Bath time has come a long way from just being a daily hygiene requirement to a stress-busting, mood-lifting experience. ROSHNI DADABHOY takes us through the various options available today for this indulgent ritual.
Don’t we all just love the feel of our skin after a bath — fresh, moist, clean and oh-so-kissable? We also wish it would remain that way all day long, don’t we? One of the most important factors is the cleanser we use while bathing. The quintessential soap bar is passé, giving way to newer, more vibrant options. We now have bathing bars, body washes, shower gels, bath salts, beads and oils. Let’s look at how best we can use each of these:
Bathing bar: We all have different kinds of skin with different needs. Bathing bars, today, are available for all skin types — dry, normal, oily and combination. Delicious fruit extracts, exotic oils, exfoliating granules with hydrating and moisturising qualities are some of the reasons they are preferred. Bathing bars must be used and changed according to the season; during summer, go for the ones with citrus flavours and cooling ingredients, such as mint. Using these for a bath will leave you fresh and full of zest.
Body wash and shower gel: These magic potions have gained popularity because they are:
- Easy to carry — your best friend while travelling.
- Hygienic — share it and don’t feel ‘eeky’ about it.
- An invigorating experience
They lather well, so you feel luxurious after a bath. There are a plethora of body washes available for the sporty, tom-boyish, the I-love-everything-pink girls to the 9 to 5 working woman; there is one for each of us. Jojoba oils, patchouli, cucumber and tea tree extracts, milk and almonds, peppermint, wild cherry, fruit extracts, organic options — you name it and it’s there. If you have a super hectic lifestyle, there are special ones for calming, relaxing and sleep inducing too.
The biggest reason that they are so widely used is that the scrubbing motion on your skin with a loofah increases blood circulation and vitality — much needed in the morning.
Bath salts: These granules can be added to your bath to help exfoliate and soften the skin. You can prepare these at home to suit your liking or you can pick up one with aromatherapy from your local store. Known to relax muscles, bath salts are the perfect way to indulge in some ‘me time’ after that hard day at work.
Bath beads: Another bath additive, these are known to lubricate and relax your skin. These make perfect gifts for someone who loves a long, luxurious bath. They can be made at home or bought at a store. So, drop them into your bath, grab a book and just relax. Bliss!
Bath oils: Generally used to nourish dry or damaged skin, you can add a few drops to your bath and soak in. The oils get absorbed in your skin, leaving you moisturised and glowing.
So, go ahead and make the most of the bathing revolution. Happy bathing!
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