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If you’ve ever suffered from eczema then you are familiar with the sheer frustration of the condition and what a hindrance it can impose on your lifestyle.
Dry, itchy and flaky skin are just a few of the symptoms of a flare up and to make matters even worse, the exact cause of eczema is still relatively unknown. With an endless list of irritants, the majority rather unavoidable (pollution, humidity and pollen), finding a cure often seems like mission impossible. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel because after years of taking my skin through hell and back, I have found a sure solution for eczema and it is not only natural, but highly effective. So, ditch the chemical ridden creams because all your skin needs is, indeed, goat’s milk.
If this is the first time you are hearing of the wonder ingredient then you are considerably behind as goat’s milk has been used for centuries to soothe and treat eczema-prone skin. It’s naturally occurring lactic acid gently sloughs off dead skin cells and maintain the skin’s pH. Loaded in vital minerals, vitamins and nutrients for the skin, this multi-functioning ingredient also provides anti-inflammatory properties as inflammation is the leading cause of multiple skin conditions. As dry skin is often deficient in essential fatty acids and prone to moisture depletion, goat’s milk is the perfect multi-tasker as it is super nourishing and protects your skins moisture barrier.
Skin specialist and founder of Premier Laser Clinic, Lucy Xu, states that goat’s milk can ‘boost moisture levels to prevent wrinkles and lines, maintain and repair our skins barrier function and reduce skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Goat’s milk is also full of essential nutrients great for keeping skin and hair in good condition, a few include Vitamin D, helping to keep skin soft, Vitamin C which promotes collagen production whilst fighting dryness and Vitamin E helping to prevent fine lines. Goat’s milk does also include a few other micro nutrients including Vitamins A, B1, B12, C, D and E as well as containing elements of Iron and Zinc which help keep skin looking healthy and nourished. As well as the above, goat’s milk also has high selenium content, which works to protect the skin from UV rays’.
When tackling eczema from the inside out, goat’s milk can be consumed as it is a popular alternative to cows milk, which is loaded with proteins that are potential allergens. Just be sure to purchase high quality, raw and unsweetened goat’s milk. Alternatively, you can apply it topically, which is my preferred method of use. ‘Some people choose not to ingest milk as it is high in lactose content which can cause problems with digestion as well as other issues. However, if you are tolerable to lactose, drinking goat’s milk is an easier and often cheaper way to reap the full benefits. However, applying goat’s milk topically through products which have been created specifically for sensitive skin types to help with dryness and promote skin health is a good option and in most cases work really well.’ says Lucy Xu
I am personally a huge fan of the Kate Somerville Goat’s Milk trio (the goat’s milk moisturizing cleanser, cream and de-puffing eye balm). However, the most popular form of goat’s milk in cosmetics is in soap. I purchase mine here, and preserve the bars in a soap dish. My skin is immediately smooth after use and I usually see results within a couple of days.
Lucy Xu advises that ‘if you are suffering with dry skin conditions such as eczema then applying topically daily will really benefit your skin as the natural nutrients will help moisturise and also reduce the redness, itchiness plus its gentle enough that it won’t cause further irritation. You should use for as long as you feel is necessary and until you are seeing results, then perhaps reduce to a few times a week if you feel your skin is improving’.
