There are few experiences that compare to a relaxing bath after a long day. As you slip your feet into the hot water and lay your head back, that moment is what can fade the stress away. One of the best parts of a bath is the variety. We’ve put together a guide to drawing a better bath, and most of the ingredients you probably already have in your home!
EPSOM SALT:
Wonderful at easing muscle soreness and relieving tension, Epsom salt can be added to almost any bath recipe. It’s also a good source of magnesium and makes skin soft and smooth.
GINGER:
If you’re battling headaches or need a good detox bath, ginger (fresh grated or ground) is just the ingredient you’ll need. It causes toxins to be released through sweat and will leave you feeling cleansed. It also helps you sweat out aches from a cold or flu, and clears up chest and nasal congestion. Note that ginger can cause sensitive skin to react, so test it on your skin first
OATMEAL:
If you’re suffering from itchy or irritated skin, oatmeal is very soothing to add to your bath. If anyone in your house gets poison ivy or sunburn, this is a great way to treat it.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
The perfect way to tailor your bath for your needs, this guide to essential oils for gorgeous skin is the key! Lavender, rose, vetiver, chamomile or sandalwood essential oils will help calm you down after a long day. You can also add essential oils to salts for their aromatherapy benefits.
COCONUT OIL:
One of the best bath ingredients for soft skin! Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil—which has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties—into running water to moisturize and soften. Or, use coconut oil in one of these 101 ways!
LAVENDER:
Noted as one of the most relaxing herbs, lavender would be the perfect choice to wind down and ensure a good night sleep. Dried lavender essential oil can be used in your next soak.
ROSES:
They aren’t just sweet to smell and equally decadent, but rose petals and rose water are also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing. Try a rose milk bath next time if you need a little indulgence.
MILK:
The lactic acid in milk is both exfoliating and softening for our skin—it’s even said to be a great remedy for eczema. This milk bath is simple with only three ingredients. If you are sensitive to milk, try substituting with coconut milk. Just make sure to rinse off well when you’re done!
TEA:
Adding a few tea bags to your bath is an easy recipe for reviving skin. Green tea is a perfect tea choice for toning your body, and chamomile is a great before-bed relaxer.
ALCOHOL:
It’s not just for happy hour! Both the anti-aging properties and the polyphenols in alcohol can reduce inflammation and redness. Try a red wine bath soak or a bubbly champagne bath to reap the benefits.
HONEY:
Moisturizing, anti-aging, and antibacterial, honey is a powerhouse for our skin! This honey bubble bath recipe is just the ticket if you need some extra bubbles.
BAKING SODA:
Both soothing and detoxifying for your skin, baking soda is a simple ingredient to add to your next bath after a hard workout. It’s also a natural exfoliant, and can help fight acne. Get creative with a fun bath bomb using baking soda.
What other ingredients do you like to add to your bath?
