Hot baths have a soothing and relaxing effect. A warm bath is not only balm for the soul when it is cold and uncomfortable outside, but also an ideal means of combating stress, tension, aching limbs and an emerging cold. But for the hot bath to pamper body and senses properly, suitable bath additives and the right atmosphere are crucial. We give tips on how to relax properly in the tub.
Oil baths or foam baths?
As nice as a bubble bath is: the bath foam often contains surfactants that dry out the skin. Especially dry and very dry skin is therefore happy about an oil bath. In contrast to bubble baths, oil baths are not used for cleansing, but are pure care rituals. Therefore, you should shower before the bath and carefully rinse off any soap or gel residues. Additions of vitamin C and E act as radical scavengers. Essential fatty acids, also known as vitamin F, have a particularly moisture-binding and lipid-replenishing effect, so that these ingredients often save you having to apply lotion after the bath. If you don’t want to do without foam, you can use bath additives made from coconut, sugar or protein surfactants. These do not foam as much, but do not dry out the skin as much. In addition, they are more natural and environmentally friendly than conventional foam baths.
Bath oils against dry skin
Those who suffer from particularly dry skin can cream their bodies with an intensively nourishing body and bath oil before getting into the tub. Base oils from soy, wheat germ, almond, avocado and jojoba regenerate the skin and coat it with a protective greasy film, so that the skin is already protected from drying out in the water. Ideally, the bath oil should remain on the skin even after the bath – so you should not rinse it off or rub it off with a towel.
Homemade bath additive for mature skin
Of course, you can also mix your own beauty elixir. An oil bath for mature skin needs:
- 4 drops of sandalwood oil
- 4 drops jasmine oil
- 2 tablespoons wheat germ oil
Everything is mixed and added to the warm bath water. Alternatively, you can oil your body or particularly dry areas of the skin with wheat germ oil and then relax in the tub for about 15 minutes at 36 degrees. Tip: Do not rub the skin dry after the oil bath. Better: dab very carefully.
Bliss in the tub thanks to bath salts
Also very skin-friendly are bath salts. These tighten the skin and bind the moisture in it. In addition, they contain minerals that can even help soothe skin irritations and support healing processes. Bath salts are therefore well suited for neurodermatitis or sensitive skin. In addition to the actual salt crystals, these bath additives often contain plant extracts, shea butter or jojoba oil. By the way, such salts can easily be mixed with a few drops of food coloring. This results in colorful baths, which are especially popular with children.
Beguiling fragrance experience through essential oils.
Many bath salts and oil baths contain essential oils whose aroma stimulates the senses. They are available in a variety of scents and, according to aromatherapy, have a relaxing (for example, lavender), invigorating and refreshing (for example, rosemary, camphor and citrus aromas) or healing effect (for example, spruce needles and eucalyptus for colds) in addition to their caring properties.
Small bathing 101
For the best bathing experience, consider the following tips:
- Short and cooler baths up to 35 degrees Celsius refresh and energize.
- Relaxing baths should be 36 to 37 degrees.
- Water temperatures from 37 degrees upwards make you sleepy and heavy in bed.
- Ideal bath time: 10 to 20 minutes. Otherwise, even the most robust skin barrier makes flabby.
- To relax also contributes the right atmosphere with candlelight and soft music.
- Before leaving the tub, rinse the legs cold – this strengthens the keislauf.
- After bathing, cream carefully (except oil baths) and relax for half an hour.
- To do this, best to “wrap up” in a cozy bathrobe and warm socks.
When to be careful?
If you have a cold, an appropriate bath can help relieve symptoms. However, refrain from getting into the tub if you have a fever, as this puts too much strain on the circulation.Anyone suffering from venous disease or varicose veins should not bathe too long or too hot. Otherwise, as a result of the heat, the vessels may dilate and all the blood will flow into the legs, which will not supply the heart adequately. If you have high blood pressure and circulation problems, you should not bathe warmer than 36 degrees. Pregnant women should also not bathe too hot, especially towards the end of pregnancy. This is because too much stress on the circulatory system can trigger premature labor.
Bathing before sleeping? Tips for bathing in the evening!
There is nothing wrong with a relaxing bath in the evening – on the contrary! In fact, the evening is considered the best time to take a bath, because a warm bath before sleep makes you tired. It can even help improve sleep, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, as an American study found out. However, the right temperature is important, because a cold (or too hot) bath tends to stimulate the circulation rather than calm it. If you take a bath in the evening, you should not go to bed immediately after getting out of the tub, but rest for another half hour. In addition, one should also not bathe immediately after dinner, as the body is then still busy with digestion. A bath additive with lavender has an additional relaxing effect.