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

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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.
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2.  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.
  3. 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!

3 Reasons to Use Aloe Vera in Your Bath | And Product Types

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3 Reasons to Use Aloe Vera in Your Bath discusses why aloe vera is good for your skin. Products types include soap, bath gel, bath bombs and soaks.

Introduction

Aloe Vera as a skin care product became popular in California when I was a teenager.  I tend to burn when everyone else is getting a tan, so I needed something to relieve the pain.  And aloe vera did that for me.  Not only did it provide pain relief, but it aided in the healing of the damage I did to my skin. 

3 Reasons To Use Aloe Vera in Your Bath
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Now I read that it has many other health benefits, including a great addition to your bath!  Let’s find out why you might want to add aloe vera to your bathing routine.

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant which often has thick leaves that are storing water in them.  This is because they grow in hot dry climates, and the leaves store water in the dry season.    

In the case of the aloe, the water is stored in long leaves that are serrated on the outer edges.  When you cut open an aloe vera leaf, you find a slimy clear “flesh” which we now know has medicinal benefits.  

These plants grow well here in southern California, and propagate easily.  If you want to use these plants for your skin, it is wise to have a few plants on hand so you can rotate cutting them.  Aloe vera should not be watered too much, my research says about every three weeks.  To test if you need to water, push your finger into the soil about two inches down.  If it is dry, then water.  Also, water it deeply when you do water it.

Why Is Aloe Vera Good for Your Skin?

The juice of the aloe vera plant contains many helpful properties.  These include antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.  These can nourish your skin as well as relieving the pain of burns or scrapes.  

Antioxidants fight oxidation, which is how our cells break down.  Therefore it can aid in cell repair, which is especially true in the case of wounds.  The anti-inflammatory property of the plant can fight inflammation in the skin.  This is due to the Vitamins A and C.

So the three reasons aloe vera is good for your skin is because it can:

  • Heal wounds
  • Reduce pain
  • Soothe dry and itchy skin

A word of caution:  Overuse of aloe vera can exfoliate the skin to an unhealthy extreme which may then lead to irritation.  As with many skin care products, you should use any aloe vera product with moderation.  

Another caution is to be careful using it as a lubricant or healing agent around your private areas.  Use only 100% gel for this.

3 Reasons To Use Aloe Vera in Your Bath
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What Aloe Vera Products Are Available?

I spent time researching how best to use aloe vera in the bath.  I was at a loss to find how one can actually use aloe vera juice or the “flesh” in the tub.  All I could come up with was the products listed below, some of which are specifically made for bathing.  

Bath and Shower Gel

This format contains some other ingredients that make it soapy and less sticky.  The recommendation is to use a loofah, or a scrubbie or washcloth, and put some of the gel on it.  Gently massage into the body.  Rinse.

The results are that you will cleanse your body and also moisturize and hydrate your skin.  And in most of the products you have mainly natural ingredients, i.e. aloe vera.  

I do advise that you read all ingredients carefully.  Obviously the less additives the better.  As always, if you have sensitive skin, check with your doctor if you are concerned about any reaction.

Aloe Vera Powder

This is used to make many products with aloe vera, including cosmetics, hair products, and cleansing products.  

For bath purposes, it is put in bath bombs, soaps and massage oils.  

Bath Bombs

I have reviewed bath bombs in this article: What Is The Insider’s Guide To Bath Bombs?  A bath bomb made with aloe will certainly promote soft skin and relieve itchy burns and scrapes.  

But my primary concern with bath bombs is the added fragrance, and coloring, which may cause reactions in some people.  

3 Reasons Tu Use Aloe Vera in your Bath
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Aloe Vera Juice

We all know that aloe vera juice is a product that can be consumed.  I am not recommending that here, and hope you research drinking it before you do so.  But I would imagine there would be benefits from pouring a cup of it in your bath water.  

Or just pouring it into a washcloth and rubbing it on your skin would provide benefits as well.  Aloe vera has also been indicated in treating acne.  I found several testimonials of people that stated aloe had cleared up their skin.  

Aloe Vera Soap

There are several options available to purchase aloe vera soap.  Some complaints are that, depending on the ingredients, it doesn’t lather.  This would include the types that have glycerin in them.  

If you want lather, you should look for products containing sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate or coco-glucoside.  

Here is a video of how to make your own aloe vera soap. 

I researched sodium hydroxide, which is what the person in the video uses.  It is actually a caustic substance, but apparently when used in small amounts, is safe for use in soap.  

Aloe Vera Bath Soak

Another type of bath is a bath soak.  Basically you are adding ingredients that are probably in a bath gel, soap, or bath bomb.  But without ingredients you may not want in your bath.  I think I should research this topic more, as it seems like a more natural product to use. 

If you check out my article on oatmeal baths, (Why You Should Take an Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin) you might consider adding a few tablespoons of aloe vera gel to the oatmeal.  This should provide you with a very skin healing bath experience.

Conclusion

Have I covered all your questions about aloe vera in your bath?  I hope so.  I also hope you try taking a bath in some aloe and let us know what your experience was.  Leave comments and questions below, please.  

What Is a Loofah? The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Loofahs!

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A true loofah is derived from a plant referred to as a luffa gourd, which grows a fruit that looks much like a cucumber.  If the fruit is allowed to dry on the vine, its fibrous structure produces the sponge like loofah.  
It retains the shape of a tube, with fibrous cells which makes it look like a sponge if you slice it at the width diameter.  
Juhele/Pixabay

These are then cut into hand size to be used to bathe.  They hold water and soap to create soapy suds.  

