Bathing Beauty
The time of day and even the time of year will affect what you like using, so why not take the opportunity to try different products, adding any you particularly like to those you already know well.
Shower Gels & Bubble Baths
These are mild detergents that help cleanse your body while you soak in the water. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, including those containing a host of additives, ranging from herbs to essentail oils. If you find them too harsh for your skin, look for the ones that offer 2-in-1 benefits-these also contain moisturizers to soothe your skin.
Bath Oils
These are a wonderful beauty boon for those with dry skins. They float on the top of the water, and your entire body becomes covered with a fine film when you step out of the bath. Most cosmetic houses produce a bath oil, but if your're not worried about the fragrance, you can use a few drops of any oil such as olive oil, corn or peanut.
Bath Salts
Made from sodium carbonate, these are particularly useful for softening hard water, and for preventing your skin from becoing too dry. Combined with warm water, they are a popular way to soothe away aches and pains.
Bath Time Treats
Once you've armed yourself with some bathroom necessities, try these water-baby bath treats to boost your body, beauty and mood.
Sleepy "sitz" bath
The combination of hot and cold temperatures is an effective way of helping you get to sleep. Try a "sitz" bath, which helps you relax by drawing energy away from your head and stopping your mind from racing. Here's how to create your own "sitz" bath.
*Ensure the bathroom is warm, then run approximately 3-4in of cold water into the bath.
*Wrap the top half of your body in a warm sweater or towel, then immerse your hips and bottom in the cold water for 30 seconds.
*Get out of the bath, pat yourself dry then climb into bed and fall asleep!
Learning to Relax
Turn bathtime into an aromatherapy treat by adding relaxing essential oils such as chamomile and lavender to the water. Just add a few drops once you've run the bath, then lie back, inhale the vapours and relax completely. Salts and bubble baths that contain sea minerals and kelp also have a relaxing effect, and purify your skin too. Bathing by candlelight and listening to calming music will make it even more relaxing of a treat. Put on soothing eye pads and relax for 10 minutes.
Be a Natural
You don't have to splash out on expensive bath additives - try adding some simple natural remedies.
*Soothe irritated skin by adding a cup of cider vinegar to the running water.
*A cup of powdered milk will soothe rough skin.
*Sprinkle a cupful of oatmeal or bran to the water to cleanse, whiten and soothe your skin.
Sleek Skin
Smooth your body with body oil before getting into the bath. After soaking for 10 minutes, rub your skin with a soft washcloth - you'll be amazed at how much dead skin you remove!
Shower Time Treats
Showers are a wonderful opportunity to cleanse your body quickly and cheaply, and to wake yourself up. Here are some of the other benefits.
Circulation Booster
Switch on the cold water before finishing your shower to help boost your circulation. It will also make you feel warmer once you get out of the shower! It also works well if you concentrate the blasts of cold water on cellulite-prone areas, as this stimulates the sluggish circulation in these spots.
Boosting Benefits
If you pat yourself dry after a bath, it'll help you to unwind, whereas briskly rubbing your skin with a towel after a shower will help to invigorate you.
Shower Sensation
Add a few drops of essential oils to the floor of the shower itself. As they evaporate you will find that you're surrounded by a sensuous-smelling mist while you wash your body. Rosemary, peppermint and basil are classic refreshers, while grapefruit blended with geranium makes a stimulating mix.
