Category: Products

Review of Unconventional and Unique Bath Caddies

January 26, 2023 by Barb

I have an unusually shaped tub. So the standard bathtub caddy won’t fit my tub. Therefore, I decided to search for unconventionally built caddies. That search led to this review. Perhaps you too have an unusual bathtub. Or the ones that fit across the tub don’t fit your needs. Whatever has brought you here, it is my hope that this review will assist you in finding just the right caddy.

Why Do You Need A Bath Caddy?

Basically you need a bath caddy because you want to do more than just bathe or soak in the tub. Personally, I don’t want to be doing much more than soak for a bit, and get clean. But I do like to read sometimes.

However, apparently many people like to do more than that. From the advertisements I see it looks like people like to: burn candles, drink wine, eat fruit, and use an electronic device. (Eek; use electronics while in the bath? No thanks, I’d be so afraid of dropping it in the water and destroying it.)

Some people use the caddy to store needed products for their bath like soap, shampoo, and shower gel. This is a great asset if you have very limited space in your tub.

Why Is It Called A Caddy?

The definition of caddy is a small container. What it really is is a tray. I guess the bath accessory people wanted a fancier name than tray. It does qualify as a small container though since it holds items.

Review of Unconventional and Unique Bath Caddies — Kikkerland Bath Caddy

I Present Three Bath Caddies That May Work For Your Atypical Bath

To be honest I was surprised at the limited options available to those of us with odd shaped bathtubs. So I have listed the three I did find. Click on the Name to go to the website where you can purchase them.

At this time I do not have an affiliate link so I do not receive any fee for recommending these or linking you to their website. The links are provided merely for your convenience.

	Kikkerland Bath Caddy	AquaReader Floating Tray	Life Tray Table
Who It’s For	Adults who want to enjoy a drink while bathing.	For those that want to read a book or use an electronic device.	Made mainly for spas, but I think would work for bathtubs.
Best Feature	Pretty design.	Sturdy holder for book or device.	Appears very stable.
Pros	Swivels.	Right in front of you.	Least expensive of the three.
Cons	Some assembly required for suction cup.	Not stationery.	Not big enough for a book.
Price	Around $50	Around $44	Around $33

Note: None of these made the top best sellers on Amazon. I guess those of us with non traditional tubs don’t rate a ranking.

Of the three, I think I like the Kikkerland the best. It is classy and functional. Here’s their informational video.

Before You Buy

Some suggestions that you should consider before you make a purchase are:

What is the main function you are looking for? As you can see The Life Tray won’t really work for reading. And the AquaReader holds only a book or device.

Make sure of the dimensions. Will it fit your space? Is it too big, or not big enough?

Calculate the grip width. Does it accommodate your tub’s edge? Having an uncommon shaped tub means you probably have unconventional measurements. Unfortunately for me, none of the grippers are big enough.

Will it hold the items you want it to hold?

I found an article that is funny from Bored Panda about what manufacturers think we women want in a bathtub tray. I recommend you check it out. It’s worth your read. I guarantee you will laugh. Click here.

Other Options

In my search I found other options that may serve your purposes. However, they are not in a tray form and therefore are more functional as a storage unit. See the following categories.

Standing Bath Caddy

These are mostly shelves made of wood or plastic or metal. They may be freestanding or can fit in a corner of your tub. Depending on the style, these can be very attractive and a nice addition to your bathroom. But they are only for storage.

If you are interested, here’s a link to my Google results for this type of caddy.

Portable Bath Caddy

These are popular with college students when you have to share a bathroom. They hold all the products you might need for your bath or shower. Most are made of plastic and have nice large compartments to hold bottles, towels and other bathing items.

My search found these items at this link.

Hanging Shower Caddy

These caddies are really only functional for showering, as they have a hook that hangs from the shower head. They also come in metal, plastic or wood. And are only for storage. Here is the result of my search on Google; click the link.

A Word of Caution

No matter what you chose for your bathing experience, safety should be your first priority. I am dubious of drinking alcohol in the tub, simply because it can affect your balance. You may already be lightheaded from the warm bath; add alcohol and that is magnified. Please be careful! I wrote an article on on this. Click on the title. How To Be Safe in the Bathtub.

Conclusion

I am discouraged that there are very few options for those of us with unconventional bathtubs when it comes to bath caddies. Seems like this is a marketing opportunity for someone!

But what do you think? Do you have other suggestions? Please leave a comment or question to help all of us find a bath caddy that fits our unusual bathtubs.

What Makes a Great Bath Soap? | Key Features

August 8, 2022 by Barb

What makes a great bath soap? Certainly individual taste is part of our preferences, but a superior soap balances three key features which are lather quality, hardness and moisture ingredients.

Introduction

Some would explain that they like the bubbly factor, or the smoothness, but many are looking for a soap that has moisturizing qualities. Let’s explore further to find out what makes a great soap.

What Are the Qualities of a Good Soap?

Most of us agree that we like bubbles (lather), a soap that maintains its shape (hardness), and one that doesn’t dry out our skin (moisturizing). And of course we want the soap to clean!

So the most looked for qualities of a good soap are:

Lather
Hardness
Moisturizing
Cleaning

You may add other qualities depending on your needs. For example, if you have sensitive skin. I will post about some specific skin conditions later.

What Makes a Great Bath Soap? — JJuni/Pixabay

How Do I Know About the Qualities of My Soap?

You can research your brand or product for all the information you may need. But the list will include chemical names that I certainly wasn’t familiar with. (Perhaps my daughter, who is a chemist might.)

For example, the original Dove bar (made by Unilever) lists 16 ingredients. They are:

Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Sodium Oleate, Water (Eau), Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Laurate, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Kaolin or (ou) Titanium Dioxide.

