Few experiences compare to a relaxing bath after a long, stressful day. As you slip your body into the hot water and lay your head back, that feeling can certainly fade any remaining stress away [source]. Why not embrace this glorious moment by also helping to detoxify your body and soften your skin?
Best Bath Ingredients
One of the best parts of a bath is the variety. Weโve put together a guide to drawing a better bath and most of the ingredients you probably already have in your home!
1. Epsom salt
Wonderful at easing muscle soreness and relieving tension, Epsom salt can be added to almost any bath salts recipe. It’s also a good source of magnesium [source] and makes skin soft and smooth.
2. 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. Just make sure to rinse off well when you’re done!
3. Ginger
If youโre battling headaches or need a good detox bath, ginger (freshly grated or ground) is just the ingredient youโll 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 [source]. Note that ginger can cause sensitive skin to react, so test it on your skin first
4. 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 add essential oils to bath salts for their aromatherapy benefits. If you want to add them to your bath, they will need to be diluted in a carrier oil or emulsifier first. All the instructions you need for doing that can be found here.
5. Oatmeal
If youโre suffering from itchy or irritated skin, oatmeal is very soothing to add to your bath [source]. If anyone in your house gets poison ivy or sunburn, this is a great way to treat it.
6. Coconut Oil
One of the best bath ingredients for soft skin, coconut oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties [source]. Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil into running water to moisturize and soften during your bath. Or, use coconut oil in one of these 101 ways!
7. Lavender
Noted as one of the most relaxing herbs [source], lavender would be the perfect choice to wind down and ensure a good nightโs sleep. Dried lavender or lavender essential oil can be used in your next soak (see the link in #4 above for instructions on safely adding EOs to the bath).
8. Milk
The lactic acid in milk is both exfoliating and softening for our skinโit’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!
9. Tea
Adding a few tea bags to your bath is an easy recipe for reviving skin. Green tea is a perfect choice for helping your skin fight the effects of the environment and aging [source], and chamomile is a great before-bed relaxer [source].
10. Honey
Moisturizing, anti-aging, and antibacterial [source], honey is a powerhouse for our skin! This honey bubble bath recipe is just the ticket if you need some extra bubbles.
11. 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 and make a fun bath bomb using baking soda.
12. Roses
They arenโt just sweet to smell and equally decadent, but rose petals and rose water are also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing [source]. Try a rose milk bath next time you need a little indulgence.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glowโs medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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wonderful blog thanks for sharing these information.
Thanks for your info. look forward to your posts and tips :)
I always look forward to your posts and tips.
Can i use milk amd tea bags at the same time
Thanks for the info .looking forward to my next soak .
Hi – you mention milk as beneficial due to its lactic acid content, but then suggest substituting it with coconut milk, which has none. What gives?
For people who have lactose allergies.
Just had a hour soak.. Started with nornal shiwer then bath…. Olive oil cinnamon sticks baking soda hymalaya salt lemon juice and essential oils. I intoduce more as a take a long every week Feels so good and thnx…
I love this list you have put together.
I was familiar with the Epsom salts, essential oils, and coconut oil but I would have never thought to add red wine or ginger to a soak in the tub to help my skin and detox my body
Thanks for this information.
Thanks for a great tips. I love to try them all. I can’t wait. Have a great day!
How much of each would you add to a bath? Specifically number 2?
If you aren’t straight bathing in wine you’re doing it wrong
LMAO THATS SO TRUE
Wonderful post…I like your blog.^^
Maybe follow each other on bloglovin?
Let me know follow you then back.
Lovely greets Nessa