Fact: you don`t have to spend a lot of money to add some luxury to your bath time ritual. Many of the lesser expensive ingredients like pure almond, olive or sunflower oil, Epsom salts or non-fragranced body moisturizers are better for your skin anyway. These types of substances don`t have fragrant elements that can be irritating to sensitive parts of your skin. If you are a scent junkie, opt for a great smelling candle instead. Here the rest of the steps to creating the perfect, relaxing bath:

·           Silence! First things first; let it be known to kids, roommates, husband, etcetera, that you will be bathing and will need 30-60 minutes of quiet time. That`s a non-negotiable. Then either enjoy the simple sound of nothing, or bring in a stereo to play your favorite tunes.

·           Treat yourself to a soothing beverage whether it be wine or a steaming latte; or maybe a really good treat like ice cream or chocolate.

·           Place your candles around the bathroom and light.

·           Begin running bath water that is slightly hotter than normal (too hot is tough on the skin).

·           For normal to oily skin, add 1-2 teaspoons of almond, olive or sunflower oil to the water; for oily skin, use a gentle bubble bath instead (if you are out, dish soap works in a pinch - and a pinch is all you really need too!).

·           If you haven`t already, add bubble bath to your water, ideally avoiding fragrance-free varieties.

·           Hit the lights!

·           Grab a soft towel to place behind your head.

·           Slowly enter the tub, trying not to disturb the bubbles.

·           Use a washcloth or gentle loofa to buff your skin.

·           Use a body cleanser or body wash (as opposed to soap, which can be drying).

·           Wait until the end of your bath to shave your legs; they will be perfectly soaked and primed, and that way you won`t be sitting in a tub full of shaving cream.

·           If you typically have sensitive skin, you may want to shower off after your bath to avoid any irritation.

·           Dry off with a clean towel by softly patting your skin.  

·           Apply moisturizer - skin is most receptive to lotion post shower or bath.

·           Finally, slip into soft cotton or silk pajamas and enjoy a great night`s sleep!

Though baths are great for the mind and soul, if you soak too long, too often, it can be a little stressful on the skin. If you bathe regularly, keep them to a 5-10 minute soak; if your baths are a little fewer and farther between, you should be fine with a longer one. Now, go on - gather your bath essentials now so you will be able to relax in the tub right when the mood strikes you!

Related Articles
	Herbal Beauty Baths Herbal beauty baths have been used for ages to pamper, treat, and beautify. Chinese medicine has employed herbal baths as far back as the Shang Dynasty (1700 to 1027 BC). The main usage was to relieve stress and slow the aging process. Simply adding herbs to your bath water can help treat just   ...Read more		How to Make Aromatic Bath Salts Bath salts are a spa luxury that anyone can make easily in the comfort of their home. Bath salts are made with a combination of salts and essential oils or fragrance oils. Bath salts can be scented with a combination of essential oils and dried flowers that scent the salt over time as well.   ...Read more