Isn’t that helpful? No? Well then, here is a very short explanation of what each of those parts are: (boring reading)

Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate; A mild cleansing agent
Stearic Acid; a fatty acid and key to soap making
Lauric Acid; another fatty acid
Sodium Oleate; an emulsifying agent
Water; we all should know what that is!
Sodium Isethionate; a detergent (cleaning) and surfactant (emulsifier)
Sodium Stearate; fatty acid
Cocamidopropyl Betaine; an emulsifier that makes the soap creamier
Fragrance; the other one we should know
Sodium Laurate; another fatty acid
Tetrasodium Etidronate; an ingredient enhancer that prevents mold
Tetrasodium EDTA; another ingredient enhancer
Sodium Chloride; NaCl, a preservative
Kaolin; a type of clay
Titanium Dioxide; a color booster

I would conclude that most marketed soaps have similar ingredients. Do your research if you are planning on trying something new.

What Ingredients Make the Best Soap?

Basic to all soap therefore, is an oil and sodium hydroxide. A natural oil which you may recognize is glycerin. This product is used in many homemade soaps. It is a fatty acid present in natural fats.

The fatty acid and an alkali combine to make soap through a process called saponification. That alkali is actually lye! Which gives us visions of a corrosive that burns the skin. However, through the saponification process it turns into soap!

Further ingredients may be fragrances and colors. Some homemade soaps include flower petals or fragrance leaves.

In my research, I came across hundreds of articles about making your own soap, and what ingredients to use. I didn’t realize this has become a huge crafting industry. I think homemade soap might be a reaction to all the ingredients in manufactured soap. That topic might be another article!

What is the Most Popular Bath Soap?

According to a report released in May of 2022, Dove ranks number one in the world! I am in the US, but countries like China, India, Germany and the United Kingdom contribute to the popularity of Dove.

Other top sellers are brands that I recognize like Aveeno, Dial, Irish Spring and Ivory. But Dove dominates. The soap market has become more and more competitive due to new added features like fragrance, natural ingredients, and specific skin conditions.

Dove stays competitive because it has quality ingredients, brand identification and brand loyalty. Many dermatologists recommend it. I recall ads from my youth that showed how Dove was one quarter moisturizing cream. Do you remember those ads?

Best Bath Soap for Daily Use

Sorry, but I can’t come up with an answer here. My research ended in mostly promotions of soap companies. And your daily use will differ from mine. I can make some recommendations in the following categories though.

Best Bar Soap for Dry Skin?

You will find many different opinions regarding the best soap for dry skin. But in my research, Dove Sensitive Skin frequently scored high on the lists. Another best bar soaps for dry skin is Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar.

Healthline has an informative article about soap for dry skin called Top Soaps for Dry Skin. It also explains what to stay away from if you have dry skin.

Best Soap for Itchy Skin?

For skin that is itchy you want a product that cools and soothes. Many soaps have fragrances that may irritate the skin further. Also, hot water stimulates the histamines that cause itching, so the cooler your bath water, the better for you.

For itchy skin look for ingredients that soothe. Aloe vera, oatmeal, and calamine are soothing agents, and they are all natural!

Some dermatologists recommend using a cleansing lotion instead of soap, because they can be more moisturizing and less drying.

Here’s an article I wrote about another option for itchy skin, Why You Should Take an Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin.

Best Soap for Sensitive Skin?

Your sensitive skin will react to any number of additives and fragrances. Therefore it is recommended that you avoid soaps with irritating preservatives, fragrances, and dyes. For sensitive skin, less is better. That is, the less ingredients, the better.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a common irritant used in detergents. Note that it is different from Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, which is in Dove soap. Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate is a mild alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Furthermore liquid soap is more irritating than bar soap, so it is recommended you use bar soap if your skin is sensitive.

Conclusion

Has this article been helpful? I hope so, and that it helps you know what to look for in a soap. Please leave questions here and any comments that may be helpful to others as they search for the best soap for a bath.

Improve Your Life With Mr. Bubble | A Review of Mr. Bubble

July 28, 2022 by Barb

Improve your life with Mr. Bubble? How can you do that? This article will explore everything you need to know about the product called Mr. Bubble.

A Bit of History

Originally made by the Gold Seal Company in North Dakota in 1961, the product changed hands a few times. It is now owned by The Village Company. For a product that is over 60 years old, it is still going strong. It was originally a powder then developed into a liquid.

In 2010 it was distinguished as the best selling bath product for children. There is a lot more competition now, but the product has adjusted to the times with additional products in the line of Mr. Bubble.

Their tag line in the 1960s was “Almost as much fun as getting dirty”. Which is a great line, don’t you think? Because children do love to get dirty; it’s part of being a kid. And if getting clean can be just as fun, who wouldn’t want to get clean?

Here’s the ad from the 1980s.

What Are the Ingredients in Mr. Bubble?

The ingredients listed on the bottle of Mr. Bubble are:

Water, sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium chloride, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, tocopheryl acetate, PEG-150 distearate, citric acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol fragrance, Red 33.

My research found that Sodium Laureth Sulfate has been linked to be contaminated with carcinogenic properties. However other research states this may not be the case. Follow your conscience regarding this. For a detailed discussion, see this article from the NIH.

It claims to be paraben free. Parabens are chemicals that act like the hormone estrogen. They were once used as preservatives in cosmetics. So nobody wants hormones swimming around in their bathtub! Especially with children bathing in it.

The rest of the ingredients are mostly surfactants or emulsifiers which make the product gooey and thick.

Is Mr. Bubble Safe?

The overall opinion is yes, it is. On the website, skinsafeproducts.com, gives Mr. Bubble Foam Soap a 91% Top Allergen Free rating. Furthermore, it won’t irritate the eyes, which is always a concern with kiddos in the tub.

If swallowed, it is non-toxic, i.e. non poisonous. But swallowing it is not recommended! However, I imagine we have all had soap in our mouth. So it is reassuring to know we won’t die if we ingest some.

On the other hand, according to American Family Physician, bubble baths may cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Females are more prone to these infections than males. I recommend you use bubble bath sparingly when bathing your kids. Also make sure your children are well hydrated to encourage urination.

For more on safety, read my article How To Be Safe in the Bathtub.

How did Mr. Bubble get its name?

