As we move into summer and (optimistically) a dash of warmer weather and sunshine, it might not seem like the ideal time to start getting into baths (literally). But, with a national lockdown and global pandemic currently occurring, a relaxing bath might just be the stress-solving self-care you need right now.
'Having a bath can be more than just a way to wash', says natural skincare expert Annee de Mamiel. 'Your skin releases endorphins in response to the soothing warm water the same way that endorphins are released when you feel the sun on your skin.' In short? Baths aren't just good for your skin, they're good for your brain as well.
They're something neurologist Dr Tara Swart also swears by. 'Immersion in warm water releases the bonding hormone oxytocin which can counteract feelings of loneliness', she explains. 'Our brain experiences the same feelings as if we were getting physical affection or attention from a loved one.'
During a lockdown, where many of us have been separated from our loved ones for months on end, a hug, whether it's a bath-based one or real, is exactly what we're craving.
Not sure how to up your relaxing bath ante? We spoke to the beauty and wellness experts who know how to turn your evening dip into a luxury ritual...
Relaxing Bath Ritual No.1 - Annee de Mamiel
'I love really taking the time to transform my bathroom into a sanctuary. While the bath is running, I will spend time dry brushing - I find this helps my overall skin from getting too dry. I will also cleanse my skin and pop on a serum and mask.
'My favourite bath of late is with my Altitude Bath Soak - a lovely concoction of bits and bobs for fortitude, strength and endurance, to help to just keep going. This combination is nurturing, calming, grounding and allows me to draw a deeper breath, to engage the parasympathetic nervous system to begin to slow everything down. It helps you to let go of attachments and become more grounded, but it is mainly a lovely balance of yin and yang.'
What You'll Need
'In creating my healing space I use:
- Unscented candles – so I can let the essential oils do the work.
- Palo Santo – to smudge and clear the space.
- Salts are essential - a mix of Himalayan for the mineral content, Dead Sea Salt to soothe the itchiness of my skin and Epsom Salt for my aching post run muscles.
- If I am having this of an evening I will also use magnesium flakes to help me sleep
- With a muslin cloth I will make a poultice of colloidal oat or jumbo rolled oats (about an espresso cup) and a sprig of rosemary– wrapped and tied. This makes the water soothing and milky.
- Rose quartz crystal.
- Tea – a sprig of rosemary in hot water.
'I will also do some gentle breathing, in through the nose and out through the mouth to ground myself and either spend time contemplating or reading a book.
'When it's time to come out, I pat myself with a towel leaving some water on the skin and slather myself in Salvation Body oil – my happy oil.'
Shop Annee de Mamiel's Bath Ritual
BetterYou Original Magnesium Flakes
Bath Ritual No.2 - Charli Howard
'I always dim the lights and light a candle when I'm having a bath - my favourite ones are by Diptyque (I have a few). A bath in bright light never feels the same for some reason.
'My favourite bath bombs to use are Lush’s ‘Dragons Egg’ (which has glitter in it) or ‘Space Girl’ (which smells like those Love Hearts sweets!!). I feel like they make your baths feel slightly more luxurious, even though they’re really affordable, and they’re really kind to sensitive skin.
'You can (carefully!) pop an iPad or laptop on the side and watch some of your favourite shows too. I’m watching Netflix’s Unorthodox at the moment, but if I fancy a laugh, I’ll always watch re-runs of the Inbetweeners!
'I have quite dry skin at the moment so while I’m in there, I’ll wrap my hair up and sit back with some of my Squish Cheeky Cherry’s on my face. They’re hydrating and you feel like you’re getting moisture and a calming sensation where you most need it.'
What You'll Need
- Candle
- Bath bomb
- Laptop
- Under-eye patches
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Relaxing Bath Ritual No.3 - Beauty Pie's Marcia Kilgore
'Being a type A+ personality, I like to multitask to the extreme, even when it comes to a DIY bath-spa evening. Because, if you plan properly, you can not only self-pedicure and full-body exfoliate, but also relax and moisturise simultaneously.
'I like to load up a really hot bath with Lavender bath oil (like the Beauty Pie Soul Providers Relaxing Bath And Shower Oil) and put a podcast on the speaker (I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to podcasts, so load up on Freakonomics or Hidden Brain, or listen to an addictive series like Serial).
'Before I get in, I buff my feet (because dry feet buff way better), use Beauty Pie Wonderscrub on my face (which has enzymes that when left on longer, eat away at all the dulling skin cells), and standing on a towel, rub our Super Healthy Skin Nourishing Body Polish all over - hands and feet included - put Super Healthy Hair Elastic-Repair Treatment in for a good blast of hair cuticle strengthening, turn the lights down low (ish), and carefully dip into the bath for a big, long, oily soak.
