Sometimes the only thing that can get you through a particularly tough day is the thought of a nice long relaxing bath to look forward to when you get home… there’s just something about being able to wash off the stress and chaos in the tub that a shower just can’t do in the same way!
If you really want to step your self-care game up, then adding a relaxing bath to your weekly routine might just do the trick. What better way to make sure your baths replicate that spa-like feeling from the comfort of your own home than by adding in a bath oil? Whether it’s arnica oil, jojoba, or vitamin E, there are plenty of beneficial ingredients in bath oils that will not only help you relax but also nourish your skin and body (and mind by the end of it!). To find out more about bath oils and how to choose the best one to suit your skin, keep reading below!
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What are Bath Oils?
With so many bath products available on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff you’re able to buy! So, let’s start off with something simple and look into what bath oils actually are, and what it is that they do.
Bath oils are designed as a body product specifically to add to your bathtub, and with frequent use over time have plenty of benefits to hydrate and nourish your skin. Some bath oils are curated more so for body care in mind, with the main goal being to hydrate the dry skin that many of us suffer from in harsh winters. Other body oils have the relaxation side of things as their main goal and use aromatherapy-based essential oils and herbs to help you achieve the ultimate form of relaxation.
Bath Oil Ingredients
There are endless combinations of ingredients that could make your perfect bath oil, but there are some key ingredients you should keep your eye out for depending on the purpose you’re using a bath oil!
Vitamin E
If dry and flaky skin is a concern of yours, regardless of the season, then bath oils that feature vitamin E as one of the main ingredients might be a good option to consider. It’s a great ingredient to maintain healthy skin, and it’s recommended that you take a small amount daily anyway. So adding that to your weekly routine is a great way to ensure your skin is healthy and nourished throughout the week!
Aloe
Considered a medicinal herb with healing properties for hair, skin, and more, aloe is another great base ingredient in bath oils. Aloe vera is most commonly known for its healing features and anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s also a great moisturizer. It unclogs pores as well as treats dry skin, so if irritated or itchy skin is something that bothers you, then an aloe-based bath oil would be great at helping treat that.
Epsom Salt
If you want to use bath oils for the purpose of relaxation, then Epsom salt is a great addition to achieve ultimate relaxation. It’s great on its own to help soothe those achy muscles after a long day or an especially tough workout but when mixed with a bath oil will take the whole experience to another level! Bath oils with Epsom salts in them usually come in bead form, so it’s really simple to add this to your evening of self-care!
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, then you definitely want to keep an eye out for any harsh chemicals in the ingredients list that could aggravate your skin. There are fragrance-free options with bath oils so you could definitely go for those if perfume is something you are sensitive to. Another ingredient you’d want to avoid in bath oils is propylene glycol because it’s quite a harsh ingredient and could irritate your skin.
Arnica Oil
Amongst other oils out there, arnica oil, also known as “wolf’s bane” is a great option to consider when it comes to bath oils. Similar to how tea tree oil is known to be great to use for breakouts, arnica oil is a great healing herb with a number of benefits including soothing properties for wounds, speeding up the general healing process as well as depuffing the skin. It’s generally suitable for all skin types, so is a great universal option for you to consider if you’re looking to soothe the skin after a long day.
Should You Use a Bath Oil?
So, the verdict is in. Bath oils are good for you, no matter what you plan on using them for! Whether it’s just to amp up your dedicated “me time” and make it more spa-like, or to wash away the stress of the day, or perhaps to soothe and relax your body after taking part in a physically demanding activity, bath oils are a great addition that adds that extra layer of coziness and peace to end your day on a high.