It’s no secret that here at IDEAL, we love a good bath. And it looks like we’re not the only ones – since the first lockdown, Radox saw a record-breaking 22% growth in 2020. That’s a lot of bubble bottles and a lot of baths!
Indeed, so many are rediscovering the well-being benefits of a warm soak in the tub, allowing us a few moments of peace away from screens, deadlines, and those pesky partners of ours. That said, there’s a thin line between a soothing, sumptuous soak that nourishes the soul and one spent in tepid water with fingertips and enthusiasm wilting. To enjoy the former side, here are 7 steps to creating the ultimate relaxing bath experience.
GET THE TEMPERATURE RIGHT
The most important step first…
Lots of people complain that they don’t like baths because they get “too hot”, and it’s true; sitting in nearly scalding-hot water isn’t particularly fun. Moreover, the heat isn’t good for your skin. As Bustle reports “when water is too hot, it strips your skin of its natural oils, which could leave you dry, itchy, and irritated”.
But neither is a bath that’s lukewarm; it just makes the whole thing feel a little anticlimactic, don’t you think? So, how hot should your bath be? Ideally, your water should be between 32 and 38°C, and the room 25-30°C. Most bathing experts (yep, they do exist) recommend filling your bath up to two thirds of your desired depth with hot water alone then completing the remaining third with only cold. This should get you within that 32 to 38°C bracket.
USE ESSENTIAL OILS
An aromatherapy bath with essential oils can be so relaxing, offering a whole host of stress relieving, muscle relaxing and mind soothing benefits. That said, deploying such oils incorrectly can quickly turn your bath into an unpleasant experience, leaving the skin irritated and sore.
Indeed, essential oils that are extracted from plants and flowers through distillation are highly concentrated, so using them correctly is, well, essential.
You may like to put essential oils, such as lavender, into your bath. However, if you have sensitive skin, consider an electric essential oil diffuser to release the scent into the air, instead.
However, you use your essential oils, be sure to use the right one for your mood. For something uplifting, Good Housekeeping recommend a mixture of lemon, rosemary and thyme linalool at a ratio of 5:3:2. To soothe your aching bones and muscles, try 5 drops of marjoram, 4 of lemongrass and 3 of lavender. And for the ultimate relaxation bath, a concoction of lavender, chamomile and frankincense (5:4:3) is just wonderful.
FACE MASK & BATH SOAK COMBOS
We all know by now that wearing a facemask in the bath is relaxing. However, we’re here to talk about creating the ultimate relaxing bath experience. So, take your experience to the next level by pairing your bubble bath, oils, soaks and salts with your facemask.
As Well+Good explains “as with any partnership, compatibility is key”, and this is true when it comes to bath time pairings.
Finding the right formula depends on what vibe you’re going for. If you’re looking for an energising time in the bath, then go for stimulating bath salts with citrus notes and match a rejuvenating, energising face mask to that.
Looking to switch off and zone out? Then try a soothing bath soak like lavender or chamomile and an equally zen inducing facemask. Or, if you’re looking to hydrate your skin, try adding sunflower oil to your bath and match that fragrance with a hydrating face mask.
Such synergy can only be a good thing.
Read: 5 of the best products that will upgrade your bathtime experience
PUT ON RELAXING MUSIC
According to a survey by YouGov, listening to music is the nation’s favourite bathtime activity (aren’t you glad they’re focusing on the important stuff for once?).
If your day has been full of hustle, bustle, errands and demands, a little bit of ‘you’ time could be just what the doctor ordered, and one of the best ways to block out the business of the day is with relaxing music. You can then focus on clearing your mind and relaxing your body without too much stimulation. Just make sure you keep any electronic devices away from the tub!
For the ultimate soothing experience, why not try a sound bath in the bath? A sound bath is all about being bathed in waves of soothing sound, from wind and percussion instruments. When combined with the enveloping sensation of warm water…well, just imagining it has got us feeling relaxed.
Editor, can we finish up here?
EAT SOME SNACKS
Nope, we better continue; there’s still some great tips to share.
For some, a bath time snack is an essential course – and we’re not judging! Hey, why shouldn’t you eat in the bath? While you’re lying there, letting the warm water soak into your skin, you could also be reaching over the edge of the tub for some well-placed strawberries or other fruits, and maybe even chocolate or a glass of wine. Well, we did talk about nourishing the soul earlier.
Bath appetite, indeed.
DIM THE LIGHTS
If you’d prefer to do as little as possible while you’re relaxing in the bath, dim the lights for the ultimate sense of relaxation. You may even like to light a few candles to improve the room’s ambience; nothing beats that flicker, after all.
Without blinding lights beaming down on you, you’ll be in a better position to enjoy the many benefits that a good bath has to offer, such as muscle and joint relief, stress reduction and even a potential improvement in heart health.
READ A BOOK
In the chaos of everyday life, it’s not always easy to take a moment for yourself to read a book. However, your bath offers the ideal opportunity to do just that.
For at least the next half hour, you can be immersed in a new world that’s free from distraction. You may choose to sit up in the bath with a book or invest in a shelf that sits across the tub to house the book for you. Some people also find it easier to use e-readers in the tub to reduce the risk of the pages getting wet. The latest e-reader models are waterproof, but it still pays to take care when using them around water.
THE BOTTOM LINE
When the chaos of the day becomes too much to bear, the bath is always ready and waiting to become a restful retreat. Let the stresses of the day melt away while you’re soaking in warm water with a good book, a glass of wine, and the gentle flicker of candles in the background.
Right, we’re off to run one…care to join us?