredient for eye creams as it helps to restore moisture and soften the skin around the eye.
A Brief History of Goat Milk Skincare
Goats are actually among some of the earliest animals domesticated by humans. In fact, ancient Egyptians, known for their innovative and surprising traditions, are even believed to have been some of the first humans to use goat milk for skin care. It is said that Cleopatra, known for her porcelain-like skin, used to soak her body in goat's milk because it gave her skina radiant and fresh glow. Over the years, many have continued to use goat’s milk on the skin for the same reasons, but it was only within the relatively recent past that science has proved what many so long believed: goat’s milk is a wonderful and effective skin care treatment.
If you are suffering from a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, or even just combating dry skin [3], goat’s milk could be the answer for you. Kate Somerville’s luxurious Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream will leave your skin feeling soft and help to rebuild your skin’s natural barrier. People have been reaping the benefits of goat’s milk on their skin for centuries, so what are you waiting for? Give it a try! Kate Somerville has exquisite at-home products featuring this ingredient, or you can stop by the Kate Somerville Clinic on Melrose Place for an appointment with personalized recommendations.
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