Category: All About Bathing

How Hot Is Too Hot for Your Bath Water? And Why It Matters.

March 17, 2023 by Barb

How hot should your bath water be? Is there a temperature that is too hot? What is that temperature? Why does it matter?

The ideal temperature for your bath water is the normal temperature of your body; 98℉ to 100℉. But if you are like me, you want a nice hot bath to warm you up, relax your body (and hopefully your mind), and when taken in the evening, will help induce sleep.

Water that is higher than 105℉ is too hot, and can cause serious side effects. So the answer to how hot is too hot is anything over 105℉.

How To Measure Temperature

You have a choice in thermometers; analog or digital. There are many fun digital ones shaped like a fish or a frog. So using one of those with children would make bath time more interesting for them.

However, digital thermometers are not as accurate as analog ones, so it is recommended to use an analog. True, they aren’t as fun, but I want accuracy, so I’m recommending analog. And if you are interested in teaching children how to read a thermometer, then analog is the way to go. (Like teaching them to read an analog clock!)

I like this Floating Pool Thermometer one at Amazon because it is submersible and easy to read.

If you purchase this through the link, then I receive a small referral fee as an affiliate marketer.

Setting Your Water Heater At A Safe Temperature

This is a proactive measure you can take to make sure your bath water will never be too hot. It is commonly recommended to set your water heater at 120℉. Although up to140℉ is acceptable, if you have elderly or children in the house, 120℉ is safer.

You will save on energy costs as well when you set it to a lower temperature, though only by 3 – 5%. If you are unsure how to set your water heater, call a plumbing business.

Side Effects Of a Too Hot Bath

Very hot water on your skin will strip your skin of natural oils, which act as protection for your skin. Take the protection away, and you may experience rash, dry skin, itchy skin, inflamed skin, and maybe even peeling! Why would you want to do this to yourself?

Once you have removed those protective oils you are more susceptible to infections of your skin. Those with psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea may aggravate the conditions. Therefore, it is best to bathe in water that isn’t too hot.

How Hot Is Too Hot for Your Bath Water? And Why It Matters. — jeanvdmeulen/Pixabay

You can counteract the drying effect of water by using an oil in your bath. However, oils will cause the tub to be slippery so be very careful. A safer practice is once you are out of the bath to pat yourself dry instead of rubbing the towel over your skin. Then apply a moisturizing lotion.

Another problem not often addressed is that prolonged exposure to hot water can cause dizziness and fainting. This is the obvious precaution when using a hot tub, which is of course usually hotter than your bath. Nevertheless, some people are prone to lightheadedness, and should be aware of sitting in a hot bath for too long.

The elderly are particularly susceptible to this problem, and should therefore be advised as well as monitored if appropriate.

Benefits Of Hot Bath

Don’t get me wrong, there are many benefits to a hot bath. Just be sure it isn’t too hot!

Some benefits are:

Relaxes Nerves And Muscles

Warm water surrounding sore nerves and muscles helps them to loosen and therefore, relax. This can lead to less pain in certain areas.

Prepares You For Sleep

By relaxing your body, mind and endocrine system your body relaxes from stress and therefore helps you to become sleepy.

Aids Healing

A warm bath can aid in healing as hot water increases blood flow and thereby sending healing cells to the injury.

Makes You Happier!

Apparently bathing in warm water can release serotonin, which is a hormone that contributes to a positive outlook. In some studies, people with depression appeared to benefit from regular warm bathing.

Should you want to read about further benefits of a warm bath, here is a helpful article, and it has science behind it! 10 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Taking a Bath.

Other Helpful Practices

When washing your face, you should use only cold water. And use a cleanser made specifically for facial cleansing. Regular soap is too harsh for your face.

When washing your hair, use cooler water than the hot water in your bath or shower. This helps keep some of the healthy oils in your hair and therefore won’t dry it out.

Summary

In conclusion I recommend you follow these steps for a safe and healthy bath experience.

Use a thermometer to test the temperature of your bath. Especially if you are bathing a small child, or are an elderly person. Make sure the water temperature is not 105℉ or hotter.
Use a moisturizing oil, but be safe! Better yet do #3. Also see my article How To Be Safe in the Bathtub for more safety tips.
Pat yourself dry and then apply lotion.

If you have comments or questions please leave them below. And here’s to an enjoyable and safe bathing experience!

Do Epsom Salt Baths Work? Find Out the Truth Here!

February 28, 2023 by Barb

Do Epsom Salt Baths Work? There is so much on the internet about the benefits of Epsom salts in your bath. The main claim is that it helps with sore muscles to relieve aches and pains. But the bottom line is that there is no scientific proof of this. So don’t waste your money! And you don’t have to read any further, unless you want the reasons I made this statement.

If on the other hand you want to know more about Epsom Salts, then you have come to the right place. I have researched what Epsom Salts are, the science behind Epsom Salts, and other interesting information about them.

What is Epsom Salt?

First of all, it is not a salt. It is a compound made up of magnesium and sulfate. And water! 53% to be exact! Hence the term that is chemically applied to it is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. It naturally occurs in nature. Which is how it was discovered.

It was discovered in the 1600s by a local farmer near Epsom England who noticed his cattle wouldn’t drink from a certain spring. The water was bitter and when it evaporated, it left behind a residue of salt like material, i.e. crystals. This was named as Epsom Salt and began to be marketed in the late 1600s.

As far as I can conclude, Epsom Salt can not be manufactured, only mined. I see articles that talk about manufacturing, but no further information is provided. I was also surprised to note that there is an Epsom Salt mine here in California, not far from where I grew up! Click on Death Valley Wilderness link if you want to know more.

Do Epsom Salt Baths Work? Find Out the Truth Here! — Death Valley Embee/Pixabay

The Science of Epsom Salts and Muscle Relief

Briefly stated, there isn’t any! I mean as far as it providing relief from sore muscles and body aches, there is no scientific background. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t benefits from Epsom Salt, which I will list below.