I couldn’t find the answer to this burning question. At least it was burning in my mind. However, apparently the inventor, Harold Schafer, was referred to as Mr. Bubble. His vision was to provide an affordable bubble bath for the enjoyment of children.

I like the idea of a man that was so excited about bubble baths that he gave out free autographed boxes back in the day.

But I was unsuccessful in tracking down exactly where Mr. Bubble got its name. if you want to investigate more about Mr. Bubble and The Village Company, click on that link.

Improve Your Life with Mr. Bubble — The Village Company

What Does Mr. Bubble Smell Like?

The original liquid smelled like bubble gum! What a great idea for kids to enjoy. I imagine children would love to go to bed smelling like bubble gum.

Now there are several more products in the line, there are several more fragrances to choose from. Those include, but are not limited to: Cotton Candy, Grape, Birthday Cake and Orange Cream.

These sound like fun fragrances for your children, so check them out!

Science Included! (If you want to take the time.)

Mr. Bubble claims to stimulate conversation about science, specifically chemistry. Things like surface tension, elasticity, and light are topics to discuss. Physicists study bubbles! What causes a bubble to form? What happens when it pops? Why does it float?

Your children may come up with more questions than you have answers for. That’s usually the case, isn’t it? So taking a bubble bath may lead to an education! Who knows, you may foster interest in science!

Qualities I Like About Mr. Bubble

Review these factors when you decide about a bubble bath product for your children. Mr. Bubble:

Cleans the skin
Makes lots of fun bubbles
Is fun to bathe in
Smells good
Teaches about science (if you put in the effort)

What Products Does Mr. Bubble Make?

The Village Company has an extensive line of fun products for children in the Mr. Bubble category.

One is Foam Soap which comes out in a foam that is colored and the kids can use to make shapes on the tub.

Another is called The Ultimate Pack of Bath Time Fun that includes Mr. Bubble’s Scientific & Terrific Bath Potion, Bath Bomb Fizzer, Gooey Soap Stickers, and a 2.5 Oz bottle of Original Bubble Gum bubble bath.

The aim with the Mr. Bubble products seems to promote fun and learning in the bathtub as you get clean. I really like that kids are learning while they have fun.

They also feature many other bath products for everyone. Here is a link to their website; The Village Company.

Is Mr. Bubble for Kids Only?

All Mr. Bubble products are geared towards children. But The Village Company makes other bath products, many of which are specialized for different issues. There is a Foaming Bath Oil and Body Wash for Chronic Pain and Fatigue. Or a Cold and Allergy Bubble Bath that produces powerful vapors that should clear your sinuses.

There are many other products available, and I recommend a visit to their website.

Conclusion

Have you used Mr. Bubble? What was your experience? All thoughts are welcome here. Also, if you have questions, please leave them below.

Most Popular and Best Moisturizing Body Wash for Dry Skin

June 30, 2022 by Barb

What are the most popular and best moisturizing Body Washes for Dry Skin? In this review we look at the 3 most popular moisturizing bath cleansers for dry skin which are: Aquanil, CeraVe, and Cetaphil.

If you are plagued by dry skin, I feel your pain. Especially as we age, our skin becomes drier. Good skin care is an important part of health, and there are products that can help us take care of our skin.

In this article, I will review three products claiming to be made for dry skin that are popular sellers on Amazon. Those products are:

Aquanil
CeraVe
Cetaphil

How do they differ? How can they help your dry skin? I hope to answer these questions and more in this post.

And may I just say; why do they have such strange names? I don’t think that was a very good marketing idea. They are hard for me to remember. How about you?

The Products

Here’s a brief summary about each product.

Aquanil Cleanser

Described as “a gentle, soap free lotion by the company”, it has a 4.6 star rating on Amazon. Most people describe it feeling like a lotion. And that even though it has Sodium Laureth Sulfate it doesn’t lather very well.

From the ingredients, I don’t see an element that acts as a cleanser. But the other ingredients soften and moisturize. Seems like a trade off to me. Your skin will probably be cleaner just because you cleansed it, but not because of any cleansing agent in the product.

Here’s the crazy thing about this product. You can use this without taking a bath. Because it is soapless, you can just rub it on your skin and then wipe it off. Honestly then, I don’t think it can be compared to the other two products.

But it may be a solution for those of us that don’t want to take a bath for some reason. Although I can’t think why anyone wouldn’t want to!

Aquanil Cleanser at Amazon

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

This product claims to cleanse, hydrate and restore the skin. This product contains almost twice as many ingredients as Aquanil. What I do see is that it has a cleansing ingredient; Polyoxyl 40 Stearate, actually bonds with dirt and oil and then can be washed away. So this product stands above the other two in cleansing power.

It claims it is soap free, so I guess the stearate is a cleanser but not a soap.

It is also an Amazon Choice, with a 4.7 star rating.

It boasts that one ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid. This compound is a substance that occurs in the body and makes the skin more elastic. Therefore, your skin feels younger. The other products don’t have that. So with this product your skin will most likely feel softer than after using the other products.

View CeraVe in Amazon

Cetaphil Skin Cleanser

Amazon has a 4.6 rating for this product. There is also a “daily” version, which people find more cleansing than the gentle version. The gentle version is comparable to the other two products I have reviewed above. The gentle version is indicated for dry skin, so be sure you know what you are getting when you buy this product.

This product contains vitamin B3, an antibacterial, and B5, which hydrates. However, like Aquanil, this product has half the ingredients of CeraVe. There are different types of this product, one has aloe and another has colloidal oatmeal. One of the types has shea butter added, which I love.

Cetaphil Skin Cleanser from Amazon

I also recommend products with colloidal oatmeal, which helps itchy skin as well. See my article about it here: Why You Should Take an Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin.

The links I have provided will take you to Amazon. I do not currently have an affiliate relationship with Amazon, as this website is fairly new. Therefore, I do not receive any fee should you choose to purchase an item.

