Like a baby, I look forward to a relaxing bath at the end of the day. Baths can be so therapeutic as they allow you to soak, unwind and enjoy various beauty products. However, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on fancy products as many of these bath solutions come from basic products that are available in your kitchen.
Here are seven items that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
1. Milk
My daughter recently came back from a trip to Mombasa, and even though she carried a bottle of sunscreen, she has come back burnt with dry, peeling skin. I added a litre of whole milk to her bath water and allowed her to soak in it for at least 20 minutes. If you have powdered milk, use two cups. The lactic acid in milk helps to hydrate and soothe, and also dissolves dead skin. Use whole rather than skimmed milk to get the full benefits.
2. Jelly
If you have young children, you will probably have some boxes of jelly in your kitchen. Jelly contains small amounts of gelatin, a natural product extracted from animal skin and bone. Gelatin contains collagen which improves the skins elasticity.
Add half a box of sugar free jelly powder to your bath water and relax. Jelly comes in a variety of products such as orange, strawberry, cherry, and many others. These fruity scents elevate mood and leave you smelling delicious.
3. Bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda is detoxifying as it helps to neutralize skin acidity while promoting elimination of toxins. It also calms irritated skin and relieves itching caused by insect bites. Add 5 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda powder to your bath water and soak for 10-20 minutes. After the bath, lie down in bed for a few minutes as a detox will cause you to feel tired. Your skin should feel renewed and softened.
4. Lemon
Lemon is both detoxifying and refreshes tired skin. Squeeze and drop five lemons into your running water. Drop them in your bath water with their peels still on and then soak and relax for 20 minutes. Lemon helps to even skin tone while tightening your pores. It also removes harmful toxins from your body. Use lemon in moderation, especially if you have sensitive skin as it can sting.
5. Olive Oil
The actress Sophia Loren keeps her skin beautiful and soft by taking regular olive oil baths. Add five tablespoons of oil into warm water and soak for 10-20 minutes. Olive oil helps maintain the collagen in your skin, leaving it as soft as a baby’s.
6. Oatmeal
To avoid a messy bathtub, place two cups of oatmeal in a muslin cloth, tie it up and put it in your bath water. Oatmeal cleanses and softens the skin while soothing irritation. Oatmeal baths are excellent for people with eczema.
7. Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are a beauty must-have for all members of the family. The minerals in the salts break down lactic acid thereby soothing sore muscles and reducing inflammation. The sulfates in epsom salts also help flush out toxins and heavy metals from your body. Use one cup of salt for a therapeutic bath that promotes overall beauty and relaxation.
Lavender baths promote restful beauty sleep and relaxation, and a safe to use even on babies. Remember to moisturize your entire body immediately after the bath. If you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, ensure that you consult your doctor before indulging in these bath remedies.