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A hot bath can’t solve everything, but it does offer a brief respite from the overwhelming. And while you’re in the tub soaking up all that relaxation, you might as well find some things to put in your bath that smell nice and make your skin softer in the process, too.
First things first: You may as well come out of quarantine as dewy as the day you were born, and baths are actually a good way to make this happen. “Bath additives are a great way to hydrate and soften the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. “By sitting in the bath for an extended period of time, it allows the bath additive to do its job effectively.”
The second area of focus is scent because it can signal to your brain that it’s time to unwind and relax. “Fragrance impacts all of my moods,” says Dara Weiss, aromatherapist and CEO and founder of home fragrance brand L’or de Seraphine. “It’s so helpful to set the mood and get into that headspace.” By tossing in a little of this or a little of that, you can transform your bath room into a proper spa and make the most out of your bathtime routine.
The best things to put in your bath for softer skin and aromatherapy
1. Olive oil
“Pour a cup of olive oil into your bathtub and soak for 10 minutes,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Olive oil is rich in natural fats that hydrate dry skin.” (Note: He does not recommend olive oil for acne-prone skin, especially if you experience breakouts on your chest or back.) “Be careful when you stand up because the bathtub may be slippery,” he adds.
3. Eucalyptus and tea tree oil
“My favorite addition to my bathing ritual is to add a few drops of organic eucalyptus oil ($26) and organic tea tree oil ($24) to both my bath and my shower, coupled with a deep breathing exercise: inhale to the count of 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8,” says Shel Pink, founder of Sparitual and author of Slow Beauty ($23). “The eucalyptus is excellent for lung health, helps to deepen breathing and promotes a healthy respiratory system, and the tea tree oil is a mood booster and helps to also boost the immune system.” (Fresh eucalyptus works, too).
4. Rosemary
“Rosemary eases stress, increases circulation, decreases inflammation, boosts mood, and helps to increase focus and concentrate,” says Pink. “Add a few sprigs to your bath and couple it with the same deep breathing exercises [as above] to deepen breathing and help to boost lung health.”
Fitz also likes rosemary, but she uses it in oil form. “I use rosemary oil ($8) to rejuvenate and bring clarity,” she says, noting that you’ll want to go light on it since it’s extremely pungent.
5. Lavender
Fitz is a huge fan of lavender in the bath for relaxation and calm. Sometimes, she uses dried lavender flowers ($9)—”rub them between your hands to activate their aroma and sprinkle the buds into the bath,” she says. Other times, she uses a blend of two parts lavender oil ($20) and one part rosemary oil.
6. Citrus
Cut lemons, oranges, grapefruits, or the citrus fruits of your choosing into thin slices and add them to the bath for an invigorating, stress-zapping mood boost. “The citrusy, brighter, more energetic fragrances that’ll really wake you up are wonderful,” says Weiss.
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7. Cinnamon sticks
Adding a few cinnamon sticks ($10) to your bath can be revitalizing and uplifting, too. Plus, it can help clear out any stagnant energy, explains Meghan Rose, a spiritual advisor and tarot reader. “Cinnamon has been deemed by ancient Egyptians, Romans, occultists, spiritualists, and Ayurvedic practitioners as a healing agent with high vibrational qualities that attract prosperity and abundance to those who use this powerful spice,” says Rose.
8. Oats
“For dry, itchy skin, consider an oat bath,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Oat extract forms a protective and hydrating seal over the surface of the skin and contains anti-inflammatory avenanthremides.” He suggests Aveeno’s soothing bath treatment ($6) but notes that a cup of traditional breakfast oatmeal works well, too.
9. Sake
Sake baths are a Japanese tradition and are said to leave skin softer and brighter because of the kojic acid found in this rice wine. “It’s super rich in and enzymes and has over 20 amino acids that are the result of the fermentation process. Because of this, it gently exfoliates skin and feeds it with vitamins, minerals, and proteins,” says Debbi Burnes, founder of skin-care brand Sumbody. “It restores lackluster complexions and gives you your glow back.”
10. Ginger
Feeling sore, achy, or unwell? For the benefits of a ginger bath, add half a cup of grated ginger to the water. “Ginger speeds up circulation, which creates heat, causing a sweat response,” says Jennifer Palmer, a holistic wellness coach.
11. Epsom salt
“For inflamed skin, Epsom salt has long been used,” says Dr. Zeichner. “This magnesium-based salt has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe the skin.” Try this pack of three Epsom salt blends ($27). One is eucalyptus spearmint, one is lavender, and the other is rosemary mint.
12. Coconut milk
Adding coconut milk to your bath can make it super luxe and hydrating. “Coconut milk is a super hydrator,” says Tara Pelletier, co-founder of Meow Meow Tweet. “The water is nutrient-dense and the fat helps to smooth skin cells and lock in the hydration.”
13. Green tea
“The polyphenols in tea provide anti-inflammatory properties,” says Burnes. “Green tea is approximately 20 to 45 percent polyphenols by weight, of which 60 to 80 percent are catechins, such as EGCG, which are antioxidants.” You can toss in a handful of regular green tea bags or opt for one bag of this Dr. Teals green tea bath blend ($21).
