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.