(Goats) Milk: It Does A Body Good!

Capra aegagrus hircus "The Goat"

Goats are one of the oldest domesticated species in the world.  They have been used by humans for their milk, meat, skins and even hair trans-culturally for thousands of years.

Milking

Milking

A healthy female goat, also know as a "doe' or a "nanny" can produce on average 6-8 lbs of milk per day.  That is about 3-4 US quarts (2.83-3.78 liters) at the height of her production. 

What's All the Hype About Goats Milk?

Goats milk has been used since ancient times as a natural cleanser.  It is a superior moisturizer and has excellent emollient properties. The fat in Goats milk is naturally small and well emulsified, meaning the cream is suspended through out the milk instead of raising to the top as one sees in cows milk.  It has short strand protein (compared to cows) which makes it easily absorbed into the skin and hair follicles.  This greater absorption property of fat and protein helps leave the skin soft and supple.

Goats Milk

 The acidity of the human skin is maintained by what is commonly known as the acid mantle, a very thin film on the surface of the skin.  The acid mantle helps keep the skin healthy and acts as a barrier to external bombardment of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.  Goats milk, and thus products derived from this precious liquid, exhibit pH that is closer to the natural pH of human skin.  When applied to the skin, the milks similar pH is not seen as invasive, reduces the surface tension of the dermal layers and allows for even greater absorption and moisturizing effects to take place.  This is of particular importance to people with sensitive or delicate skin. Alpha hydroxy acids are found with in goats milk as well.  This is a naturally exfoliating agent that penetrates the epidermis and upper dermis to achieve exfoliation (sloughing off of old skin cells).  Exfoliation stimulates the skin and healthy cells are regenerated.  The effect reduces visible aging leaving the skin smoother and and softer with overall lessening of fine wrinkles and skin discoloration.  Hydroxy acids are also used to improve scaling on sun damaged skin.  It also has proven a benefit to acne infected skin surfaces, and to people with eczema and psoriasis.   Goats milk also contains vitamin A (about 47% more than cows milk), several of the B vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, B6 and B12, vitamin E, calcium, as well as caprylic acid (anti-fungal) and capronic acids.  All of this naturally feeds the skin, delivering this host of nutrients to your awaiting cells.

Like Cleopatra...

It is said that Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, bathed in the milk of goats to maintain her beautifully smooth and glowing skin...

 There are many products on the market today that tout this natural  and luxurious ingredient.  They can be found at local farmers markets, in high end spas and boutiques, and through out the isles of your local grocers. We recommend checking out http://www.rechercheorganics.com for many more epicurean goats milk products.


TEST:
If you think that the soap you are using may be causing your dry skin, you can easily test it yourself! First, purchase pH testing strips.  Then, take your soap, add a small amount of water to the side and rub gently to create a small amount of lather.  Press the test strip into the lather and match the resulting color to the pH scale that comes with the strips.  Healthy skin maintains a pH in the range of about 4.5 to 6.0 on the pH scale.  The closer your soap is to this level, the more gentle and non stripping to your skin and its natural defense layers it will be.

What goats milk products are you familiar with and use? We would love to hear from you!