Who doesn’t love a good soak, hey? You know, those long, languid ones that take you somewhere else entirely. Those ones bolstered by a book and a bottle (a glass, sorry, we mean a glass), and last until your fingertips are wrinkly and your face flushed.
You know what we’re talking about, right? Of course you do; you sound like you’re pretty conversant in taking time out in the tub. But if you’re truly looking to raise your bath time game, then have you considered introducing bath salts to that well-tailored bathing routine of yours?
You won’t regret it. With the help of Westlab, here are 5 IDEAL benefits of using bath salts.
HELP PROMOTE HEALTHIER SKIN
Dry, sensitive or irritated skin can be uncomfortable and wreak havoc with your self-esteem. And, of course, can make bathing a trial rather than a treat.
Conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can also be exacerbated by the harsh chemicals found in many cosmetics, which is why it’s important to look for more natural, gentle products to use in your bath.
Bath salts are naturally purifying and can be rich in minerals which help to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Dead Sea bath salts, in particular, contain magnesium, potassium and calcium and are renowned for soothing skin and supporting natural skin healing. Himalayan bath salts are another great choice for cleansing skin to achieve a radiant finish.
Read: 7 Steps to Creating the Ultimate Relaxing Bath Experience
MAY REDUCE INFLAMMATION
Bath salts can help to relax your muscles and your mind, allowing you some peace and quiet for a short while after a long day. Both magnesium flakes and Epsom bath salts (which contain magnesium) can help to relax your muscles after a tense day.
Because magnesium at low levels can help ease the pain of arthritis sufferers, Epsom bath salts may help with a number of inflammatory conditions and even promote pain relief.
TO AID RECOVERY
If you exercise regularly or you’re training for a sporting event, it’s important to look after your body and do what you can to help it recover. Aside from the obvious benefit of some downtime with your feet up in the bath, Epsom salts have long been used for their reviving properties, too, benefitting tired and aching muscles.
According to Runner’s World, taking a bath with Epsom bath salts may increase our exposure to magnesium and reduce aching limbs. What’s more, the sulfates present in Epsom bath salts may assist recovery further.
That said, it should be noted that studies are still ongoing (and largely, inconclusive) about whether using bath salts actually helps you absorb magnesium. Studies thus far suggest that this is unlikely.
TO DETOX
Treating your body to a detox every once in a while can help you to feel lithe, fresh and rejuvenated. You can turn your bath into a spa experience with the simple addition of natural Himalayan bath salt, to help cleanse and purify your skin.
Himalayan salt is said to be the purest salt on earth, formed over 250 million years ago. It is pink in colour from numerous trace minerals and elements, including magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium.
The texture of the salt creates a natural exfoliator, while the properties of the salt itself can help balance moisture levels in your skin. So, if you’re looking for a bath time pamper session to leave your skin feeling radiant and smooth, adding Himalayan bath salts could make a difference.
FOR SLEEP SUPPORT
Sleep can be hard to come by if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and we’ve all had times when falling – and staying – asleep has been tough. As any baby will attest (if only they could darn speak), having a bath before bed can have positive effects on your ability to sleep better, as the warm water can help your body to circulate blood better and, paradoxically, helps you cool down to the optimum temperature for sleep afterwards.
Adding bath salts to your pre-bed bath routine, particularly those scented with soothing aromas like lavender or chamomile, can help strengthen that sense of ceremony, and allow your mind to draw connections between bath time and bedtime. Lovely stuff, indeed.
Now, we better be off. Our bath has overflowed whilst writing this and we can hear the flat below screaming.