When we think about caring for our skin, we immediately imagine the parts of our body that’re exposed day in and out - predominantly, our face. Regardless of exposure, skin is the largest organ our body has, and all of our skin needs a little TLC sometimes.
That’s why soaking in a relaxing bath goes hand-in-hand with your new skin care routine. Let’s explore the key ingredients to look out for in your bathing product favourites.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a natural antiseptic with proven antibacterial properties. Sodium bicarbonate has the ability to treat a variety of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, bug bites and bee stings, fungal infections and ichthyosis.
Baking soda is a key ingredient found in many bath bombs to make the bathing product fizz, and surprisingly has the natural ability to remedy sore skin. So next time you’re thinking of hopping in the tub, make sure you have a natural, no-nasties, bath bomb at the ready.
Coconut & Coffee
We won’t advise pouring your morning cappuccino or adding whole coconuts into your next bath, but coconut oil and ground coffee are bathing ingredients that have the ability to give your skin a fresh glow.
Caffeine found in coffee scrubs increases blood flow, and its exfoliating properties give your skin a shiny, even tone. Coconut oil softens the skin and helps to manage dry skin conditions such as eczema.
Best of both worlds? A natural coffee and coconut soap that can work in unison to give your skin a smooth shine.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a skincare essential we’ve been hearing about for years, and for good reason. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like consistency that naturally occurs in the body. Half of the body’s reserve for hyaluronic acid is actually found in the skin.
The purpose of hyaluronic acid is to help the skin retain its moisture, essentially keeping your skin - from head to toe - as hydrated as possible. HA also regulates inflammation levels, if hyaluronic acid is applied directly to a small wound, studies have shown that it can quickly reduce pain due to some antibacterial properties.
Many commercial moisturisers actually dry out our skin, having the opposite effect of our internal hyaluronic acid. Using a post-bath moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient will keep your skin hydrated and moisturised all day long.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is a hydroxy acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. Citric acid works by exfoliating dead skin cells to help clean out pores, even skin tone and soften the skin. CA is also known as a pH adjuster, meaning citric acid is a mild and non-irritating ingredient that is kinder to the skin than other, harsher acids.
Lots of skin care products actually contain many of these harsh acids and ingredients, damaging the skin even further. When we’re bathing or showering, the body wash we use is detrimental to our skin’s natural protective barrier. That’s why choosing a mild, kind-to-skin body wash that contains citric acid means your skin will thank you in the long run.
Essential Oils
We hear it all the time… Essential oils this, essential oils that - but what does “essential oils” actually mean?
Simply put, essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. Essential oils are most commonly used in aromatherapy practices to be inhaled through various methods. Many essential oils have been said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and skin-soothing properties. Advocates of EO claim the oils can help dry, oily and acne-prone skin.
So not only do EO’s smell fresh and fragrant, but they’re actually going to work on your skin too. Many high-quality bath salts contain essential oils to aid the relaxation process and soothe the skin.
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Hands, feet, torso, back, legs and arms - they all deserve the same tender loving care as your face. Next time you’re looking for a faff-free skin care routine, treat yourself to a customisable bathing gift box packed full of skin-loving ingredients.
Please note: If you’re struggling with a skin condition, please contact your GP or pharmacist to be advised by a medical professional on the best course of action.
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