Treating yourself to a relaxing and luxurious bath every now and then can be a great way to de-stress and decompress after a long day or week.
Cleopatra was known for taking soothing milk baths regularly and the idea of bathing rituals dates back thousands of years. In Europe, bathing became a go-to routine using the therapeutic properties of salt water. Here are five steps to turning your baths into a beautifying routine:
#1: Fill Your Tub with Warm, Not Hot Water
While you might be tempted to relax with a hot bath, you’ll want to keep the water fairly warm (not steamy) to get the benefits of a hydrating soak. Water that’s too hot can dry out your skin and sitting in very hot water might increase your heart rate. Keep the water warm enough to feel the temperature but not too hot.
#2: Light Candles
Aromatherapy rituals can have a powerful effect on your mind and body. Light some scented candles to enjoy a soothing evening routine while you bathe. Even the act of lighting candles and bathing by candle light can help you feel calmer and more relaxed.
#3: Add Flowers
While you can decorate your bathroom with flowers, adding real flower petals to your bath water can turn your bath into a cleansing and healing routine. Add dried flowers or fresh flower petals, such as Rose or Peony from the backyard to your bath for a luxurious touch.
#4: Dry Brush Before You Soak
Dry brushing is a great way to gently exfoliate the skin and improve circulation. Brushing away the layer of dead skin cells before you soak in the tub can help your skin absorb more of the oils and moisturizers you add to your bath. You can be as gentle or as vigorous as you want with your dry brushing routine, but the idea is to get lymphatic fluid moving throughout the body while exfoliating the skin.
#5: Add Essential Oils and Hydrating Salts
Epsom salts are a natural relaxant and a great way to relieve tension and stress. You find epsom salts made with essential oils and moisturizing ingredients that get released into the tub as the salts dissolve. Try bath bombs made with organic ingredients or simply add some essential oils to the tub with a scoop of epsom salts to treat yourself to a blissful bath.
You can turn bath time into a beautifying ritual by using certain products that detoxify, moisturize, and tone your skin. What are some of your favorite bath time routines? Share in the comments below!