14. Milk
Milk contains lactic acid, healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins and minerals that benefit the skin, including vitamin E and zinc. “Lactic acid is a naturally occurring mild alpha hydroxy acid, which can gently exfoliate your skin while you soak,” says New York dermatologist Libby Rhee, DO. “Taking a milk bath once a week can leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and youthful.” For best results, Dr. Rhee suggests adding two cups of full-fat milk, a half-cup of honey, and the essential oil of your choice.
15. Baking soda
Considering that baking soda is a common anti-itch remedy, putting it in your bath will allow you to soothe itchy skin all over. “The alkalinity of baking soda can help neutralize the pH of an infected area and reduce itching,” says dermatologist Keira L. Barr, MD.
Why hot baths dry out your skin
“Hot water can be abrasive, stripping the skin of its natural oils, which leaves it dehydrated and dull-looking,” says Stacy Chimento, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. She says the ideal temperature for a bath is between 100°F to 110°F, which is warm but not uncomfortably hot. “If the water is too hot, the outer layer begins to break down, allowing the entry of bacteria and toxins and drawing out moisture,” she says.
And no matter the temperature, sitting in a bath for a long time can lead to dry, itchy, raisin-y skin. ” The concern is more [time in] hot water causing more evaporation of water from the skin and drying out the skin,” says Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in San Fransico and Napa California. Adding moisturizing ingredients like oils and oats can help make your bath less dehydrating and allow you to take a nice, long soak.
You’ll also want to apply moisturizer to your skin as soon as you get out of the tub while your skin is still warm and moist. This will allow the moisturizer to penetrate much deeper. Whether you use lotion or an oil is up to you.
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Few experiences compare to a relaxing bath after a long, stressful day. As you slip your body into the hot water and lay your head back, that feeling can certainly fade any remaining stress away [source]. Why not embrace this glorious moment by also helping to detoxify your body and soften your skin?
Best Bath Ingredients
One of the best parts of a bath is the variety. We’ve put together a guide to drawing a better bath and most of the ingredients you probably already have in your home!
1. Epsom salt
Wonderful at easing muscle soreness and relieving tension, Epsom salt can be added to almost any bath salts recipe. It’s also a good source of magnesium [source] and makes skin soft and smooth.
2. Alcohol
It’s not just for happy hour! Both the anti-aging properties and the polyphenols in alcohol can reduce inflammation and redness. Try a red wine bath soak or a bubbly champagne bath to reap the benefits. Just make sure to rinse off well when you’re done!
3. Ginger
If you’re battling headaches or need a good detox bath, ginger (freshly grated or ground) is just the ingredient you’ll need. It causes toxins to be released through sweat and will leave you feeling cleansed. It also helps you sweat out aches from a cold or flu, and clears up chest and nasal congestion [source]. Note that ginger can cause sensitive skin to react, so test it on your skin first
4. Essential Oils
The perfect way to tailor your bath for your needs, this guide to essential oils for gorgeous skin is the key! Lavender, rose, vetiver, chamomile, or sandalwood essential oils will help calm you down after a long day.
You can add essential oils to bath salts for their aromatherapy benefits. If you want to add them to your bath, they will need to be diluted in a carrier oil or emulsifier first. All the instructions you need for doing that can be found here.
5. Oatmeal
If you’re suffering from itchy or irritated skin, oatmeal is very soothing to add to your bath [source]. If anyone in your house gets poison ivy or sunburn, this is a great way to treat it.
6. Coconut Oil
One of the best bath ingredients for soft skin, coconut oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties [source]. Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil into running water to moisturize and soften during your bath. Or, use coconut oil in one of these 101 ways!
7. Lavender
Noted as one of the most relaxing herbs [source], lavender would be the perfect choice to wind down and ensure a good night’s sleep. Dried lavender or lavender essential oil can be used in your next soak (see the link in #4 above for instructions on safely adding EOs to the bath).
8. Milk
The lactic acid in milk is both exfoliating and softening for our skin—it’s even said to be a great remedy for eczema. This milk bath is simple, with only three ingredients. If you are sensitive to milk, try substituting with coconut milk. Just make sure to rinse off well when you’re done!
9. Tea
Adding a few tea bags to your bath is an easy recipe for reviving skin. Green tea is a perfect choice for helping your skin fight the effects of the environment and aging [source], and chamomile is a great before-bed relaxer [source].
10. Honey
Moisturizing, anti-aging, and antibacterial [source], honey is a powerhouse for our skin! This honey bubble bath recipe is just the ticket if you need some extra bubbles.
11. Baking Soda
Both soothing and detoxifying for your skin, baking soda is a simple ingredient to add to your next bath after a hard workout. It’s also a natural exfoliant and can help fight acne. Get creative and make a fun bath bomb using baking soda.
12. Roses
They aren’t just sweet to smell and equally decadent, but rose petals and rose water are also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing [source]. Try a rose milk bath next time you need a little indulgence.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