Quick Comparison Guide

	Aquanil Cleanser	CeraVe Cleanser	Cetaphil Cleanser
Manufacturer	Person and Covey	L’Oréal	Galderma, a Canadian company
Rating on Amazon	4.6	4.7	4.6
Fragrance Free	Yes	Yes	Yes
Current price per ounce	$.95	$.75	$.68
Best Comment	“The holy grail”	“… skin feel(s) like a baby’s bottom…”	“..surprised how gentle it was”
Worst Comment	“Caused allergic reaction”	None that related to the product itself.	“Broke out in severe rash”
Dermatologist Recommended	Yes	Yes	Yes

How Do These Products Help?

I spent some time researching the ingredients of each product, but didn’t think it would make very interesting reading to list them. Most of the elements are skin softeners, moisturizers, and even skin strengthening. So not only do they not dry out your skin, but they add elements that repair your skin.

Soap and Facial Wash

Some of the products come in a soap form and therefore would contain different ingredients. I recommend you check those ingredients if you buy a different product. The lotion form should be less drying.

All the products come in a face wash format as well.

CeraVe has the most extensive list of ingredients, and it also had no negative reviews.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want the lowest price per ounce, then Cetaphil is the one to choose.

If you want the one with the most ingredients, buy CeraVe.

Hardly any negative reviews were made for any of the products, but CeraVe actually had none (relating to the product itself).

Personally, I recommend CeraVe because of the extensive ingredient list. But I believe each product will provide moisturizing treatment for your dry skin.

Conclusion

Has this article been helpful? If so leave me a comment. If I didn’t answer a question you have, please leave it below and I will do my best to answer it.

The Unconventional Guide to Dry Skin and Helpful Products

June 24, 2022 by Barb

Dry Skin isn’t healthy. Here we discuss the nature of skin, bath products that help, foods and vitamins and what to avoid so that your skin will be healthy.

Why Does Skin Get Dry?

Dry skin can be caused by several factors, but for this article, I will concentrate on causes that we can be proactive about.

Your skin gets dry for a variety of reasons. It can be due to medical skin conditions, like eczema, which can affect the skin by making it dry.

However, for my purposes I will not be discussing this condition, and hope that you have consulted a physician for this problem.

Aging is also a fact for skin drying out, because as we age our bodies don’t produce as much oil to moisturize the skin.

Other reasons are ones which we can be proactive about. They include:

Weather; the cold dries out our skin as does a dry climate like the desert
Too much scrubbing and irritating products
Dry heat from a heater
Swimming in lakes, oceans and rivers

So, of course I am going to address the best products to use for dry skin, in hopes you can find some relief.

But first, let’s do some research that may also be helpful in addressing this condition.

What Is Skin Made Of?

Human skin has three layers, the top layer being called the epidermis. This layer makes us “waterproof”. This is the part of the skin we are concerned about.

It is made of collagen which is actually a protein. As we age, the production of this protein lessens, and our skin loses softness, and starts to show wrinkles. Eating the right foods and drinking plenty of water helps to keep us and our skin healthy.

When the skin is dry it can cause itching. So the common wisdom would be to provide moisture to the skin. We will look at some moisturizing products in a bit.

What Temperature Of Bath Water Is Right For Dry Skin?

Although most of us like a hot bath, and the ideal temperature is between 90 and 105 degrees, it is recommended that for dry skin you should take a warm bath, and not spend too long in it. Recommendations are warm but not hot, and spending about 10 minutes in the tub.

It is also recommended that you bathe only once a day at the most. Otherwise you are contributing to the dryness of your skin.

What Do Dermatologists Recommend?

For dry skin, a milk bath is recommended. This makes sense, since our skin is made up primarily of protein, and milk is protein. Coconut milk is also recommended. These products will both nourish and hydrate your skin.

Here’s an article by a dermatologist; I’m a Dermatologist and These Are the Best Bath Soaks for Every Skin Concern. She is the one that recommends the milk bath.

Furthermore, they recommend using a moisturizing cleanser instead of a soap. Some products available are Aquanil Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, and Cetaphil Skin Cleanser.

They also recommend that you apply moisturizer right after your bath. Instead of rubbing yourself with the towel, pat yourself dry. This is less irritating to the skin. Then apply a cream, not a lotion. Why? Lotion usually contains drying agents.

Recommended creams are Eucerin Cream, CeraVe, Moisturel, or Cetaphil. I haven’t tried these yet, but I plan to. Some reviews say they are oily or sticky though, so you may want to apply them before bed.

I provided links to Amazon for your convenience, although I do not get any fee for referrals at this time.

Watch this video for a doctor’s advice about dry skin.

Other Products To Try

I love bubble baths, but they do tend to dry out your skin. So if you are already dealing with dry skin, a bubble bath better contain oil, like Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath with Avocado Oil.

Aloe vera and chamomile have also been listed as options, but I have not investigated them yet.

And although it sounds tempting to put baby oil in your bath because it is a great moisturizer, I wouldn’t recommend it. It makes the surface of the tub very slippery and therefore unsafe. And it will be a real hassle to clean.

The same may be said for olive oil. I need to do more research on both these oils, because they are hydrating, but unless they are dispersed in the water, they will just float on the surface.

Oatmeal is a wonderful product that can soothe the skin, and I have written an extensive article about it here; Why You Should Take An Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin.

Are There Foods That Prevent Dry Skin?

Drinking water is the best activity and food you can provide for your skin. This is true for overall health in the first place, of course.

Fruits and vegetables are the best thing you can do for your skin. They include needed vitamins and contain water so you are adding hydration to your body by eating them.

Top food performers are coconut, avocado, carrots, and green leafy vegetables. Other healthy skin promoters are salmon, sweet potato, oatmeal, and extra virgin olive oil.

How About Vitamins?

Vitamin D is the best vitamin to promote healthy skin. We get vitamin D from the sun, which is ironic since we must be careful in exposing our skin to the sun. A supplement might be the way to go. Other vitamins that prevent dry skin are C, E and K.

I like this article which is very informative about how we can nourish our skin. 8 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Dry Skin.

What Should I Avoid if My Skin is Dry?

