Goat milk is pretty amazing stuff: it’s naturally homogenized, and it’s full of vitamins and minerals. Why do these things matter in soap? Let’s start with homogenization.
Homogenization is when fat globules are so thoroughly dispersed in milk that there is no separation between the milk and cream: the cream will no longer rise to the top. The fats in goat milk are already so small they don’t need to be mechanically transformed, unlike those in cow’s milk. To make soap you need fat and lye. Typically water is the preferred vehicle to get the lye into the fat, however by using goat milk with its naturally dispersed fat molecules you end up with a more nourishing bar of soap. More fat equals creamier soap, which leads to more moisturized skin.
Goat milk also has a bunch of alpha hydroxy acids like lactic acid. These naturally occurring compounds help your skin exfoliate itself, which reveals new and healthy skin cells. This breakdown of dead skin cells not only reduces the appearance of aging, but can also help soothe irritated and itchy skin.
Many of us know the importance of vitamins and minerals in our skin care, and goat milk is a great way to naturally incorporate them into any regimen. Goat milk is high in Vitamin A, which science says is pretty good. According to theskincareclinic.com.au:
Vitamin A thickens and stimulates the dermis – which contains your collagen, elastin and blood vessels – so it reduces wrinkles and increases blood flow to the surface of the skin. Vitamin A actually increases the deposition of collagen, slowing the normal aging breakdown of your collagen and elastin.
Vitamin A:
- normalises blood flow and helps to reduce the symptoms of rosacea
- increases the rate of wound healing
- exfoliates – making skin smooth and even-toned
- repairs the cellular structure of the epidermis – optimising your UV protection
- decreases clustering of melanin granules – so reducing brown spots or pigmentation
- decreases sebum production and thus treats acne brilliantly
- promotes a healthy cellular membrane
- helps in the eradication of pre-cancerous skin lesions
- improves hydration both in and around the cell by doing all of the above
All forms of topical Vitamin A are potent and effective. However, by using products with no added irritants or nasty chemicals, you will enhance the results while minimizing these side effects.
I’m not mad at that.
Goat milk also contains selenium, which according to the folks over at Canyon Ranch is pretty alright for your skin too: It protects cells from damage. Selenium neutralizes free radicals and other skin-damaging compounds before they can lead to wrinkles. It’s similar to vitamin E and actually works with the vitamin to safeguard cell membranes, the protective coating around cells. That makes selenium a key player when it comes to slowing the signs of aging. In fact, research has shown that it’s a triple treat, protecting against UV-induced cell damage, skin inflammation and pigmentation. Recent studies continue to emphasize the importance of selenium and other antioxidants on skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Goat milk is pretty much a powerhouse as far as soap making is concerned, and I’m happy to bring you products that are based around such a magical ingredient.
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