Bath Time, A Chance to Relax
I absolutely love taking baths. I get a chance to relax and read a good book or listen to some relaxing music.
I don’t get the opportunity to take very many baths because of the many excuses I have, but I would really love to make more time for me and a bath.
When I do get a chance to soak I like to make the most out of it.
I like to incorporate soothing ingredients for my skin and aromatherapy for my mind. We have a dimmer light in our bathroom (which I would highly recommend) so I will turn the lights down low and light some candles.
I always use salts in my baths, whether they are Epsom or from the Dead Sea. Both types provide nourishing elements which are absorbed through the skin.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts originally came from the mineral baths in Epsom, England but is now obtained from anywhere. It is a mineral compound of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen which makes magnesium sulfate.
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can have a softening effect on skin and it rinses away completely, leaving no residue behind. The magnesium can also have a laxative effect although I have not had an issue with this when I use it in my bath.
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath may also help to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, muscle aches, and warts. I know that if I have any muscle aches or soreness an Epsom salt bath helps.
Dead Sea Salts
Dead Sea salts come from well…… the Dead Sea, which is a salt lake located below sea level in Israel. These mineral salts contain magnesium, like Epsom salts, but also potassium, calcium chloride, sodium, and bromide.
People travel from all over to the Dead Sea just to soak in the mineral rich water and slather the mud all over their bodies. It has been reported to help with detoxification, arthritis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, dry skin, eczema, and muscle aches. I love soaking in a bath with Dead Sea salts and notice softer skin afterwards. It also helps with any muscle aches I may have.
Essential Oils
There are many oils I like to use and it really just depends on my mood. I do have some staples though and jojoba oil and lavender essential oil are two of those. I choose the jojoba oil because it most resembles the oil that our body naturally produces so it won’t clog pores. I like to use the lavender oil because it smells good to me and it is reported to help with rest and relaxation.
There are so many essential oils out there and each one has its own unique qualities. I have a variety of essential oils so to find the one that most suits my current mood I close my eyes, and smell each one to determine which one smells the best to me at that moment. I will then put a few drops of that oil in my bath. Although I haven’t had any reactions to any of my oils I would test a drop on your wrist or the behind your ear before putting any in your bath.
Where to Find Amazing Relaxation Goodies
Bed, Bath, & Beyond carries a great selection of Epsom Salts including Dr. Teal’s lavender and chamomile. Ulta carries a variety of dead sea salts including AHAVA and Shea Moisture. I also have a dead sea salt scrub by The Body Shop that I really love (Ulta also carries this product). Target is another great resource for dead salt and Epsom salt. They even carry some that include both dead sea and Epsom salts. Kaiderma also carries some great products.
Essential oils can be found at health food stores, apothecaries, and naturopathic colleges. Also Amazon is always a great resource for dead sea salts, Epsom salt, and essential oils.
Now go get your relaxation on.