Otherwise, the claims of magnesium being able to penetrate your skin and help your muscles have no proof. One article, Myth or Reality—Transdermal Magnesium? makes this clear. It is a scientific article, but still understandable by us laypeople. It does support magnesium supplements, but I am not investigating those.

Can Epsom Salt Draw Out Toxins?

This is another popular belief that if you soak in an Epsom salt bath, you will remove toxins from your body. The thinking goes that as your body absorbs the salt it removes toxins. But once again this simply is not true.

Removal of toxins from your body is performed by your kidneys. Keep yourself hydrated and you are doing the most you can to remove unwanted chemicals from your body. I wrote an article all about taking a bath to detox; What is a Detox Bath? Why Should You Take One? Read it for more information to understand the reasons a detox bath isn’t a thing.

Along with the toxin claims there appears to be claims about correcting a magnesium deficiency.

These claims depend on the unsubstantiated practices we have discussed above. If you suffer from magnesium deficiency, an Epsom Salt bath is not the answer. First consult with your healthcare provider. A supplement is probably the answer.

Do Epsom Salt Baths Work? Find Out Here! — Magnesium Sulfate – Chemicalinterest at en.wikipedia

Warnings to Diabetics

There is some research that warns diabetics against taking a bath in Epsom Salts. But since the magnesium can’t really be absorbed, the warnings may be unfounded.

However, there are still precautions if a diabetic has an open wound where the magnesium might affect the healing. It is therefore imperative that the diabetic should consult their doctor before using any type of magnesium product, including Epsom Salts.

Are There Benefits in Using Epsom Salt?

Yes, there are benefits we can gain from Epsom Salt. I’ve listed a few of the top uses which you might want to try.

Foot Soak

It has been indicated to help rid athletes’ foot fungus. A warm soak with Epsom salt does counteract this problem. It should also work for toe fungus problems. One person claimed it helped with her ingrown toenail, along with constant nail trimming of course.

Cleanser

You can use Epsom salt to clean out your washing machine by running a clean cycle and using some Epsom salt to unclog any matter stuck in it. You can also combine it with dish detergent to make a paste that works as a mild abrasive to clean tiles and counters.

Gardening

Sprinkling the salt on your plants helps the fertilizer you are using to do a better job. Magnesium is an essential part of the chlorophyll molecule.

Constipation

Taken as directed, Epsom salts can be a mild cure for constipation. Just be sure you follow the instructions.

Magnesium Deficiency?

There are claims that soaking in the salts can help with magnesium deficiency, but these claims depend on the unsubstantiated practices we have discussed above. If you suffer from magnesium deficiency, an Epsom Salt bath is not the answer. First consult with your healthcare provider. A supplement is probably the answer to treat your deficiency.

Here’s a very helpful video that sums up everything I’ve said.

Conclusion

I welcome your feedback. Especially if you have some scientific proof that the salts do in fact help with muscle relief and removing toxins from the body. But if you have questions or other comments, please leave them below.

What is a Detox Bath? Why Should You Take One?

February 3, 2023 by Barb

What is a Detox Bath? Simply defined, it is bathing in warm water with some natural ingredients added that will remove toxins from your body. Those ingredients are usually Epsom Salts, ginger or essential oils. Read on to find out everything you need to know to decide if a detox bath is for you.

What Are Toxins?

The common wisdom is that we have toxins in our body. But what are toxins? Science classifies toxins as substances that plants and animals create that may be poisonous to humans. Think snake venom for example.

But most of us don’t have to worry about these toxins. And here’s the problem; we aren’t at as much risk as some would have you believe. Our bodies do a great job of getting rid of stuff that isn’t good for us.

So what toxins are we talking about? Well some chemicals, air pollution, and cigarette smoke. I would personally include alcohol. But again, our body, or mainly the kidneys, do a great job of cleaning out these substances. So most of us don’t really need a detox of any kind, including a detox bath.

But if you still are interested in trying a detox bath, then let’s explore the topic.

What is a Detox Bath? Why Should You Take One? — ErikaWittlieb/Pixabay

Why You Should Take A Detox Bath

Popular opinion tells you that you should take a detox bath to rid your body of (surprise, surprise) toxins. And by far, the most popular product to accomplish that is using Epsom Salts in your bath.

The claim is that the Epsom salts will absorb into your body and then draw out the toxins. However, this is simply not how the body works, and therefore the claim is not scientifically provable!

Therefore, we should conclude that a detox bath isn’t really a thing, and that you can’t prove it works. However, just taking a warm, relaxing bath has so many benefits, I would still encourage you to try some of the recommendations here. Just know that you probably aren’t detoxing anything.

Here’s another author stating the same thing; No, You Can’t ‘Detox’ from an Epsom Salt Bath.

How To Take A Detox Bath

Research shows there are three main products that are used in the bath to detox your body. They are Epsom Salts, ginger and essential oils. Let’s discuss them.

Epsom Salts

These salts aren’t actually salt, but a granulated form of magnesium sulfate. The most popular claim the manufacturers make is that adding them to the bath helps relax tight muscles and heal sore joints.

But there is no science behind these claims. Most research suggests that the salts provide a placebo effect at best. The salts can affect your skin, and have been mentioned in relation to calming irritated or inflamed skin. You can even ingest Epsom salts. But as far as any detox effects, there just isn’t any proof.

I wrote a related article about the salts on my pain site. See it here: Can Epsom Salt Relieve Pain?

Ginger

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and has been indicated in reducing nausea as well as treatment for cold symptoms. Therefore, the popular practice is to add ginger to your bath water to experience the anti-inflammatory effects through your skin.

The claim would follow that it removes toxins because of its magnesium properties and antioxidant abilities. However, once again there is no science for this belief.

And there can be adverse side effects to adding ginger to your bath. The top two side effects are skin irritation and raising your body temperature. So if you are intent on taking a ginger bath, I advise you to do a skin test at the very least to see if you react. Better yet, consult your doctor.

I am not recommending ginger be added to your bath, because there is no science to support the claims and there may be negative side effects.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. Through various methods the essence of the plant is extracted and results in the manufacture of an oil. Popular among the oils used for detox are rosemary, lavender, lemongrass, pine and juniper berry.