Bath Poof

Nylon poofs (poufs) or scrubbies are also called loofahs by some people, but for my purposes, I am only calling the plant type a true loofah.  These nylon ones are softer and may be better for people with sensitive skin.  

Why Use a Loofah?

People use a loofah to exfoliate dead skin.  The rough surface can scrub away dry skin cells and leave the skin refreshed.  The roughness can also stimulate circulation, which helps in healthy skin cells.  

With a loofah you are probably washing away bacteria and other nasty compounds on your skin.  I use it to scrub my dry skin.  

Your skin should feel invigorated after a scrub with a loofah.  

Are There Different Types of Loofahs?

There are two species of the gourd that are used for loofahs.  One is called luffa acuntangular which is referred to as smooth luffa.  The other is called luffa aegyptiaca that is named angled luffa. Again for our purposes, we call both these loofahs, as their properties are similar.

The most common loofah is the sponge type that is usually hand held or on a long handle. It is made from the plant gourd that I mentioned above.  If it is on a long handle, it is glued to the handle.  This is what I use to wash my back.  

There are also facial loofahs, which are pads made from the same gourd that can be used for cleansing the face.  These small pads are about ½” thick and about 3” in diameter.  They can be used the same as a loofah except that you are scrubbing a smaller area.  

Then there are also loofahs that contain soap.  Or soap that has a loofah in it.  Who knew?  

Or there are soaps with a small loofah molded right into one side of the soap.  You can soap up then scrub with the loofah. And there are loofahs that are attached to a scrub pad, so your hand doesn’t actually touch the loofah.  

It seems entrepreneurs have thought of every way to use a loofah.  

Here’s a video of a woman that made her own soap loofahs.  

Best Soaps Or Body Scrubs For Loofahs

There doesn’t appear to be a best soap or body scrub recommendation.  Loofahs can handle bar soap or a shower gel.  You don’t have to use very much of either because the loofah does suds up very nicely.  

If you have sensitive skin, or are concerned about dry or itchy skin, I did some research on oatmeal baths in my article Why You Should Take an Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin.  Oatmeal is a calming and soothing product that is very good for skin.  

How Often Should You Use a Loofah?

It is recommended that you use a loofah only twice a week.  Using it more than that can irritate your skin and cause other problems.  

What is a Loofah?
Efraimstochter/Pixabay

Are Loofahs Unsanitary?  Or Are They Bad for Your Skin?

Most dermatologists don’t use loofahs.  And especially not on the face. They state that if you have a skin condition that builds up dead cells, you may use a loofah, but only twice a week at the maximum.  

Loofahs will harbor bacteria, so it is imperative that you replace them regularly.  If you don’t want to, then you should put it in water that has been boiled.  As soon as the water boils, take it off the stove and put the loofah in for 3 minutes.  Carefully remove and let dry.  You should do this after every use.  

I have read that soaking in water and tea tree oil will also kill bacteria.  Let it completely dry.  

Cautions For Using A Loofah

Those of us that have sensitive skin, should be careful what we put on it.  The loofah has an abrasive surface, and therefore can irritate some individuals.  If you have sensitive skin, you may want to reconsider using a loofah.  

Always clean your loofah after each use.  Don’t overuse it; at the most use it two times per week.  

Conclusions

Now that you know the benefits and as well as cautions, weigh the pros and cons of using a loofah.  Personally, I won’t be using mine as much as I have been, and I am going to go clean it right now!

However, if you want a natural product to exfoliate your skin, then a natural fiber loofah is the way to go.  Either way, test it to be sure it doesn’t irritate you.

Your comments and questions are valuable.  Leave them below.  

About Barbara – Best Bath Products

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Welcome to Best Bath Products.

I LOVE BATHS!

Hello. I’m Barbara, creator of Best-Bath-Products.com. I want to share my love for taking baths with everyone! Hence, the creation of this website. When you build a website, you should build it around something you love. Well I love warm baths!

I love taking baths. It is a luxury for me. And it is a luxury that isn’t that expensive. It caps the close of my day, where I can relax and prepare for sleep. And with all the products available to us, we can customize our bath experience.

WHY PROMOTE BATH PRODUCTS?

There is actually science showing that a warm bath can help you sleep better! As I get older, and because of my chronic pain, I find sleeping isn’t always guaranteed. But if I can make getting a good night’s sleep a better possibility, then I will do that. That’s where a warm bath comes in.

And of course let’s not forget why we bathe in the first place; to get clean. While simple soap and water can achieve that, you might like to explore the products I feature to make your bathing more productive.

We can increase the enjoyment of that experience by using products that enhance this. There are products for dry skin, itchy skin, for seniors, for children, and much more. There are products that provide aromatherapy for different results. I recommend some safety measures as well, to ensure an environment where no accidents can occur.

It is my hope that by providing this information, your bathing activities will be more pleasurable.

WHAT I HOPE YOU GET OUT OF BEST BATH PRODUCTS

It is my hope you will find information that will help you to decide what you need to enjoy bathing at a new level. I know this isn’t an earth-shattering subject, but I do think taking care of yourself is important for physical and mental health. Taking a bath is one way I do this.

If you have questions about this topic, or have comments to make, please leave them below. Do you have an idea you’d like me to explore? Great! Leave those as well.

Here’s to relaxing in a warm soothing bath!

Barbara, barbara@best-bath-products.com

Best-Bath-Products.com