Avivit Bar Zohar's Milk and Honey Bath: Experts Weigh In
Israeli influencer and businesswoman Avivit Bar Zohar recently shared a luxurious skincare routine on Instagram, featuring a milk and honey bath. Inspired by historical figures like Cleopatra and ancient wisdom attributed to Maimonides, Bar Zohar posted a video of her bath, which included a bottle of low-lactose milk and a jar of honey, stating, "What's good for Cleopatra is good for me." She also quoted Maimonides, suggesting honey brings joy.
To understand the benefits of such a bath, skin and cosmetic experts were consulted. Dr. Lahavit Ackerman, a dermatologist, explained that milk contains lactic acid, a mild AHA, which can gently exfoliate dead skin cells, improving skin texture and smoothness. The fats in milk can also make the skin feel softer. However, she cautioned that the concentration of lactic acid in a home bath is very low, so significant peeling effects like those from dermatological treatments are unlikely. While a milk and honey bath can be pleasant and photogenic, Ackerman noted that more potent, specialized skincare products are available for more significant results.
Dr. Ackerman further elaborated on honey's properties, identifying it as a humectant that attracts water, helping to maintain skin moisture and reduce dryness. Honey also possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities, with medical applications in wound care. She stressed the difference between using medical-grade honey in specialized products and using kitchen ingredients, recommending formulated and tested skincare products for optimal results.
When combining milk and honey, Ackerman stated that milk primarily softens and smooths, while honey hydrates, making the combination potentially beneficial for dry skin. She emphasized that the effect is primarily temporary and cosmetic, not a significant treatment for skin conditions. The perceived "glow" likely results from a combination of softening the stratum corneum, gentle exfoliation, and temporary hydration, leading to more uniform light reflection. She also advised against long or very hot baths, which can damage the skin barrier, recommending shorter, lukewarm baths followed by moisturizer application on damp skin.
Dr. Eitan Levites, an expert in gynecology and medical aesthetics, corroborated these points, explaining that milk's lactic acid offers mild exfoliation and improves skin texture and moisture. Honey acts as a natural humectant, retaining moisture, and has documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. He concluded that while a milk and honey bath may temporarily contribute to moisture, softness, and a radiant appearance, there is currently no strong clinical evidence for significant skin firming, collagen production, or anti-aging effects. He advised enjoying the aesthetic benefits as temporary and consulting a dermatologist or esthetician for skin concerns rather than relying on home remedies.