I reviewed an article that made the claim that there is proof that these oils work, but the article didn’t cite any scientific source, so I guess anyone can say anything on the web and not worry about providing real evidence.

Bottom line, some of the fragrances, like lavender can provide a calming effect, but as far as detoxing the body, there is no proof!

So What Benefits You Can Expect From A Detox Bath?

The only benefits you will gain from a “detox bath” are the basic benefits of a bath. You will feel relaxed, you will get clean, and depending on any products you use, you may moisturize your skin. But you will not detox your body!

Safety First

As with any bath experience, you should follow these guidelines.

Remember To Hydrate

A hot or warm bath may cause you to sweat, and therefore you need to replace that moisture loss. Water is your best friend to rehydrate. Or a calming tea is the next best thing. Drink before or during your bath, if you are so inclined.

Don’t Do It If You Are Pregnant, Or Have Kidney Problems

Remember your kidneys are the organ that is truly detoxing your body, and using the above products may affect them.

Children Should Not Take A Detoxifying Bath

Don’t Do A Detox Bath Everyday

In fact, it isn’t necessary to even bathe everyday. Here is my article about how often you should bathe; How Many Baths Per Week Are Too Many? How Often Should I Bathe? From that article you can see bathing two to three times a week is fine for most of us.

You Should Switch Up Your Product Uses.

Don’t use a product every night, especially one that would dry out your skin. Change them around. And it’s okay to just bathe in plain old water!

Just Be Careful!

Slipping while getting into and out of the tub or shower is a frequent cause of accidents. For those of us who are seniors, this can be very disastrous. And if we add slippery products like oils, the risk is increased. Use towels to dry off your hands so you can grip the sides. Better yet, install a grab bar.

Take it slowly and be sure to step onto a non skid mat. Have your towel close by so you don’t walk on a slippery floor while you are wet.

Conclusion

From my research, it is apparent that there is no science that backs up the wildly popular claims that a detox bath has healthy benefits. A simple hot bath can accomplish the same thing. So I won’t be offering any products that are basically useless.

What do you think? Disagree? Great! Leave a comment. Or if you have a question please ask it here. I wonder if I have created some controversy by making these claims?

Is It Bad To Take a Bath in the Evening?

January 12, 2023 by Barb

Simple answer? No! Why not? Bathing at night can help you relax, possibly help you fall asleep faster, and signals your brain to go to sleep. And of course you are cleaning your body! With all these benefits, why not bathe in the evening?

Why Do Some Say It Is Bad?

Some people report that taking a warm bath or shower before bed is bad because it raises the body temperature. Apparently this disrupts the body’s signal that a drop in body temperature means you should sleep. Therefore, you raise your body temperature and the body doesn’t prepare itself for sleep.

However, waiting a few hours after the bath gives your body the chance to cool down again. Therefore, most experts agree that the benefits of bathing in the evening outweigh the drawbacks.

My experience has always been that bathing at night does relax me. But some people might be different. I recommend you experiment with taking warm baths or showers and then not doing so for a few nights. Over time you should be able to determine what works best for you.

Is It Bad To Take a Bath in the Evening? — Hangjeebatt/Pixabay

What Exactly Are the Benefits of Bathing at Night?

So although bathing in the evening will raise your body temperature, after a few hours it will drop again. This is the first benefit, because as your body temperature drops, it signals the brain it is time to go to sleep. Heat in the bath raises body temperature, and as the body cools down, it triggers relaxation.

A warm shower or bath also serves to relax the muscles, joints and the mind. For those of us with chronic pain, this warmth can provide some temporary relief from our suffering. Add in some relaxing aromatherapy, like lavender, and the benefits increase.

There have been a few studies that postulate that warm showers or baths may assist in a person falling asleep fast. A PubMed article addresses this, although the results are not conclusive. Read the article here.

Finally, you are cleansing your body! While you are cleansing, you may also be conditioning or moisturizing your skin depending on what you add to your cleansing agent. Healing itchy, dry or sensitive skin can be accomplished by various gels or lotions.

How To Relax And Get Clean

Your choice of bath or shower products will influence your experience. Decide what exactly you want to accomplish with your bath experience.

Lavender is one of the most popular scents used to relax. Many shower products, bath salts and bubble bath products contain it. So this oil should be one of your first purchases.

Other products like ginger and coconut oil and even milk can also be calming agents. I wrote an article discussing some of these products. If you want further information, see What To Put In Your Bath For a Relaxing Experience.

Shower or Bath; Is One Better Than the Other?

Personal preference plays a major factor in deciding if you should shower or take a bath. Both can have the same effect of changing your body temperature and getting you clean. However, a bath has the advantages of surrounding your whole body and letting you sit or lie down.

Surrounding your whole body provides the experience of lowering your body temperature quicker and equally distributed. And for most of us, sitting or reclining is more relaxing than standing.

Whichever mode you choose, the ideal temperature to prepare your body for sleeping is 104° to 109°F. And it is recommended to bathe 90 minutes before you go to bed. This is the optimum time that your body will be ready to go to sleep.

Hot/Cold Water

As stated above, the ideal temperature for bathing in the evening is 104° to 109°F. Therefore, using cold water would not achieve the desired outcome of helping your body to relax. In fact, cold water usually acts to stimulate your nerves and wake you up. So I can’t see any benefit in a cold bath or shower at night.

Here’s What You Shouldn’t Do Before Bed

Drink alcohol

Alcohol reduces the beneficial REM sleep cycles. Therefore in the morning you feel tired and confused. Stay away from it and instead try some chamomile tea.

Work

If you are trying to relax, the last thing you need to be focusing on is work. Leave everything that has to do with work out of the bedroom. Some deep breathing and happy thoughts are what you need to fill your mind with.

Use Technology

The screens on our devices tell our brain to be active. Watching television also interrupts our relaxation process. A book can usually put me to sleep in a few minutes.

Exercise

While exercise is a great way to assist in getting a good night’s sleep, doing it up to two hours before bed is a mistake. Your body is pumping lots of adrenaline and that interferes with sleep. Exercise in the morning if possible. That will give you a good start to a productive day.