Certain foods can contribute to dry skin. Wouldn’t you know they are all those foods that we are told not to eat, but ones that we enjoy. They include:

Alcohol
Coffee
Sugar
Salty food
Refined carbohydrates
Vitamin A

I do not drink alcohol, so that won’t be a problem. And I don’t do a lot of refined carbohydrates. But I am not giving up my coffee and my creamer, which I know has sugar. I tried to, but my morning coffee is one of the things I look forward to so that is here to stay. Do your best.

Conclusion

Hopefully you know a little more about dry skin and bath products that may provide some relief. I would love to hear about your experience using any one of them, or something else you have tried.

If I didn’t answer a question you still have, please ask it below in the comments, and I will do my best to answer it.

You May Not Be Able to Find Natural Products For Your Bath

June 16, 2022 by Barb

You may not be able to find natural products for your bath because many products are made with added chemicals. Read more to find out what I mean.

You may not be able to find natural products for your bath because many products are made with added chemicals. Read more to find out what I mean.

What Do I Mean By Natural?

As you may already know, natural may mean nothing when placed on a product. Since this label isn’t FDA regulated, a product only has to have 1% of a natural (plant based, naturally sourced, or minerally derived) ingredient to be able to make the claim.

Therefore you are going to have a challenge to find products that are truly natural. However, you can make some of your own from some simple ingredients that you may already have in your home.

In the meantime, I recommend you read the ingredients of what you are putting in your bath or on your skin. I have experienced reactions to fragrances and some chemicals in soaps. Which is a bummer because I love good smells and luxury soaps.

Why Should I Use Natural Products?

The main reason you might want to use natural products is that you will probably have a better experience. Chemicals that are added to your product may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

If you choose natural, you will know exactly what is in the product you are using. And what you can expect to experience. Some natural products actually have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties, which can help your skin’s health.

However, just because it is natural, doesn’t mean you may not have some reactions. Some essential oils can cause reactions. I have also read that palm oil which is used in natural soaps, can dry your skin.

So, choose carefully, and try the product on a small area of your skin to make sure it doesn’t cause you problems.

Ingredients That You Probably Have at Home That Can Make Natural Bath Products

Here’s a list of some home products that may make for a more pleasant experience for your bath. Most of them you have on hand already! And because you are making them, you know exactly what is in them!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is a great astringent and antioxidant. It also has antimicrobial (kills microbes that may cause infections) properties, which may help with skin problems. Two cups of water added to your bath will balance out your skin’s ph, which can leave you feeling clean and refreshed. No need to rinse off.

Just be sure that your skin doesn’t react to apple cider vinegar by testing a small amount on your skin.

Rose Water and Lemon

A half a cup of fresh squeezed lemon combined with four tablespoons of rose water will be refreshing and cleansing.

Make rose water with enough distilled water to cover your dried rose petals. Boil for about 10 minutes. Let cool. Bottle it and use it as needed.

Milk and Honey

The milk in the mixture will soften and moisturize your skin. It will feel smoother, less dry and less rough. It acts as an exfoliant to take away dry dead skin. The honey has antioxidant properties and is also a skin softener.

My research suggests one half cup of honey and one half cup of milk. I think you would have to heat up the milk to get the honey dissolved in it. Or just add the honey to the hot water and then add the milk.

You should come out as soft as a baby! I suggest you rinse off though, because otherwise you will be sticky! And probably attract bees! And maybe bears!

Sea Salt and Baking Soda

These are exfoliants and claim to detoxify your body. I suppose if you are feeling extra dry and dirty, this would be a good bath to soak in. Again, rinse afterwards, as these products tend to dry the skin out. Like how you feel after swimming in the ocean!

Use equal parts of each, start with a half a cup of each and see how that feels.

Tea Bath Soak

You can use either black or green tea. Tea is an antioxidant, so it will act as a cleanser and it will also relax you. Boil 5 tea bags in 4 cups of water and let it seep for a while so you have a strong solution.

Ginger

Ginger is so good for you! I actually don’t like the taste, but I drink it in a tea daily because I know it helps my digestion. And now I find out I can soak in it in my bath! You can use freshly ground ginger, about half a cup, or a teaspoon of ground.

This is another product where you might want to test on your skin. Also be advised it will color the water and therefore leave a film. Also, the freshly ground may clog your pipes. Perhaps, put it in some cheesecloth and let it diffuse.

Ginger is another antioxidant so expect it to make your skin feel younger and look younger. I do recommend rinsing it off though. You will be orange after your soak. This is also a product you should test first.

Essential Oils

These are oils that are derived from plants, using the essence of the oil, thus the name. There are many claims that certain oils have medicinal properties, but studies don’t back this up much. I actually wrote an article about essential oils used for pain. Pain Relief With Essential Oils. Do They Work?

But they are known for their fragrances. These can be added for that particular use, thus enhancing your bath experience. This practice of using oils for aromatherapy has been studied. Some oils actually do seem to have a positive effect, as I stated in my article. One is lavender. This oil can have a relaxing and calming effect.

Combining something like lavender with a warm bath should be a nice relaxing experience.

As with any oil, do a skin test to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal baths are a popular option for treating itchy skin conditions because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It also conditions your skin as it cleanses. I recommend a product that is a colloidal oatmeal.

The one I recommend in my article Why You Should Take an Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin, is made by Aveeno. The only ingredient in it is oatmeal. But I also show you in that article how to make your own if you are so inclined.

Or here is another recipe for a bath soak with natural products.

Conclusion

I hope you have found this article helpful in your search for natural bath products. If you have questions, please leave them below. Also, if you have other ideas for natural products, please leave them as well.

What Is The Insider’s Guide To Bath Bombs?

June 9, 2022 by Barb

In this Insider’s Guide to Bath Bombs you will learn their history, their ingredients, and even how to make you own. It is my hope you come away with all the knowledge you need to be a bath bomb expert!

What Is A Bath Bomb?

According to Wikipedia, bath bombs were invented in Dorset, England in 1989 by Mo Constantine. So they have been around for over 30 years. Apparently she was interested in what caused Alka Seltzer to fizz and applied it to creating the Aqua Sizzlers, as she called them. I love how creative people can be!