'I’ll light a couple of candles, have a sheet mask on standby, and try to practice deep breathing and maybe meditate.'
What You'll Need
Shop Marcia's Bath Ritual
Relaxing Bath Ritual No.4 - Suzanne Duckett, author of 'Bathe: The Art Of Finding Rest, Relaxation' and founder of The Antidote
'I could bathe morning, noon and night, there’s no rhyme nor reason nor timing to my bathing habits. I take a bath whenever I fancy it – in preparation for going out, when I come in from a long day, to wake me up, to calm me down. A hot oily bath can make me feel secure when I am anxious, while a salty bath purifies me when I have overindulged (alternated with freezing-cold shower blasts–hopping in and out from the shower to the tub is my ultimate hangover cure!).
'A tepid "sheep dip", as I call it, is a wonderful, transformative beautifier too; a one-pot pit stop where you scrub away dry dead and dull skin, shave legs or any other parts, softening and smoothing skin from top to toe with all manner of oils and spoils, boosting body confidence in five minutes flat. You step out a new person, a layer shed in every sense.'
What You'll Need
'I like to bring the beach to my bath. The countless vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the salts and seaweed help relieve stress, aches and pains, encourage the body to expel toxins, help induce sleep and even help to balance hormones.
- 60g Epsom salts.
- 60g Dead Sea salt.
- 120g Seaweed powder - quality seaweed powder is brimming with vitamin C, which boosts collagen production and skin elasticity; potassium, which is needed for proper hydration of the body, including the skin; and iron, which promotes circulation of blood throughout the body and provides the skin with abundant oxygen- rich blood, which makes it healthy and supple.
- 7-10 drops of the following essential oils: juniper berry, lavender, sandalwood or patchouli (to mask the seaweed smell!).
'Combine the salts and seaweed powder in a container, then stir into a hot bath.'
Shop Suzanne's Bath Ritual
Neom Organics London Essential Oil Gift Set
Relaxing Bath Ritual No.5 - Claire Constantine, Lush Retail Director
'At this time when everyone is struggling to relax, having a decadent bath is a defiant act of self-care. Before I run my bath I go out into the garden and pick a handful of flowers to sit on my bath bridge - it’s a lovely way to add an element of nature to the room and they instantly lift my mood.
'I then pop on some beautiful Lush Spa music or listen to one of our Chilled Beats and Bath Art experiences online - these are the perfect beats to unwind and relax to with or without a bath.
'When I begin to draw my bath I use a bath thermometer to ensure my bath is at the perfect temperature, for me that's around 39C but everyone has their own preference (usually between 37-41C).
'I carefully pick which bath bomb I’m going to use based on the way I want to feel. At the moment I’m using Intergalactic, one of our best selling bath bombs invented by my brother, Jack. It’s packed full of stimulating and refreshing peppermint oil and creates bright and beautiful bath art as it fizzes.
'Before slipping into the bath I always make sure I have my book and a fresh pot of herbal tea ready to be poured. I've been enjoying a Chai tea. Absolute bliss!'
What You'll Need
- Fresh flowers
- Music
- Bath thermometer
- Bath bomb
- Chai tea
- A book
Shop Claire's Bath Ritual
Relaxing Bath Ritual No.6 - Aromatherapy Associates Director of Wellbeing and Education, Christina Salcedas
'When I have a bath, I will go all out, burn a candle, have some relaxing music in the background, turn off the lights. Then as you run your bath, pour a capful of your chosen oil blend into the palm of your hand and apply to your torso, to your chest, abdomen, lower back and shoulders, the aim is to cover as much of torso with the blend.
'Next, cup your hands around your nose and mouth and take a few deep breaths in through your nose and then out through your mouth. Take your time doing this when you can, to ensure you are taking those oils in and making the most of this moment of wellbeing as just by inhaling the oils you are benefiting.
'Look for blends with Vetiver known to have sedating properties, camomile which can be calming to mind and body and sandalwood to ground you. Uplifting Ylang Ylang and Lavender with its ability to unwind are great to unwind after a busy day. However, if you are feeling a little anxious look for Frankincense and Petitgrain known for their ability to clear the mind.'
What You'll Need
- Bath oil
- Candle
- Music
Shop Christina's Bath Ritual
Aromatherapy Associates Relax Deep Bath & Shower Oil
Aromatherapy Associates Relax Light Bath & Shower Oil
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