Drink Caffeine

Some say after 5 pm, others say 10 hours before you go to bed. Granted, there are some people that aren’t affected by caffeine at all, and can drink it anytime. But most of us are stimulated by it, and therefore will have interrupted sleep.

Eat fatty foods

Because fatty foods are hard to digest, your body has to work longer and harder to absorb them. This action on the part of your body interferes with being able to relax and shut down for the night.

If possible, eat a lighter meal in the evening. “Breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince; dinner like a pauper.” This is good advice for helping you to sleep.

Take Sleep Aids

Watch out for sleeping pills; they can be addictive. Unless you have a prescription from your doctor, sleep aids should be used very sparingly.

An aside: I read that putting socks on your feet to warm them will give you a better night’s sleep. Apparently warm feet can be relaxing.

This is a video that includes a night time routine. Hopefully it will help you sleep!

Conclusion

What are your thoughts? Have you experienced the sleep inducing benefits of bathing in the evening? I would love to know about your experience. And it will help others make an informed decision. Also, if you have questions, leave them in the comment section. I’ll do my best to get back to you.

How Many Baths Per Week Are Too Many? How Often Should I Bathe?

December 2, 2022 by Barb

How Many Baths Per Week Are Too Many? There really isn’t a definitive answer, but most medical experts say a bath or shower a day is fine. However, two to three times a week is also fine for most people. Read further for more information and then decide what is best for you.

This question seems to have some emotional reactions attached to it. Which I will note. Popular concerns are conserving water, possibly damaging your skin, smelling of body odor, and using the right soap. I plan to research this topic to help you answer this question.

Does your skin itch? Are you worried about body odor? Or a rash or skin condition? All these issues should be involved as you consider your bathing rituals. Hopefully your cleansing practices will provide you with healthy skin, and not just clean your body.

Therefore, take into consideration what your goals are when you bathe. Merely just wanting to be clean is fine, and there are hundreds of products to accomplish that goal. But in case you have other questions about this topic, I hope I can answer them here.

What Does Bathing Do To Skin?

Water and soap wash away any dirt you have contacted and oils your body produces. Bathing also washes off dead skin cells. But there are some good bacteria on your skin that promote healthy immune cells.

Because bathing washes off natural oils from your skin, it can naturally dry out the skin. Therefore, it is recommended that you take short baths or showers. This would also help reduce wasting water, which is a concern here in California.

Our conclusion here is that bathing cleans off dirt and dead skin, but also removes some healthy bacteria and natural body oils. Therefore it is important to be conscious of our bathing rituals.

How Many Baths Per Week Are Too Many? — jarmoluk/Pixabay

Why Should You Clean Your Skin?

Cleaning, as the word implies, makes your skin free from dirt and dead skin cells. It can also remove other irritants from your skin. Your skin is your defense shield so maintaining it is important. Washing with a quality soap or body wash not only removes dirt and dead cells, but it can moisturize and repair your skin as well.

And cleaning your skin can help prevent body odor. What causes body order? The simple answer is a combination of bacteria and sweat. But there could be other factors that cause it or make it worse, like diet or even medications.

But your first defense in avoiding body odor can be a shower to remove the bacteria and sweat.

How Can Bathing Damage Your Skin?

As stated above, by removing healthy oils, water can act as a drying agent. Combine that with a harsh soap, and you have results that will dry your skin more. This can result in itching, cracking, and maybe other problems.

Therefore, the general recommendation is to bathe 2 – 3 times per week. This will keep you clean, mostly free from body odor and help your skin to nourish itself. To further enhance your skin’s health, it is recommended to use a moisturizing soap and a moisturizing lotion after your bath or shower.

If you find you have dry or cracked skin, then you may be bathing too much. Your skin is made up of water, natural oils, and natural proteins. If we don’t take proper care of this organ, you may experience dryness and itching.

If you must bathe frequently, invest in a gentle skin hydrating cleanser. My post regarding moisturizing Body Wash discusses some options. Check it out here: Most Popular and Best Moisturizing Body Wash for Dry Skin.

Benefits of Not Bathing Every Day

Since from the previous we can conclude that bathing everyday may dry out your skin and wash away good bacteria, we can gain benefits from not bathing every day. You won’t be washing away the healthy bacteria and oils, and your skin benefits from those.

Some research even suggests that your immune system is healthier with fewer baths, as well as lowering allergic symptoms.

I suggest you adjust your bathing routine to find the right balance for your skin.

Medifine Skin Clinic

There are People Who Should Bathe Everyday

According to doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology, people with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis should be showering daily. Showers are recommended over baths in this case.

Dr Brodsky is quoted in this article Is showering every day detrimental to your health? See Is showering every day detrimental to your health?

Considerations for Conserving Water

Less frequent bathing will of course save water. But don’t stop there. A brief shower is suggested to also conserve water. And the briefer time spent in the bath or shower, the less you dry out your skin.

I found conflicting information concerning showering or taking a bath; which conserves water? I conclude that if you fill your tub, you are using about 70 gallons of water. A quick shower might use only 45 gallons. Maybe just less water in the tub, and a faster shower will help you conserve water. And reduce your water bill too!

Is There a Right Soap?

Personal preference will help you determine what you like in a soap or cleanser. I wrote an article about what makes a great soap. The qualities that determine a great soap are:

Lather
Hardness
Moisturizing
Cleaning

Here’s a link to my article What Makes a Great Bath Soap? | Key Features if you want to explore this topic further.

Here’s a delightful video of a Dermatologist’s routine. There are several great tips here!

Conclusions

My conclusion in answering this question is that 2 – 3 baths/showers per week is the optimum amount. As long as you don’t suffer from excessive body odor, you should be fine with this practice. And you should see your skin be less dry and healthier.

If you have questions or comments, please leave them below!

Bath Treatments for Different Body Skin Conditions

August 9, 2022 by Barb

This will be an informational post about bath treatments for different body skin conditions. It is my hope that you will find helpful hints to treat your skin with love and care.

