Bath additives for a relaxing bath at home

Different bath additives and their effects

Every bath additive has its own effect on body and mind. There are basically four different types of bath additive. These are:

Bath oils
Bath salts
Bath bombs
Bubble baths

They often already differ in their effect on the skin and in their composition. On top of this come the various ingredients, which can contribute to your sense of wellbeing. Lavender, for example, has a relaxing effect, while rosemary or citrus scents tend to be invigorating. Pine needles or eucalyptus are popular when you have a cold. Rose oil, on the other hand, is both invigorating and relaxing and can have a noticeable influence on your sense of wellbeing. You can buy the various bath additives such as bath pearls, bath pralines and bath bombs from various manufacturers or simply make a suitable additive yourself. At the end of the article we show you how to put together your own bath additives easily and conveniently to suit your individual needs and wishes.

How to protect your skin after a relaxing bath

When you have enjoyed a relaxing bath with additives in your sitting bathtub, you may not want to simply dry yourself off as usual. Soapy bath additives, for example, should be rinsed off with clear water so that they do not dry out the skin any further after the bath. If, however, you have enjoyed a relaxing bath with an oil-based additive, you should only gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it. This allows the oil to continue to soak into the skin after the bath and have its pleasant effect. If you have used bath additives that draw moisture from the skin during the bath, you should always apply a moisturising cream afterwards. This prevents the skin from drying out permanently and is particularly important in winter, when the heating makes the air dry.

Cleaning after the bath is important

A relaxing bath is a treat for body and mind alike. To keep this treat from turning into a nightmare, remember to clean the bathtub properly after use. Bath salts and oils, as well as all other bath additives, can quickly leave unsightly marks in the bathtub. If you do not deal with them straight after your bath, cleaning can take longer later on. For this reason, follow the tips and advice on cleaning that we explained in an earlier blog article.

Creating a pleasant atmosphere to unwind

Besides the water temperature and the bath additive, other factors also play a role in a relaxing bath. What use is the nicest bath additive if you do not feel comfortable in your bathroom? The aim is to turn your bathroom into a place of peace and relaxation and to use a bathtub or whirlpool that suits you and your size. Attractive, decorative and functional bathroom furniture, individually adjustable lighting and calm music can make your time to relax in the bathroom much more pleasant. Small accents in colour or shape, slightly playful elements or the use of wood in the bathroom can also influence the atmosphere. The more comfortable you feel in your bathroom, the more you can enjoy your bath and the better you can switch off after a hard day. Modern technology can help here too. In a smart bathroom you can prepare and adjust moments of comfort and relaxation directly from your smartphone.

When you should do without a relaxing bath

There are a number of reasons to do without a relaxing bath. Often these are medical reasons, which can considerably limit the enjoyment of bathing. Whether because of skin conditions, a body that is already under heavy strain or other complaints: if you have to do without a relaxing bath, a shower can certainly be an alternative.

However, there are also non-medical reasons to do without a relaxing bath, or at least to enjoy it with caution. If, for example, you have very dry skin, a bath with the wrong additive can make this worse. In this case you should choose a bath additive with salt or oil that is gentle on the skin and does not draw any further moisture from it. A bath in milk and honey can also be very pleasant here. For one bathtub you need about one litre of full-fat whole milk and a cup of honey. This combination helps to replenish the skin's oils and leaves it feeling supple.

The ideal time for a relaxing bath

There are various situations in which a relaxing bath is pleasant. However, such a bath is particularly good in the evening, shortly before going to bed. Run yourself a warm bath and use relaxing bath additives of your choice. Dim the lights and, if you like, put on some calming music. As you bathe, you can feel the stress of the day fall away and prepare yourself for bed and sleep. Especially in the cold season, a relaxing bath with the right additive can help you wind down before sleep and get ready for a cosy, undisturbed night.

Making your own bath additive

If you want to enjoy an individual relaxing bath, it is well worth making the bath additive yourself. This way you can not only tailor it to your skin and your needs, but also be sure that your bath additive contains no additives you do not want. Bath additives like these are particularly easy to make with high-quality oils or salts. Here are a few pleasant, relaxing recipes:

Oriental bath salt:

500 g coarse sea salt
Sandalwood oil
Jasmine oil
Ylang-ylang oil
Rose oil

Put the sea salt in a suitable bowl and drip the oil over it. We recommend three drops of sandalwood oil and two drops of jasmine oil. Ylang-ylang oil and rose oil should be dosed more carefully, with one drop each. Now mix the salt well with a spoon, without letting any lumps form. Then fill the bath salt into a tightly sealable container or jar and use it as needed.

Bath oil for mature skin

Sandalwood oil
Jasmine oil
Wheat germ oil

Before your bath, mix four drops each of sandalwood oil and jasmine oil with two tablespoons of wheat germ oil and dissolve the mixture in the warm bath water. The oil helps to keep the skin well moisturised and is also relaxing.

Alternatively, you can also make your own bath bomb. You will need the following ingredients:

300 grams of sodium bicarbonate
150 grams of citric acid
100 grams of cornflour
50 grams of cocoa butter
10 grams of an essential oil of your choice
Powdered food colouring, if desired

Warm the cocoa butter in a bain-marie until it melts. Mix the dry ingredients together. Add the essential oil to the melted cocoa butter and stir it in. Now combine the liquid with the dry ingredients. The result should be a dough that feels like damp sand. Now shape bath bombs of a suitable size and leave them to dry in a cool, dry place.

2021-04-20 00:43:00