Best Bath Products | What Experts Are Saying About Baths

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!

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

April 8, 2023July 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.

Or you can order from Amazon through this link. I will receive a small referral fee if you buy through this link.

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.

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.

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

June 14, 2022 by Barb

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.

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

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.

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.