Your skin type will partially determine what will benefit you the most. In addition, others of us have skin conditions that require certain products. The following information will cover skin types and skin conditions, and the treatments that are recommended for them.

Some of the treatments are natural ones that you may even be able to make on your own!

Skin Types

First of all, as I researched this topic, my results showed information for facial skin. There are five types of facial skin which are; Oily, Dry, Combination, Sensitive and Normal. I will not be discussing facial skin care here. We all know there are thousands of companies catering to this market.

Instead I wanted to find out if there are different skin types for our body. Apparently there are only three: Normal, dry and sensitive. And you may have different types in different parts of your body!

Bath Treatments for Different Body Skin Conditions — DMFhotography/Pixabay

Now, if you have dry skin you have certain issues like flaky skin and possibly itchy skin. Sensitive skin will require more conscientious care. And even if your skin is normal, you still need to take good care of it.

Common Body Skin Conditions

Let me start by saying I am not a doctor or dermatologist. If you have a skin problem you are concerned about, please see a medical professional right away. I have a few odd moles and I saw a doctor regarding them. Please do the same.

If however, you may have one of the following problems, then I can recommend some products that might bring you some relief. Here’s a description of the condition first.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by cracking or flaking. It is rough to the touch. It can turn into an itchy situation. Some people may find their skin peeling. Those with black and brown skin refer to dry skin as “ashy”.

Dry skin can be caused by hot weather or cold weather. The older we get, the drier our skin becomes. Taking long hot baths or showers can also dry out the skin.

I found this Dry Skin article from Mayo Clinic helpful. Check it out for more information.

Itchy Skin

As stated above, itchy skin can be a result of dry skin. But there may be other reasons for itchy skin, and they can be fairly serious. Conditions like shingles or psoriasis should be addressed by a dermatologist. Again, if you are in doubt, see a doctor sooner rather than later.

Allergies can result in itchy skin. These allergies can span a wide spectrum. They could be seasonal with pollen being the culprit. Or they could be food or a type of clothing. Again, a doctor can help you with diagnosing the cause.

A hot bath will aggravate itchy skin, so don’t bathe in very hot water. Bathe in tepid water. If you can stand it, a cool bath is very soothing.

Sunburned Skin

My research showed that certain skin types never burn. But I have a black friend that told me otherwise. Bottom line, prevention of sunburn is the first step. And a sunscreen may not be enough for those of us with fair skin that burns easily. Wear brimmed hats and clothing that covers your skin.

Sensitive Skin

You probably determined that you are sensitive to certain foods, pollens, material or products you used on your skin. Maybe you have seen a doctor regarding this. If so, hopefully they have provided you with some guidelines for treating your issues.

Acne Breakouts

I only include this condition because I found some bath treatments that may help this problem.

Solutions to Help Your Skin Condition

	Dry Skin	Itchy Skin	Sunburned Skin	Sensitive Skin	Acne Breakouts
Solutions	Baking Soda, Colloidal Oatmeal, Epsom Salts, Milk, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, Honey	Baking Soda, Colloidal Oatmeal, Epsom Salts, Lavender Oil, Aloe Vera, Chamomile Tea, Honey	Aloe Vera	Colloidal Oatmeal, Aloe Vera, Honey	Epsom Salts, Baking Soda, Eucalyptus Oil

Solutions Explained

You may find numerous products while shopping for relief for your skin conditions. I always recommend you read the ingredients before you use it on your skin.

That’s why I can recommend the following natural ingredients. They can be used in their natural state, or with a little preparation that you can do at home.

Baking Soda – That’s right! You have it in your kitchen, and you can add 5 Tablespoons or up to 2 cups depending on your needs. I recommend you start at the lower end and work up until you get your desired results.

Oatmeal – Should be used in a colloidal form, which you can make by using a blender to grind up the oats. Can also be purchased.

Eucalyptus – The oil can be added to your bath and will help because eucalyptus contains anti-inflammatory properties to soothe your skin. For further information about eucalyptus check out this article.

Milk – A gentle exfoliator, it also soothes the skin. Add a cup into the bath water.

Aloe Vera – The natural gooey lotion can be applied directly to skin, but can also be added to your bath for a skin nurturing experience. Want more information? 3 Reasons to Use Aloe Vera in Your Bath | And Product Types

Coconut Oil – A skin moisturizer it adds smoothness to the skin.

Lavender – This essential oil promotes sleep and relaxation as well as reducing skin irritations.

Epsom Salts – An all around solution for many problems, it can also help with muscle relaxation.

Chamomile Tea – Not only for a nice relaxing drink, you can put the tea bags in the tub water for a soothing and healing antioxidant addition. See my related article, Can I Use Chamomile Tea in the Bath? | Get Healthy Benefits!

Honey – Honey contains antioxidants also, so it hydrates and renews your skin. It is recommended you dissolve it in warm water first to distribute it evenly.

Notes of Caution

Essential Oils – Although natural, some people experience allergic reactions to certain oils. Additionally, full strength oil should not be applied directly to skin. Most uses of essential oil require a carrier oil. In your bath you may add a few drops directly, but make sure you have tested the oil for any reactions.

Some of the solutions I suggest can make your tub slippery so be careful when you are getting into and out of the tub! Safety first!

Conclusion

Please let me know if you have tried any of these remedies. Your advice and experience can help the rest of us with our skin conditions. Also, leave any questions in the comments section and I will do my best to find the answer.

Can I Use Chamomile Tea in the Bath? | Get Healthy Benefits!

July 29, 2022 by Barb

Did you know you can use Chamomile Tea in your bath? And you gain many healthy benefits. Not only is this a relaxing option, but chamomile is very good for your skin. Read on to learn more.

How Do You Make a Chamomile Tea Bath?

You can buy products that contain chamomile, (insert photo, maybe from Thrive market?) or you can make your own with two ingredients, 3-4 chamomile tea bags, and a cup of epsom salts. You simply add the ingredients to the bath water, and soak! Make sure the epsom salts are completely dissolved.

Or you can forget the epsom salts and simply use the tea bags. You can steep them ahead in boiling water, let the water cool, and then pour the chamomile tea in the water.