They are usually spherical in shape, but can be formed in almost any shape. They are called bath bombs because they fizz when immersed in water.

What Are The Ingredients In A Bath Bomb?

They are made up of a mild acid and bicarbonate base. These ingredients react when in contact with water, and begin to fizz. Other ingredients may include a fragrance and a dye that colors the water.

The main ingredients of the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate do not usually cause skin irritations especially since they are diluted in the water of a bath. However, some people have sensitive skin that may react to the fragrance or the dye in the bath bomb. Consider this fact when deciding to use a bath bomb.

Other ingredients may be some sort of emollient (a preparation that softens the skin; Oxford Dictionary). This may give the bath water a slippery or oily quality as the emollient suspends in the water. If this is the case, be very careful when getting out of the bathtub, it may be slippery.

The dye is a water soluble dye, and should not stain your skin or the tub. The fragrance is made from essential oils or fragrance oils, some of which can have medicinal properties.

Why Would You Use A Bath Bomb?

The benefits of a bath bomb are much like other bath products. Those benefits are:

Adding aroma to your experience. These can be relaxing smells, invigorating smells or just a fragrance you enjoy.
Providing skin moisturizers.
Cleansing the body.
Fun! A fizzing colorful treat, sort of like a party in your tub!

Using a bath bomb is a treat to yourself. It should assist you in relaxing. It is also an add to cleansing your skin. The mild acid can help dead dry skin to be removed. And just enjoying a special aroma can lift your mood. What’s not to love?

How To Use a Bath Bomb

This hardly needs to be stated, but I will anyway! Fill your tub with water at a temperature to your liking. Drop in the bath bomb. You can get in when it is still fizzing, or wait until it is done. That’s totally up to you.

Most professionals recommend a soak of only 10 – 15 minutes. If you want to soak longer, then you should probably soak in just water with no additives.

Should You Shower After Bathing In A Bath Bomb?

Most research says you don’t have to because much of the ingredients are nourishing to your skin. But if you have used one with coloring, or scent or glitter (?), you may want to take a quick shower to remove those ingredients.

A good rule of thumb might be to see what your tub looks like after you drain it. What is left on your tub is what is also left on your skin.

And if redness, itchiness or scaliness occurs, then your skin probably can’t handle the ingredients and bath bombs aren’t for you! For females, gently cleaning your private parts with clean water is recommended, as we can be prone to infections.

You Can Make Bath Bombs At Home

I’m going to include a video that shows you how to make them, as well as what ingredients you need. Your fragrances will vary depending on your preference, as well as the oils you use. You should be able to find all the ingredients at places like Walmart.

The best part of making your own bath bombs is you will know exactly what is in them.

Downsides Of Bath Bombs

May leave a residue, so you should probably clean the tub after you use a bath bomb. May also make your tub slippery, so be careful and safe! Here’s my article about bathtub safety; How To Be Safe in the Bathtub.

Some people may react to the ingredients, including the fragrances. Be aware of what is in your bath bomb so you don’t experience adverse effects.

Like bubble baths and other fragranced products, some people may become irritated and get urinary tract infections. It is recommended that you use bath bombs sparingly, say once a week. There is no hard and fast rule here, but be cautious of overuse.

Best Selling Bath Bombs

Your choice of bath bombs is certainly based on preferences. These are the top results in my search. But do your own research to find products you like.

Lush

This company was sold by the creator of the bath bomb and is not world wide. It has medium to high priced bath bombs. Probably has the widest selection. Here is the link for their US website; Lush.

Natural

The above company has natural products as do many other companies. Be careful when shopping for natural, as some ingredients, even though natural can cause skin irritation.

This may also be true of organic products as well.

This link goes to Walmart which has many bath bomb products. If you purchase through the link, I receive a small percentage for referring you because I have a marketing agreement with them.

Dr Teal’s

I have enjoyed this line of products for some time. They aren’t fancy but they provide much enjoyment. They also do not have an extensive line of products. But they are probably the most economical.

This link also brings you to Walmart where you can purchase them. I receive a small fee from the purchase.

Conclusion

Did you learn all about bath bombs? Because that was my intention, to provide you with everything you need to know about bath bombs. Then you can decide for yourself if a bath bomb is something you want to try.

Let me know of your experience with bath bombs, please. Or if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments.

Why You Should Take an Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin

June 2, 2022 by Barb

In this article, I am going to cover in detail why you should take an oatmeal bath for itchy skin. Oatmeal can soothe and moisturize itchy skin.

And while I write this, I am itching! Why is that? Does just the suggestion of itchy skin make you itch? Arghhh!

Why Do Oatmeal Baths Help Itching?

The oatmeal you should use is a colloidal oatmeal. (See below.) The properties of the oatmeal provide a protective layer for your skin. It adds moisture to your skin, and can ease inflammation. Finally it can act as a cleanser.

We are interested in the anti-inflammatory part, as that is what itching is caused by; some irritant is causing us to itch. So the oatmeal calms the skin from itching. But it is nice that it has other benefits as well!

What Kind of Oatmeal Should I Use for an Oatmeal Bath?

Please do not take a cup of Quaker Oats and put it in your bathtub. You need an oatmeal colloidal solution. This is made from finely pulverized oat grains that are so small they are almost microscopic. This is added to a liquid to make a colloid, which is by definition a substance suspended in a liquid.

High quality Colloidal Oatmeal shouldn’t have particles suspended that you can see. It will contain the powder of the oatmeal in a liquid, so the appearance will be cloudy. This solution will remain on your skin for you to get the full effect, so you don’t want oat flakes or granules on your skin.

Another factor to remember is that you need to drain this from your tub. That’s why it is important to have the oatmeal in a powder.

Should You Rinse After an Oatmeal Bath?

You don’t have to rinse off the product that is coating your skin. You want the anti-inflammatory properties of the oatmeal to stay on your skin and continue to stop the itching. So just pat your skin dry.

