One of my most used methods to unwind and reduce stress is to take a bath.
In my experience, submerging your entire body into a tub of hot, slightly perfumed water seems to be an ultimate cure-all. A lot of people I've spoken with find it completely bizarre that I still bathe (as an alternative to showering, I mean,) because they stopped doing this as children. Others find it unhygienic or impractical because they no longer fit in the tub. If that is your case, I say try try try; my room-mate is very tall (I don't know her exact height, but she is taller than average,) and she still manages to get some relaxation time in the tub. So really, there are no other excuses. Anyway, if you're looking for some much-deserved R&R, I've compiled a little list of my bath-time products and rituals to hopefully get you guys inspired to start running some water. ;-)
Let's start with the basics. These products are items that are bath-time staples but luckily don't need to be replaced often.
Firstly, you should invest in a bath pillow. There's nothing more discouraging than taking a nice dip only to have to deal with the cold porcelain and achy neck that you'll get from trying to position yourself comfortably. I like this one from The Body Shop (only $12!) as it's made of a cotton fabric on not a weird plastic that gets slimy with soap residue.
Second thing you will be needing is a loofah. Trust me, exfoliating does freaking wonders for the skin. I settled for the soap-bar-to-skin method for my entire life. My cousin suggested I start using a loofah to help with this irritated skin rash on my arms that I've had since I was nine years old. After using a loofah for a week, poof! Gone. I always say you should exfoliate your entire body in the shower, slather yourself in coconut oil and then hit the sheets. You'll have genuinely perfect skin all ovah. Who doesn't want that? Maybe I should have saved all this loofah loving for another post because you won't just be using that baby at bath-time; it really should be used at least twice a week, regardless of whether you're bathing or showering. AND it eliminates the need for exfoliating shower scrubs, which, in my opinion, do sweet #@$% all. Ok, I'm going to shut-up about the loofah now.
I strongly suggest getting a natural loofah. (They look like this.) You can buy these at most natural stores or grow your own(!) apparently.
I suffer from mildly dry skin, and like most dry skin "wearers", my skin gets super parched in the winter. The internet and everyone in my life tell me to avoid taking hot showers or baths as it strips the natural oils from your skin. I would if I could but I just can't. This is why I feel a bit strange giving this advice as I won't be practising what I'm preaching; I'm a freak and I like to cook myself until my skin turns pink and the bathroom is so steamy you can't see your own hand in front of you. SO, don't be a fool like me and take ~warm~ baths. Another unfortunate thing about us is that we actually should avoid bubble baths. I know, I know. You're asking "What's the point of a bath with no bubbles?" The world is a sad place when I hear these things. I still take one from time to time just for the hell of it and it doesn't seem to do so much harm. So, like most things in life, enjoy in moderation and/or opt for a couple of drops of deeply moisturising essentials oils, some softening bath bombs or melts, or dropping a few packets of (unflavoured) oats into the tub. (Another useful tip; Grab a handful of oats and lightly wet them in the shower to use as a gentle, cheap and easy exfoliating scrub.)
Here are the products I am enjoying lately
L'Occitane - Organic Essential Oil (Purifying Blend, Relaxing Blend, Revitalizing Blend)
LUSH - (Ceridwen's Cauldron, Dreamtime, You've Been Mangoed, MMM Melting Marshmallow Moment)
I strongly suggest getting a natural loofah. (They look like this.) You can buy these at most natural stores or grow your own(!) apparently.
I suffer from mildly dry skin, and like most dry skin "wearers", my skin gets super parched in the winter. The internet and everyone in my life tell me to avoid taking hot showers or baths as it strips the natural oils from your skin. I would if I could but I just can't. This is why I feel a bit strange giving this advice as I won't be practising what I'm preaching; I'm a freak and I like to cook myself until my skin turns pink and the bathroom is so steamy you can't see your own hand in front of you. SO, don't be a fool like me and take ~warm~ baths. Another unfortunate thing about us is that we actually should avoid bubble baths. I know, I know. You're asking "What's the point of a bath with no bubbles?" The world is a sad place when I hear these things. I still take one from time to time just for the hell of it and it doesn't seem to do so much harm. So, like most things in life, enjoy in moderation and/or opt for a couple of drops of deeply moisturising essentials oils, some softening bath bombs or melts, or dropping a few packets of (unflavoured) oats into the tub. (Another useful tip; Grab a handful of oats and lightly wet them in the shower to use as a gentle, cheap and easy exfoliating scrub.)
Here are the products I am enjoying lately
L'Occitane - Organic Essential Oil (Purifying Blend, Relaxing Blend, Revitalizing Blend)
LUSH - (Ceridwen's Cauldron, Dreamtime, You've Been Mangoed, MMM Melting Marshmallow Moment)
O.K.
Now it is time for you to slip out of your clothes into something soft and silky and sink your feet into your slippers. Turn on some Edith Piaf, Chopin, Tribe Called Quest, Queen; you know, whatever puts you in a good mood. Light some candles, run the water, dim the lights. Mix your potions, pour yourself a glass of wine and drown yourself in some hella fine water. (Not literally though, you guys...)
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