You can hang the bag on a handle if you are using a long stringed bag, or let it simply float in the water. You can use a premade tea bag or make your own with muslin or a loose woven bag.

Here’s the sweetest woman showing you how to make your own herbal tea bags.

Tea Baths Benefits

Most of us are familiar with the relaxing properties of chamomile. This is due to the chemical compound apigenin. This affects the brain to calm down. Because of this, simply soaking in a bath infused with chamomile can provide a calming and peaceful state of mind.

While bathing in it will not have the same effects as drinking it, it will have benefits to your skin.

Chamomile contains antioxidants which protect cells. As far as your skin is concerned, this can reduce inflammation and soften the skin. This is especially true for irritated and sensitive skin.

It also contains antibacterial properties, enhancing healing, and even minimizing marks and scrapes. This also applies to itchy skin conditions, as it can relieve the itchiness. One study reported that there has been some support that chamomile can treat eczema.

In fact this flower is so soothing, you can apply the tea directly to your skin for issues like itchiness and irritation.

Great For Sitz Bath!

A sitz bath is recommended for irritating conditions like hemorrhoids, or infections in the perineum part of our body. So if you don’t want to have a full bath, a sitz bath with some chamomile tea added can be very soothing.

Can I Use Chamomile Tea in the Bath? — rudolf_langer/Pixabay

How Much Chamomile Should I Put in My Bath?

Most recommendations say to use 3 – 4 bags for a bath. For a baby’s bath, it is recommended you steep one tea bag in a cup of boiled water, and of course let it cool. From this we can infer that a chamomile tea bath is safe for babies!

An added plus from bathing in Chamomile Tea is that you don’t have to rinse it off. The properties of the tea soothe and soften your skin so you don’t want to rub that off. Pat yourself dry to maintain as many benefits as possible.

Will a Tea Bag Stain My Tub?

Though most teas will not stain your tub, especially those made from flowers like chamomile, there is always a possibility. One way to find out before you try it in your bathtub is to make it in a cup and see if it stains.

My Mom was a tea drinker and I know that her tea stained her cups. But it really depends on the type, so try my suggestion above.

If you do end up with a stain, a gentle cleanser like white vinegar in water will remove it.

Are There Side Effects to a Chamomile Tea Bath?

Firstly, there can be some side effects with chamomile tea touching the skin. If a person is allergic to any flower in the daisy family, then they should stay away from chamomile tea and chamomile tea baths.

Furthermore, although if you are bathing in it, you are not ingesting it, people with asthma may want to be cautious. The flower can cause breathing difficulties in certain people, so be careful if you are asthmatic.

Chamomile tea, when ingested, is also a blood thinner. I wasn’t able to find any research that states a bath in chamomile may affect your blood, but just to be cautious I recommend you talk with your doctor.

I also read that it can irritate the eyes, so be careful when washing your face.

Want To Purchase?

I found Mountain Rose Herbs in my search for quality products for your bath. Their products are organic and seem to be carefully processed. They sell the chamomile flowers, as well as the cotton muslin bags to steep the flowers in. You can use these links to check out the products on their website. Chamomile Flowers Cotton Muslin Bags

I do not receive any referral fees if you use these links. I just wanted to recommend a company that I feel pretty good about.

Ready made products that I researched seemed to only have the chamomile fragrance, which I doubt would give you the benefits of the flower infusion. However, I found Chamomile Infused Bath and Body Oil at Walmart, pictured here.

If you purchase this product from the link I do receive a small referral.

I also recommend other products for itchy skin in my post Best Bath Products for Itchy Skin.

Conclusion

What are your thoughts about chamomile for your bath? Have you tried it? Your comments would be helpful to all of us. Also, if you have any questions, leave them below. I would love to learn more myself!

All About Bar Soap | Doing Bar Soap the Right Way

July 12, 2022 by Barb

If you want to know all about bar soap, you’ve come to the right place. We will discuss the purpose of soap, the ingredients in bar soap, liquid vs bar soap, and much much more. Read on to find out how to do bar soap the right way!

What is the Use of Bath Bar Soap?

Bathing with soap will make your skin cleaner. How exactly does that happen? Well, chemistry is involved! Sodium or potassium salts are combined with an alkali (such as potassium or sodium hydroxide. This makes a hydrocarbon chain of atoms that have two different ends. One end is a hydrophobic end which repels water. The other end is a hydrophilic end, which attracts water.

When you soap up, the hydrophobic parts attract the oil in dirt, then the hydrophobic part suspends the drops and allows you to wash them away with water. How cool is that?

Here’s a cute kids video that explains it better.

What Are the Basic Ingredients in Bath/Bar Soap?

Surprisingly to me, there are only three basic ingredients in bath soap. They are:

Fat; either animal or plant
Distilled water
Lye

What exactly is lye? According to Wikipedia, lye is metal hydroxide made from the leaching of wood ash. It is added to water, cooled for a while and then the fat is added.

Other optional ingredients may be a color additive and/or a fragrance additive.

Here’s a video of homemade soap using the lye. I especially like that the author advises that if you are going to make your own soap to practice safety precautions first.

What Do You Want from a Bath Soap?

What are you looking for when you buy bath soap? I couldn’t find any specific results for bath soap. But the popular responses for qualities in a soap were:

Hardness
Cleansing
Lathering
Skin Conditioners
Fragrance

I think most of us take hardness for granted. We don’t want our soap to disintegrate the first time we use it.

Hardness is created by the oils, either plant or animal, which also create the lather. The longer a soap cures the harder it gets, as it dries out. The amount of water used in preparation also determines the hardness.

The cleansing agent in a simple soap is produced by the lye. But more complex ingredients are added depending on what you want in a soap, like moisturizing.

Lathering can be produced by different ingredients. Handmade soap made with glycerin makes a nice later, as do coconut and castor oils. Olive oil isn’t as bubbly but is creamy instead.

Skin conditioners are added in more complex soaps. These would mostly include a moisturizer for dry or itchy skin.

Fragrance would be added by using some essential oil.