You may want to add some moisturizer to your skin as well, but I would first see how your skin feels after the oatmeal soak. The oatmeal is a moisturizer in itself, so you are already getting that added benefit.

How Long Should You Soak in an Oatmeal Bath?

First of all, you should soak in a lukewarm bath. Very hot water can cause you to itch even more, so don’t make it too hot. Soak for only about 10 to 15 minutes.

Be very careful getting into and out of the bathtub. The colloidal oatmeal is slippery and you can easily slip. I recommend having a grab bar installed to hold on to. I reviewed some easy to install ones on my other website. See: Best Clamp on Grab Bar for Getting Out of the Tub.

How To Make Your Own Oatmeal Baths

It is debatable about whether or not you can make your own colloidal oatmeal. Some people say you can, as demonstrated in this following video.

Here’s a video from a doctor who explains the properties of oatmeal and why it helps the skin. She says you shouldn’t make your own colloidal oatmeal. But she doesn’t provide the reason why.

Product Recommendations

In the above video from Dr. Anne, she recommends the Inkey List line for skin care. However, I don’t see any colloidal oatmeal products, so I can’t recommend this brand.

She also mentioned Aveeno, which makes an extensive line of skin care products, including a colloidal oatmeal soak. I like Aveeno products because they are gentle to the body. This particular product claims to be dermatologist recommended.

If you use this link to purchase it, I receive a small referral fee from your purchase. Otherwise, shop around and see what works for you.

If you want more information about why your skin itches and other recommendations, see my other article on the topic. Best Bath Products for Itchy Skin and Other Helpful Products.

Caution

As with any product that you put on your skin, you may want to test a small part of your skin to see if you have a reaction. Put it on your arm for a few days to see if you have a reaction.

Although oatmeal is a soothing and non-irritating product, there may be people that react to it by getting a rash. This would include people with contact allergies. So please test this to see if you react before you bathe in it.

Conclusion

Has this been helpful? Please leave me a comment and let me know. Also, if you have tried an oatmeal treatment, let all of us know!

5 Insane (But True) Things About Bath Products for Men

May 18, 2022May 18, 2022 by Barb

Bath Products for Men? Is there such a thing as Bath Products for Men? Do Men Like Bath Products? What Bath Products Do Men Like? Why Would a Man Want to Take a Bath? Are Men Who Take Baths Real Men? Read further for answers to these questions.

Is There Such a Thing as Bath Products for Men?

Yes, there are! Retailers like Bath and Body Works have several products for men. Bed, Bath and Beyond also feature men’s products. Merely doing a Google search turns up hundreds of bath products, and many of them specifically made for men. So yes, there is such a thing as bath products for men.

I confess that as a woman, I don’t know much about men’s products, so that’s why I began this research. Perhaps you are looking for a unique Father’s Day gift. Maybe a bath product would be the answer.

There are bath bombs, bath salts, bath soaps. There are of course other grooming products for men as well. Do a little detective work to find out his favorite scents. Then you can surprise him with a gift that is intentionally unique for his enjoyment.

Do Men Like Bath Products?

I’m going to reason from the fact that there are hundreds of bath products specifically for men, that yes, men like bath products. I wonder which came first? Men taking baths because there are manly bath products, or bath products were created because men take baths?

According to my research, men’s products must be distinctly male. So the scents must be identified as manly and not feminine. Therefore, no fruity smells, no flower smells and nothing that is pink.

The products must also be functional, especially formulated to get a body clean. This is probably why many of the products smell fresh and natural, sort of like a walk in a forest in the early morning. So fragrance is a large part of how popular a bath product will be with men.

What Products Do Men Like?

Interestingly, several products for men in the body wash category are 3-in-1 which means they can be used as a shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Makes me wonder if men are so lazy they can’t be bothered with three different products! Sorry guys!

My research states that 3-in-1 products are made for convenience and getting clean. So if those are your goals, definitely use that. However, you are sacrificing healthy hair, because you are not getting a quality conditioner. And you are not getting much skin care because the cleansing chemicals used to clean your hair are not good for your skin.

See this article link Is 3-in-1 Body Wash for Men Worth It? You’ll get a guy’s review of 3-in1 products.

From my research I found these categories of products seemed to be the most popular:

Bath Bombs
Skin Moisturizing
Relaxing
Muscle soothing
Cleansing
Bath Salts

Scents that were popular with men are:

Bergamont
Sandalwood
Vanilla
Pine

Over and over again I noted that Bath and Body Works seems to be a popular store for men’s bath products. Some of the popular products have names that certainly sound masculine, like Slate, Ocean, and Marble.

Many products now offer essential oils as part of the product. Most of the oils add fragrance. Some oils, like lavender, eucalyptus and frankincense can also have medicinal properties as well. Figure these facts into your purchase.

Here’s a video of a guy that has done some research and comparison. He seems very invested in his recommendations.

Reasons Men Give for Taking a Bath

Men have some of the same reasons to take a bath that we women have. Which makes sense. Here are the following reasons that men give for taking a bath.

Clean up
Relax
Quiet alone time
Warm up
Heat therapy for sore muscles and other pains
Hope partner joins them

Men Who Take Baths Are Real Men!

For some reason, there seems to be a popular misconception that men who take baths are not manly. I guess that comes from the idea that seeing a man in a bubble bath seems silly.

But from my research, men aren’t usually after a bubble bath as much as a nice hot soak in water that may be infused with some bath salts. So although men enjoy a bath, they might enjoy it for reasons different from women.

A bath is a multi-use experience. You can wash yourself to get cleaned up, but also just relax. You may relax and enjoy your time alone. Or you may enjoy the heat of the water to warm you up and soothe sore muscles.

Bath Products for Men — mateusmiliano10/Pixabay

Recommendations?

I am not going to make any at this point, as far as a particular product. However, I will advise that you purchase a product that you are reasonably sure will be one with a fragrance enjoyed by the man. That’s why I recommend you do some research. My friend likes Old Spice Aftershave, but I’m not sure he would want to bathe in it.

