Bath Products

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Bath products run the gamut from low- to high-end, frothy to bubbly, and unscented to fragranced. Their sheer volume is enough to confuse even the most savvy bath connoisseur! When it comes down to it, the most important factor to keep in mind when choosing bath products is your skin type and its unique needs.

Types of Bath Products

Bath Oils

Bath oils are some of the most relaxing bath products on the market. These soothing, aromatic agents are added to bath water. Usually, a teaspoon or two is all that is needed to obtain the maximum benefits. The oils are commonly infused with therapeutic fragrances. The belief is that inhaling these floral, fruity and herbal scents allows the body to relax as it reaps the benefits of essential oils.

Bath oils also soften the water, thereby moisturizing the skin and leaving a thin, silky film behind. It is considered optimal for dry skin types to moisturize damp skin immediately following a shower or bath, so as to soak in the moisture. The same regimen may be applied following the use of bath oils. The skin will retain the oil's moisturizing properties and achieve greater suppleness as a result.

The following is a list of specific bath oil fragrances and their benefits:

• Relaxation: Green tea, pure peppermint, hop cones, geranium, lavender, chamomile, nutmeg, marjoram, ylang ylang, valerian and eucalyptus.
• Invigorating: Ginger, bergamot, ylang ylang, amyris, rosemary, pure peppermint, lemon, lime, grapefruit, tea tree, juniper, fir, nutmeg and ginseng root.
• Rejuvenating: Rosemary, bergamot, juniper, lemongrass, pure peppermint, pepperwood, bearberry, sage, chromium, eucalyptus, mandarin orange and tangerine.

Bath Salts

In addition to softening the water and scenting the room, bath salts offer many benefits. Salt often adds a buoyancy to the water, resulting in a lighter, more relaxed bathing experience. Certain types of bath salts will help moisturize the skin, while the majority will help relieve stress and soothe tired, aching muscles. Interestingly, bath salts also make soap lather more efficiently. Most bath salts are comprised of the following ingredients:

• Sea salt: Bath salts always utilize some form of sea salt. Many are derived from the Dead Sea, while others are cultivated in France, Hawaii, Peru, California and various spa locations around the world.
• Glycerin: This optional ingredient is occasionally added to imbibe the salt with a slight gleam.
• Essential Oils: Aromatherapy-grade essential oils are commonly added to the salt to provide the bather with an extraordinarily soothing experience. As with bath oils, the scents offer a variety of healing and relaxing benefits.

Bath Bombs

Consider them the Alka Seltzer of the beauty world. Bath bombs, or "fizzies," are small, solid, ball-shaped formations that effervesce in the water. As they spin, spiral and fizz uncontrollably, they release skin-softening agents, fragrances and, occasionally, color. As with bath oils and salts, bombs also contain therapeutic scents designed to soothe the mind, body and spirit. The following ingredients are most commonly included in bath bombs:

• Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid: When these two key ingredients combine, the result is a new product -– Sodium Citrate. As the ingredients react together, they release carbon dioxide, thus accounting for the innumerable bubbles released when the bomb hits the water.
• Moisturizer: Many bath bombs contain some type of moisturizer. The most commonly used are cocoa butter and shea butter. The bombs also include rich, nourishing oils (such as sweet almond oil), which also aid in softening the skin.
• Fragrances, Glitter and More: As unlikely an ingredient as it might be, glitter is often found in bath bombs. As the bomb fizzes away, the glitter is released into the water, leaving behind a soft gleam. Many bombs also include small chunks of fruit, chocolate or flower petals. These are more for the sake of novelty and aesthetics, and it is important to note that none of the ingredients are edible.

Where to Purchase

Specialty bath products –- that is, those specifically designed for use in a bath as opposed to a shower –- are not as readily available as basic items such as soap and shower gels. The widest selection can be found online. The following is a list of bath product retailers:

• Lush: The renowned English company is famous for its handmade body and bath products. Among these are the diverse line of bath bombs, massage bars and luxurious soaps.
• Sensia: This company carries a wide selection of bath products, including essential oils, candles, incense and body care items. With nearly 20 brands and countless products to choose from, the bathing possibilities are endless.