So, you see you have several criteria to choose from. Some of us have used a certain brand all our life and are happy with that brand. Such brands would be Irish Spring, Dove, and Ivory. This is from US statistics.

All About Bath Soap — silviarita/Pixabay

Bar Soap vs Liquid Soap

First of all, when I use the term liquid soap, I am referring to body washes and shower gel. But even here there is a difference. Body washes are thinner in consistency, because shower gels obviously contain … gel! Furthermore, on average, shower gels can leave your skin drier than body washes.

So if you want to use a liquid instead of a bar, and are concerned about drying out your skin, use a body wash.

But is it better to use bar soap or a body wash? Generally, bar soap is purer than a body wash, so you therefore have less chance of having a reaction or drying out your skin. And you can still get a good lather from a quality bar soap.

Bath Soap vs Hand Soap

Not much difference here. They both will get you clean. Just check the ingredients to be informed about what you are putting on your body. There are hundreds of choices on the market. And if you are going to use a product to bathe with, then you probably can use it to wash your hands.

Hard Water vs Soft Water

Do you know what determines soft or hard water? Hard water has more calcium and magnesium in it. These chemicals can be harsh on your skin and hair. It also helps your plumbing and water using appliances last longer.

Hard and soft water may be a personal choice, but just know that with soft water you will get more lather from your product.

Men’s Products vs Women’s Products

Men’s skin is different from women’s skin. Because of hormones, they produce more oil. So a product that would help remove the oil from a man’s skin, may be drying on a woman’s skin.

Women may want to focus on hydrating, moisturizing and sensitive skin products. Men may want to concentrate on lathering and cleansing options.

Dry Skin and Itchy Skin

I wrote an article on the best Moisturizing Body Washes for Dry Skin, which you can read. As far as bar soap is concerned, this article from NY Magazine rates Dove Beauty Bar as very popular. Check it out.

And if your skin itches, then an Oatmeal Bath is for you. Read my article Why You Should Take an Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin.

Conclusion

What is your favorite soap? And why? Do you have some comments to add? Please do so. And if you have questions please ask them here. I’ll do my best to answer them.

Why Bathe? What Your Parents Never Told You About Bathing

July 8, 2022 by Barb

Well, maybe they did tell you all this information about bathing. But my parents didn’t! Why bathe? I’m glad you asked!

If you love bathing as much as I do, you may wonder about the history of bathing. Or maybe not. But don’t you ever think about how some things came to be? I do. And since I do love to bathe, I thought it would be worthwhile to find out all I could about it.

Why Bathe? What Your Parents Never Told You About Bathing — 1095178/Pixabay

A Little Background History of Bathing

Wikipedia tells us that there are records of bathing during the 2nd millennium BC on the Greek island of Crete. The Ancient Romans were of course recognized for the aqueduct, which provided water accessible to many.

Before this, bathing was limited to proximity to rivers or lakes.

In medieval Japan the first bath house was mentioned in the 1200s. Most bathing did not have gender segregation.

Spanish records show a type of bath that was also a steam treatment. It was related to the religious practices of the time.

Muslim and Jewish culture promoted public bathing in the 1500s, as they were more concerned about cleanliness than other cultures. As above, bathing was connected to religious practices. In our modern times, some Christian denominations practice full body immersion during baptism.

In Europe, bathing was actually related to the development of religion. The Catholic church provided public bathing areas, and even made them separate for males and females. I wonder if this is where the phrase, “Cleanliness is next to godliness”, became popular?

During the Protestant Reformation (1600s) clean clothing was more important than bathing.

Fast forward to the 1800s, where England passed the Public Bath Act, in part inspired by Kitty Wilson during the cholera epidemic. This act encouraged the building of public bathing facilities.

As public works developed, and plumbing entered houses, bathing became commonplace.

Motivation to Bathe

The main historical reason to bathe was because people didn’t want to stink. It was noted that cultures that practiced bathing simply smelled better. In addition to bathing, people began to practice brushing their teeth (with twigs) and washing their hands before eating.

Now we know that bathing, or showering, cleans the skin of bacteria, as well as dirt and oils. If you don’t bathe regularly, not only will you stink, but you will develop itchy patches and dead skin.

We have other motivations today as we know there are many benefits to be gained by bathing. One is therapeutic, from relaxing sore muscles, calming aches, improving your mood, and helping you sleep. It can boost your immune system to fight cold and flu symptoms.

In fact a Japanese study reported in the National Institute of Health titled Physical and Mental Effects of Bathing: A Randomized Intervention Study makes some interesting conclusions. It states that bathing improves mental and physical health!

Once you know these facts about all the benefits, I wonder why you wouldn’t want to bathe?

Here’s a fun video made for children but it gets the point across.

Create Your Own Spa

I love going to a spa that I know of in Desert Hot Springs. I usually get a massage and sit in the natural hot pools. But you can create your own spa-like experience at home. This will lead to a more relaxing experience, and probably increase your mental outlook.

Suggestions vary about what to use for your bath should you desire an enhanced experience, but the following are a place to start.

Clean, uncluttered bathroom.
Sufficient lighting; safety first but you may want lights not as bright.
Soft relaxing music.
Bath water temperature moderate; not too hot; about 98 – 100 degrees.
Your choice of a fragrance or none at all.
Your choice of a bath additive like a bath bomb or bubble bath.
A scrubby or loofah.
Candles? I don’t use candles simply because of the safety factor, but if you are confident in your safe use of them, then they do make for a nice ambiance.
Book?

Spend no more than 15 minutes in the tub. Any longer can affect your blood pressure and cause (temporary) wrinkly skin. Once you get out, pat yourself dry and add some moisturizing lotion to your body.

Some Comparisons of Bathing Habits in Different Countries

Brazilians take the most showers! Surveys claim on the average they take two showers a day. The rest of the world averages about five showers per week. However, the English and Americans prefer showers compared to Brazil.

Hot springs are more popular in Japan than in other countries. In China, public group bathing is still practiced. More women than men shower in the United Kingdom.