Also keep in mind the purpose the man wants for taking a bath. Salts are recommended for sore muscles, and some fragrances can be relaxing. Just as an aside, Epsom Salts do not have the therapeutic effect they are promoted to have. See this article: Can Epsom Salt Relieve Pain? But Not In A Way That You Think.

On the other hand, I have researched some relaxing products, and you can see the recommendations here: What To Put In Your Bath For a Relaxing Experience.

Also, be careful if your man has allergies or skin sensitivity. Aveeno and Tom’s of Maine have products for men with those issues.

Conclusion

By doing a bit of research and casually talking with your male friend or loved one, you should be able to ascertain some of his personal preferences. A bath product might be the ultimate surprise as a gift and if researched properly, very appreciated.

What do you think? Do you have other ideas or some advice for bath products for men? Leave your thoughts here.

Give Mom Something Unique for Mother’s Day | 2022 DIY Ideas

April 14, 2022 by Barb

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive using the following ideas to make your Mother’s Day a unique experience. Especially if you use some of the DIY suggestions. Your thoughtfulness and effort will surely be remembered for years to come.

Steps To Consider

How much time can you invest?

Can you prepare ahead of time?

Would she like food? Or a product? Or a massage, or facial?

Ask yourself these questions to narrow the choices. Maybe you can do all the above! Just start planning now to make the day a success.

Maybe she wants the traditional breakfast in bed! Or to be taken out for a meal. Does she want to go for a hike? Or a bike ride? Or a drive? It is important to find out her likes and dislikes before you plan this event.

Give Mom Something Unique for Mother’s Day | 2022 DIY Ideas — Prawny/Pixabay

What Does Your Mom Enjoy?

All of us are different when it comes to how we spend our relaxing time. So it is important to take some time to think about what your Mom likes. Some of my friends love to be out and about, seeing new places. Others like a quiet day at home with loved ones. And then there are people that like somewhere in between!

Here are some categories with suggestions.

Activities

I’m listing activities that she can do as a family. After all, that’s what makes it Mother’s Day. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment; i.e. shoes, jackets, sunscreen.

Walking, hiking, or running
Trip to the beach, mountains, or lake
Games
Concerts, movies, museums

Foods

Breakfast in bed is always a hit. Even though there are several ideas for what to make your Mom for breakfast, always remember what she likes when you plan her meal. You can do simple, like a bagel and cream cheese, or more complex, like an egg casserole.

Here’s a link for Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed from Tasty. Or do a search yourself.

Simple snacks during the day are also appreciated. As we Moms age, we need to eat small meals throughout the day. Healthy snacks like nuts and fruit are wonderful to keep our blood sugar steady.

Popular now is a charcuterie board. Here’s one called The Perfect Charcuterie Board, which is under the category Tastes Better From Scratch. Add items that your Mom may enjoy.

And of course a lunch or dinner that you prepare, serve and clean up is certainly a home run. Your Mom will feel very loved from that experience.

All these food categories will be less expensive than a meal in a restaurant. And you won’t have to fight the crowds.

Mom usually does the pampering. That’s why this category can be very popular. It is very much appreciated to have a day dedicated to Mom’s pampering.

To Be Pampered

If you are already providing a meal, why not continue the gift by adding a little pampering? This doesn’t have to be expensive either.

When we talk about pampering, we think of a massage or a spa treatment. But you can create a similar experience right at home.

Some suggestions are:

A foot massage
A back massage
A facial
A manicure or pedicure
A bubble bath

Here’s a sweet video of how this woman blessed her Mom. All these gifts were found at the grocery store!

Foot Massage

First soak her feet in warm water, with some lemon slices, honey and apple cider vinegar. These additions will soften her skin and cleanse it. You can then massage her feet with a nice cream that you have purchased. Or try something simple like vaseline, or a mashed banana. Wrap in a warm towel for a few minutes for the full effect. Wipe clean and put on some cozy socks to protect the moisture.

Back Massage

You don’t have to be a licensed masseuse to provide a back massage. A gentle pressure applied to the back can work wonders to relax and refresh tight muscles. She doesn’t even have to lie down in case that is uncomfortable. Simply sitting in a backless chair can allow you to provide a 10 minute massage.

A Facial

Most of us females have some sort of facial product on hand, so you can easily use this. But in case you don’t you can make a cleanser from yogurt, banana, apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Wash off.

Then apply a mask. Again you can make one from oatmeal, honey and milk. Let the oatmeal soak for a bit. Apply, let rest on your face for 15 minutes, wash off.

Finish with a moisturizer. Here’s some creative ones; homemade and inexpensive.

Femina.in

A Manicure or Pedicure

You also don’t have to be a trained manicurist to provide this. Just make sure you have the supplies on hand. Nail scissors and an emery board are the bare necessities. And if she likes nail polish, then have that on hand too. She will be so proud to display your work!

A Bubble Bath

This is my personal favorite, and the reason I started this website. If your Mom loves a nice bath at the end of the day, then here is where you can get her an inexpensive gift that will bring many happy experiences. Ask yourself these questions first. Does your Mom:

Like fragrances or not?
Enjoy Bubble Baths?
Salts or Minerals?

If you can answer these questions then you should be able to find a product that she would enjoy. It is important to choose a product that she would buy for herself, don’t you think?

Here’s a link to a marketing site that lists some products and reviews. I haven’t tried these products except for the Dr. Teal’s soak. Check out their link; Best Bath Soaks for more information.

Some of my personal favorites are the Dr. Teal’s products. This link will take you to Walmart where you can purchase them. I have an affiliate relationship with them and will receive a small fee if you purchase through this link.

I also reviewed some other products in this post: Popular Bath Products That Are Affordable | A Review. Check it out for more ideas.

Conclusion

I assume you have read this because you want to make this Mother’s Day a true celebration for your Mom. I hope it has been helpful and you succeed in your goal. Let me know how it went; I love hearing personal stories. Also if you have more ideas, please add them here. You’ll be helping others!

If you have questions you may leave them in the comments also. I’ll do my best to answer them.