HOW TO CREATE A RELAXING BATH AT HOME: A 5-STEP RITUAL
There's real magic in a relaxing bath at home. In ancient cultures around the world, bathing was revered as an art form. It was considered to be much more than a way to simply cleanse the skin; it was thought of as a therapeutic ritual. From the Turkish hammam to the Swedish hot spring, the Japanese onsen to the geothermal pool in Iceland, we invite you to borrow a little bit of bathing magic to create your own spa experience at home.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Keep the water warm, not hot, around 37 to 38°C. Prolonged exposure to hot water dries out the skin.
- Soak for 15 to 20 minutes to truly unwind.
- Add Epsom salts and a few drops of body or essential oil.
- Apply moisturiser within three minutes of bathing, while skin is still damp.
- Set the mood first with a candle, low light and a playlist.
STEP 1. SET THE MOOD
Turn your bathroom into a luxurious retreat by engaging the senses. We love to light a candle, which not only casts a soft ambient glow but also fills the space with a subtle scent. Our LUI CANDLE is hand-poured from soy wax and is fragranced with our signature scent of orange blossom, iris and vetiver. Put on some music to take it to the next level (and yes, we have a PLAYLIST for that).
STEP 2. GET THE TEMPERATURE RIGHT
Stepping into a tub of scalding water really takes the joy out of bathing. We like to fill the majority of the bath with lukewarm water, only adding hot water at the very end. Try to keep things a little more lukewarm than boiling, around 37 to 38°C, close to body temperature; prolonged exposure to hot water dries out the skin.
STEP 3. USE YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCTS
No bath is complete without a repertoire of body care products. We recommend adding a few drops of body oil or essential oil to your bath, along with Epsom salts, to soothe sore muscles. Pop on your favourite face mask and hair mask while you luxuriate in the warm water. The steam in the atmosphere will help them to really soak in. Exfoliate the skin using our BODY POLISH, taking time to shave using our SHAVE CREAM and RAZOR.
STEP 4. SELECT THE RIGHT ACCOUTREMENTS
Aim to soak for 15 to 20 minutes, long enough to truly unwind. Just because the water is draining doesn't mean the cosy times have to be over. Step onto a beautiful bath mat and dry off with a generously sized towel. We love those made from organic cotton; they feel so soft and absorbent. Wrap yourself in a fluffy robe and lean into the hotel experience with some slippers.
STEP 5. REHYDRATE THE SKIN
Your skin is now perfectly prepped to be cocooned in a moisturiser. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, not only compromising its barrier function but leaving it parched. Dermatologists recommend applying moisturiser within three minutes of bathing, as it absorbs best into slightly damp skin. Towel dry and then liberally apply our BODY MOISTURISER. It's been formulated with hydrating ingredients like squalane, niacinamide and omega-rich plant oils.
RELATED READING
Keep the ritual going with BEC'S AUTUMN BODY CARE ROUTINE, our WINTER BODY CARE TIPS, and WHY YOUR BODY CARE ROUTINE NEEDS PLANT-BASED OILS.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What temperature should a relaxing bath be?
Warm, not hot, a little more lukewarm than boiling, around 37 to 38°C. Prolonged exposure to hot water dries out the skin, so add hot water only at the very end.
How long should you soak in a bath?
Around 15 to 20 minutes, long enough to unwind, without staying in warm water so long that it dries the skin.
What can I add to a bath for dry skin?
A few drops of body oil or essential oil, along with Epsom salts, to soothe sore muscles. Keep the water warm rather than hot, and moisturise as soon as you're out.
Is it better to moisturise before or after a bath?
After. Dermatologists recommend applying moisturiser within three minutes of bathing, as it absorbs best into slightly damp skin.
How often should you take a relaxing bath?
As often as you like, one to three times a week suits most people. Keeping the water warm, not hot, helps avoid drying the skin.
Are Epsom salts good for your skin?
They help soothe sore muscles and aid relaxation. Add a scoop to warm water, soak, and rinse afterwards.