Be Aware of Your Loved One

Some research states that mental illness can impact a person being able to bathe. There may be reasons like depression or phobias that come into play. If your loved one isn’t maintaining regular hygiene, you may want to discuss this and have them see a mental health professional.

The elderly, as they age, may not bathe as often as they once did. This may be due simply to ease of access, or fears of falling or slipping. Make sure their bathroom is fully equipped to make bathing safe and easy for them.

I wrote an article called How To Be Safe in the Bathtub which provides some advice that might be helpful. Making the bathing experience as inviting as possible may help in motivating our loved one to bathe more.

Conclusion

Have I provided you with some interesting information? Do you have any questions? Or do you have interesting information to provide? Please leave your comments below.

What Is a Mineral Bath? What Are The Benefits?

April 4, 2022April 4, 2022 by Barb

A mineral bath may combine the following: water at a warm temperature, dissolved gasses, minerals and mud. You can visit spas that promote such pools, or make your own mineral bath. Read further to find out all about mineral baths.

The Study of Mineral Baths

Did you know that scientists actually study mineral baths? Who knew? The field of study is called Balneology or Balneotherapy, which actually means “treatment of disease by bathing”. This field also includes the study of hot springs and spa therapy.

Granted, this line of study is more popular in Japan, which boasts of many mineral bath experiences, and most of Europe. Let’s hope it catches on in the US! I’ll start; LOL.

This study involves examining the effects of bathing to relieve certain diseases, pains, and skin conditions. Illnesses that have been studied are ones that are related to chronic inflammation, namely rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic pain has been studied as well. And skin conditions such as eczema have been examined.

What Does Science Say About Mineral Baths?

We don’t even need to quote science to know that a warm bath can ease body aches and relax muscles. Add to that the body feeling lighter as the water holds you up. These results alone make for a calmer and less inflamed body.

A study from Oxford Health Department of Rheumatology found statistical proof that there are “significant beneficial effects” from spa therapy. It should be noted that the statistical evidence is small. And this report doesn’t state what kind of spa therapy was used. Nevertheless, that is encouraging.

Much has been promoted about the benefits of Epsom Salt for pain relief. However, from my research, there isn’t really scientific evidence for this. My article Can Epsom Salt Relieve Pain? But Not In A Way That You Think discusses this further.

From the Epsom Salt article you understand that our body can’t really absorb minerals through the skin, specifically magnesium. But some solutions can help skin conditions. A spring high in sulfur can help with the skin condition of psoriasis.

What Is a Mineral Bath? What Are The Benefits? — Mike Goad/Pixabay

Minerals and Their Benefits

There is not enough scientific proof that any mineral soaks actually benefit your health. The skin acts to protect the rest of your body by stopping elements from entering your bloodstream.

That said, there may be some benefit from mineral baths. The following are the common minerals you will experience from a mineral bath.

Calcium – A chemical that assists in strong bones, it can also leave your skin feeling more hydrated and soft.
Sulfate – In natural springs this is the chemical that smells like rotten eggs. It is one of the chemicals in Epsom Salts. It is promoted to enhance skin health and reduce joint pain.
Magnesium – This is the other component of Epsom Salts. Claims to regulate blood pressure and blood glucose.
Lithium – Some spas provide this gas to promote effervescence and an enhanced mood
Zinc – Benefits skin health and can actually treat some skin conditions

There are many other chemicals and additives for a mineral bath. Ask your spa staff what their pools contain. Ask them the benefits. So many spas that I researched make several claims, but I’m just not sure the science backs them up.

I’ve also researched relaxing bath products in this post: What To Put In Your Bath For a Relaxing Experience. Check it out for more information.

Why Would You Want to Take a Mineral Bath?

Let’s agree that you want to bathe to get clean. Also, you may want to destress, calm down and relax. Maybe you need some quiet time alone. Well a bath can do that for you.

But a mineral bath can add to the experience. What a great deal! You can treat your skin while you relax. Or relieve some pain by adding a mineral. Or calm the aching in your joints.

You really have nothing to lose but a few dollars by investing in some minerals to find out if a mineral bath will be helpful to your needs. Or visiting a spa that boasts mineral pools. And maybe get a massage? Now we’re talking!

Are There Any Harmful Side Effects To Mineral Baths?

There are some precautions you should take when soaking in a mineral bath. They are:

If you have heart issues, don’t soak too long or at too high a temperature. May cause dizziness.
Some natural springs may contain microorganisms that can affect your skin. Do your research before you soak in them.
Sulfur gasses may cause respiratory distress.
If you have allergies to fragrances or chemicals, mineral baths might not be for you.

Can I Make a Mineral Bath At Home?

Yes you can! What you put in your bath will depend on your needs. Of course the first item you need is a bathtub! Next of course, hot water. Don’t get it too hot, but hot enough to be enjoyable. Recommendations range between 90° to 105°. So basically, a little above or below body temperature.

Then you can add fragrances, minerals and salts, depending on your goal. What sort of experience are you going for? Choices might include:

Relaxation: Lavender fragrance
Skin Treatments: Oatmeal
Body Inflammation or Pain: Salts, to increase buoyancy and relieve weight on bones and joints
Milk: Enhance skin health and bone health
Apple Cider Vinegar: May help skin irritations

Most of these easy additions are not really minerals. But depending on products you might purchase, you will find minerals added.

It is not recommended that you shower after a mineral soak so that the chemicals can continue to treat your skin. But that is totally up to you.

Products?

Mineral soak products abound. I think I will have to research them and compare them in another article.

I happen to love Dr. Teal’s products. This link will take you to my Walmart affiliate link for Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution. If you purchase through this link, I receive a referral fee. But they have many versions of the soak, so check them out.

Disclaimer

I have researched these subjects in depth. I am not a medical professional, and don’t recommend you ignore advice from your physician. If you are concerned about soaking in a mineral bath, talk to your doctor first. Mineral baths are not an alternative to medical treatment, but they are natural and may give you some relief from your issues.

What Do You Think?

Did I answer your questions about mineral baths? If not, ask it in the comments. And if you have something interesting to add to this article, please do so, also in the comments.