Picture it. You, a hot bath, and a few drops of essential oil. It sounds amazing, right? It can be. Essential oils can take your leisurely dip to the next level. Unfortunately, if you use the wrong oils in the wrong way you could be putting yourself in harm’s way.
Don’t Simply Add Essential Oils Directly to Your Bath Water
Applying undiluted essential oils directly to your skin can irritate and burn your skin. While one might think that the bathtub water dilutes your essential oils, remember that oil and water doesn’t mix. This means that any oil added directly to the water can simply float about and end up sticking to your skin — even your nether regions!
Instead, you’ll want to combine your essential oil with a skin-safe carrier oil first. Skin-safe carrier oils include:
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Sunflower Oil
You’ll also want to stir the water after you’ve added to the oils to help them circulate and emulsify.
Don’t Just Pick Any Essential Oil
Not all essential oils are intended for the same thing, just as not all herbal remedies are intended to treat the same thing. In fact, some plants and their oils can actually irritate your skin. These can include:
- Cinnamon
- Clove Oregano
- Savory Spearmint
- Thyme
Luckily, there are some well-known oils that are better skin-loving bets. These are scents commonly associated with relaxation, including:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Rose
Add Your Essential Oils After Running the Water
Adding your essential oils while the water is running can seem like a good use of time or a good way to help the oils emulsify in the water. Unfortunately, the hot running water can cause the oils to escape — effectively wasting them. Rather, add them after you’ve run the water.
Discover more simple way to make your bath feel like a relaxing spa.
