Oatmeal

Looking for ways to make your bath more relaxing? I’ve researched what to put in your bath for a relaxing experience. And I have other hints to make you feel like you’re at a spa!

Looking for ways to make your bath more relaxing? I’ve researched what to put in your bath for a relaxing experience. And I have other hints to make you feel like you’re at a spa!

Introduction

For most of us, we bathe to clean our bodies. But for some of us, we like to soak in the warm water and find it relaxing. But what if we could up the experience and make our bath even more relaxing?

I think that is possible so I am sharing my research results with you. I hope you will try one of these suggestions.

Essential Oils

An essential oil is obtained from the essence of plants. The oils have many uses, but for our purposes here, we are going to focus on what oils are recommended for relaxation. Lavender oil is the most often recommended. This is because science has actually shown that the aroma of lavender can actually reduce anxiety and therefore be very relaxing.

Here is the study from the National Institute of Health if you want to read about these studies; Lavender and the Nervous System.

Other oils that are recommended are Rose Oil, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Chamomile and Frankincense. I did a study of essential oils for pain, and found only a few had science backing them up. Only lavender made the cut. If you want to read about it, here is the article; Pain Relief With Essential Oils. Do They Work?

Ginger

Much has been said about the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and how it can help with digestion. But Asian cultures have been using ginger in the bath for ages, as it is believed to balance out circulation. And a secondary benefit is that it encourages sleep.

There are many bath products containing ginger that are available online. I have an affiliate link here that provides you the option to purchase. If you do so, I receive a referral fee. Bath Salts with Ginger and Lemon Oil. This product has a 4.6 star rating and is an Overall Pick on Amazon.

From my previous article, Best Bath Products for Itchy Skin and Other Helpful Products, you learned that an oatmeal soak or lotion is wonderful for itchy skin. It is also helpful for relaxing as well.

Although there appears to be no chemical reaction from oatmeal that affects your mood, the fact that it will nourish your skin, calm itchiness and hydrate your skin, should lead to a relaxing effect.

And you probably have oatmeal on hand so you can make an oatmeal soak today!

Coconut Oil

My research didn’t actually show that coconut oil relaxes you. But it has been shown to nourish your skin, thus reducing the signs of aging. So I guess you could say that if you know your skin will look younger when after you soak in coconut oil, you will feel calmer and younger!

Be extra careful not to add too much. This oil is especially slippery; on your skin and the bottom of the tub once it is drained. Keep some big towels close by.

Milk

This is another product that doesn’t have scientific support for relaxing you, but does have other benefits. The fats in milk can nourish your skin, thereby reducing itching and dryness. You can use almost any milk, except for skim because it doesn’t have enough fat. You can even use dry milk.

However, if you want a natural product with relaxing fragrances added, here’s a suggestion. Moisturizing Lavender Chamomile Milk Bath. This product checks all the boxes because it comes with chamomile, lavender and shea butter. I’d be careful I didn’t fall asleep in the bathtub! It has a 4.6 star rating on Amazon. This is another affiliate link, where I earn a fee if you purchase.

Other Items To Include For a Relaxing Experience

Dim lights

Bright lights will not enhance your bathing experience. Bright light makes you more alert. And you want the opposite. So hopefully you have a dimmer switch or a muted option for your bathroom.

Just be careful to not make it too dark. Bathtub safety is my main concern, so have your area lit enough to be able to see and be safe.

Candles

Most of us women enjoy the fragrances and waving flame of a candle. Adding this in your bathroom can provide a relaxing environment, especially if it is an aromatherapy candle. You can have one or many. This will also add light to the area.

Again, practice safety. Have the candle in a safe container, and preferably away from you knocking it over. If it is on the counter, make sure it is away from towels and paper products. Think safety first!

Relaxing Music

Choose what you like in this category. Our musical tastes can be so different, so find your favorite. Use a small bluetooth device to enhance the experience. Keep the volume low though for more relaxation.

Bath Caddy

There are so many variations available! You can go very simply with a basket beside your bathtub. Some suggestions for the contents would be a towel and your bathing products including what you would add to your bath. Do you want to read? Then your book and glasses. (Though the following video says don’t read; it causes neck strain.)

There are also many versions of the caddy that fits over both sides of the tub, like a bridge. There are wood ones, plastic ones, and metal ones. Some even have a stand to hold your book up. I plan to write a review about bath caddies in the future. In the meantime, you can search the web. There are several available.

A Few Words of Caution

Before you use any product in your bath water, check to see if you have a sensitivity or reaction to it, by putting a small amount on your skin. Wait a bit to see if you have any reaction.

Also do not, under any circumstances, use electronics while bathing. Water and electricity can kill you!

