There is nothing like a soothing, relaxing bath after a tiring day. From Roman kings to the harried house maker today — a leisurely bath has always been one of the most preferred ways to relax. But if you want to make your bath extra special, what you need is natural bath oils. Made of essential oils, these bath oils are full of nature’s goodness. They have the power of healing your mind, body, and spirit!
Natural or Skin bath oil just add a bit more oomph to your regular bath, making it beneficial in multiple ways. You can turn your bath into a little lagoon, an underwater dip or Cleopatra’s lush soak with just a few drops of the right oil. Studies have shown that these baths have muscle-relaxing, stress lowering, and mind-soothing properties. Running a bath with some natural bath oils is simple and easy. But you should know the right way to do this.
The Right Way to Prepare Your Bath
There is a way to add essential oils to your bath and chances are that you have been doing it all wrong. Most people just add oil directly, which is where they go wrong! To remind your basic chemistry: a) Oil and water do not mix & b) Oil floats on top. So the essential oil drops you just added to the bath are floating on top and will just cling to your skin, including the less-mentioned parts! When added directly in an undiluted form, the essential oils can cause irritation and may even sting your skin.
Plus, essential oils are prepared in concentration. It makes them pretty potent. Even a few drops can pack quite a punch. So, you must use them judiciously. Keep in mind that essential oils have their own properties. Using the wrong oil may just give you an unintended effect. Know what you are using and use it in the right manner. So, here are a few tips to get it right:
Use Carrier Oil
Since the essential oils are by themselves insoluble, you have to mix these with some sort of carrier oil. These oils disperse the natural bath oils more evenly in the bath. For carrier oil, you can pick sunflower, jojoba, coconut or olive oil. Some bath oils include these carrier oils. Just check the labeling. Otherwise, include 8-12 drops of the essential oil to one tablespoon of the bearer oil and blend well. You can add this mixture as your bath oil.
Add At Right Time
If you add the oils to the tub before you fill it with water, the fragrance of the oil will just escape with the steam. It will scent the bathroom more than it will reach you! So, add the oil after the tub is filled and before you step in. Make sure to turn off the tap before you add the oil.
Slippery Tub
The oil will mix quickly with the water and when you step in, it will already be part of the bath. One of the consequences of adding oil is that it makes the bath quite slippery. So, be careful when you are climbing in or out of the bath. The slippery surface can cause you to lose your footing.
When Adding Other Elements
Remember that natural bath oils will not dissolve in many of the additives that you may add to the water, such as most bath salts, milk, Epsom Salt or Aloe Vera gel. So, if you are planning on adding any of these, dissolve the bath oil in the water first and then add these elements.
Look Out For Irritants
Are you allergic to any of the commonly found bath oil ingredients? Some common irritants are oregano, thyme, basil, bay, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, peppermint, and black pepper. Read the label if you are buying any combination oils.
Using Right Oil
Some oils relax your mind and body, some are energizing, while some are believed to be aphrodisiac in nature. You can also make combinations of different oils to enhance their properties.
Next time you run a bath; remember our tips on adding Natural or Skin Bath Oil. Then, sit back and relax!
