Ditch the Bubbles and Add These 3 Nourishing Ingredients to Your Bath Tonight
At the end of a long day, there is no better feeling than drawing a warm bubble bath and spending some quality time alone. I mean, isn’t that the definition of self-care? Although it seems like a great idea, the bubbles in your bath can lead to irritation and dryness that can leave you feeling itchy and uncomfortable for days to come.
To save the health of your skin, try swapping out your bubbles for these 3 nourishing bath ingredients. Your skin will thank you!
Colloidal Oatmeal for Dry Skin
If you experience dry, itchy skin, or have a diagnosis of eczema, colloidal oatmeal might just become your new favorite bath ingredient! Studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-itch effects on the skin and it can help improve the damaged skin barrier commonly found in patients with dry, cracked, skin seen in eczema.
Quick Tip: Try putting the colloidal oatmeal powder into a tightly woven cloth bag before adding to your bath so the powder doesn’t clog your drainage system!
2. Green Tea for Body Acne
Green tea is not only a delicious antioxidant and health-promoting drink, but it is also a great ingredient to add to your bath, especially if you experience body acne. Used topically, green tea has been shown to reduce the skin’s oil production that leads to acne breakouts, as well as being anti-inflammatory, and soothing to the skin.
Quick Tip: Add as many of your favorite organic tea bags as you’d like to your next bath and experience the benefits for yourself!
3. Jojoba Oil to Nourish Skin
Jojoba is a shrub that grows in the Southwestern United States and in Mexico and the oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant. Jojoba oil has been used in traditional medicines for centuries and for great reason! Studies have shown that jojoba oil is nourishing to the skin, helps repair a damaged skin barrier, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects on the skin.
Quick Tip: Since jojoba oil will float on top of the bath water, it will help coat your skin once you get out of the bath, so don’t bother wiping it away! Head straight to bed for an overnight full-body nourishing treatment.
Essential Oil Baths are a No-Go!
I know essential oils are all the rage, but adding them to your bath can be harmful and damaging to your skin! Essential oils are strong chemical cocktails and are oils after all, so they float on top of your bath water. This can lead to irritation and even chemical burns to the delicate skin exposed to the oils.
Quick Tip: Make sure your water isn’t too hot, especially if you have dry skin, because hot water can make your skin even more dry! Lukewarm baths are key!
Taking baths can be a relaxing part of a self-care routine, but before you reach for your bubbles, try one of these 3 nourishing ingredients instead for happier and healthier skin!
Want to take a holistic and natural approach to your health? Dr. Dumont is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor at Coastal Thyme Holistic Skin + Wellness in Portsmouth, NH and is accepting new patient visits. Click here to schedule your New Patient visit or schedule a complimentary discovery call to see how we can help you heal naturally.