Some oils and soaps will make the bottom of your bathtub slippery. Make sure they are dissolved and dispersed in the water before you step in. Hold on to the side or to your safety bar as you slowly step in. And be careful getting out as well. Use your towel to dry your hands so you have a better grip while you get out.

Conclusion

I would love to hear of some other ideas you have to make your bath experience relaxing. And if you have questions, or comments, please leave them below.

Do you have itchy skin? Do you want to get some relief? Of course you do! Are there products that can help with this problem? Yes there are! Read more to learn about the Best Bath Products for Itchy Skin and Other Helpful Products.

Why Does My Skin Itch?

First, itchy skin or parts of your skin that itch may be caused by a variety of things.

There are the situations where you get an occasional itch from sunburn, poison ivy or a bug bite. These are certainly irritating, but not considered chronic. Other causes could be an allergic reaction or dry skin.

Best Bath Products for Itchy Skin and Other Helpful Products — DMFhotography/Pixabay

Chronic itchy skin is classified as an itch that lasts longer than six weeks. This situation can be very disruptive and agonzing. These could be skin conditions like eczema or shingles. Or they could be infectious diseases like ringworm or scabies.

It is best to see a doctor if your itchy skin persists. You may need a diagnosis and a prescription. Here is a great resource link from the American Academy of Dermatology which provides some good information.

But if you are only experiencing occasional itchiness, then these recommendations may help.

Easy Recommendations for Relieving Itchy Skin

The easiest and cheapest possible solutions are probably available to you right now! They are:

Use a cold wet cloth or ice pack on the itchy area. Don’t leave on too long. The ice could damage your skin tissue. I leave it on for a few seconds, remove, then reapply. I have read that 10 minutes is the maximum time you should allow ice to be on your skin.
Moisturizer with a lotion that has moisturizing properties. Avoid fragrances, as these can cause itching in certain individuals. Put the lotion in the refrigerator for a bit. The coolness will calm the itching.
Apply a baking soda paste. Use one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water, rub on irritation, let sit for 10 minutes, wash off.
Calamine lotion is still highly recommended for skin irritations. Apply as directed.

Bathing Recommendations for Relieving Itchy Skin

Although it may be tempting to soak in a hot bath, the hot water will probably increase the itching. A warm bath is recommended in this case. Warm is considered to be about 98 degrees. Here are suggestions for making the bathtub a remedy for itchy skin.

Add baking soda! Yes, just as it is helpful as a paste applied to the skin, it is also helpful in the tub. Add ¼ to ½ a cup to a warm bath and soak for 10 minutes.

Make an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal has many soothing properties. You should grind about a cup in a food processor so it is very fine. Your goal is to have it mix with the water (to form a colloid), and not drop to the bottom of the tub. Soak in a warm bath for 10 minutes.

Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment is a product you can purchase. The product contains only colloidal oatmeal! Which you can make with your food processor and oatmeal, as I stated above. But if you want to purchase it, here is a link. I receive a small referral fee if you purchase the product through this link.

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Bath Powder is another recommended product. This product combines the colloidal oatmeal with shea butter, which is a wonderful moisturizing product. It also contains rice bran. Here’s the link to Amazon. I receive a small referral fee if you purchase from this link.

Eczema Honey Oatmeal Comfort Bubble Bath. Don’t let the name fool you. It is a wonderful product that is made for sensitive skin conditions, and will help you feel less itchy and moisturized at the same time. Plus this has the benefit of bubbles, for those of us who are still children at heart. A great review by a satisfied customer, here. 5 stars.

Other Helpful Products

Use Domeboro. This is a medicated powder that you can make into a soak by adding water. I have used it over the years, and it never fails to bring relief. Here’s a link to the product site. I do not have an affiliate relationship with this product, but highly recommend it.
Another surprising home remedy that is cheap is vinegar. I have seen recommendations using both apple cider and white vinegar. Not only should it quiet the itching, but it is an antibacterial, so if you have open sores, it will help heal. It might sting though! Just dab some on a cotton ball and pat onto the itch.
Have an aloe vera plant? Cut off part of a leaf, cut it open, and scrape the gel out. Apply to skin. Also has healing properties.
After using any of these products, you may want to moisturize with a lotion. If so, use one without fragrances and added chemicals, which can dry out skin and cause more itching.

Disclaimer

I am not a doctor. All these ideas I have posted are ones I have either researched or tried. If you are concerned about any product, try it on a small area of your skin before you use it more extensively. If you don’t have any adverse reactions, then it is probably safe for you to use. That is even true for baking soda! Some people are sensitive to it!

Otherwise, contact your doctor! Or a pharmacist.

And please be very safe when you bathe. I wrote an article on bathing safety. Click here to read it; How To Be Safe in the Bathtub.

Conclusion

Do you have other solutions? Or do you have questions? Please leave them below and I will do my best to get back to you with the answers.