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The Real Benefits of a Hot Bath
Published on: December 19, 2022
Photo courtesy of Dunton Destinations
Leisurely soaking in a warm, luxurious bath as you wind down from a long day is exceptionally rejuvenating for both mind and body. Ancient Greeks and Romans commonly bathed in natural mineral springs to restore from fatigue and physical distress; while we can’t always make it to, say, the natural mineral baths at Dunton Hot Springs (above, the new Well House cabin there, which has its own hot spring tub with a cold plunge beside it), a soak in your own tub can work wonders—and emerging research is beginning to undercover the benefits of hot baths. Indeed, heat in general seems to have some great effects on the body—though much of the research so far has focused on the effects of sauna specifically.
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The best bath soaks, salts, oils, and milks are made with particular kinds of sea salt, minerals, and essential oils aimed at revitalizing the body. And if they’re formulated with beautiful moisturizers and irresistible scents to elevate your bathing experience further, all the better.
OUR 7 FAVORITE BATH SOAKS
1
For an EOD reset
Infused with pink Himalayan salt, pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salts, and essential oils like myrrh, Australian sandalwood, and wild-crafted frankincense, this centering bath soak helps soothe the body and spirit after a hectic day.
2
For powerful calm
This detoxifying bath soak is made with hand-harvested grey French sea salt and infused with eucalyptus and rosemary. Add the oil-and-salt mixture to warm bathwater for the ultimate full-body self-care.
3
For an easy transition to sleep
A mineral-rich (Himalayan, Dead Sea, and Epsom salts) boosting bath soak. Inhale the aromas—lavender, ginger, sandalwood, sweet orange, and neroli—and let the stress melt away.
4
For a clear mind and relaxed body
Watch the powder transform into a fragrant milky emulsion as you add it into your water. And breathe in the scent of the birch bark and thyme for a soothing, invigorating bath.
5
For postworkout nirvana
When you really need it, use this three-pound, single-use bar to soothe your body and dissolve the tension. It absolutely transforms your bath into a lavish spalike experience.
6
For the best scent
(like a chic Paris hotel)
A little bit (about a half of a capful) goes a long way with this ultraluxe, super concentrated bath oil. Its aromatherapeutic essential oils—lavender, Siberian fir needle, verbena, eucalyptus, lemon, lime, geranium, and rosemary—combine into a scent so good, we also use it as perfume.
WHILE YOU’RE AT IT…
Turn an already-rejuvenating bath into a full-on ritual.
Before the Bath
Dry brushing feels incredible—it wakes up your whole body as it mildly exfoliates. Do it right before a bath for softer skin and a decidedly more sensory experience.
Sweep away dead skin before your bath. It’s a quick skin-detox step that lets more of the nurturing ingredients from your bath oils and soaks seep into your skin.
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During the Bath
Exfoliate or smooth on a face mask while you soak.
For the benefits of both physical and chemical exfoliation, massage this air-whipped (almost marshmallow-like) dual-action microdermabrasion exfoliator onto your face. Its glow-inducing microexfoliating minerals (quartz, garnet, alumina, and silica) and glycolic acid help remove dead skin cells for skin that is visibly softer and more radiant.
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Refresh your skin with this powerfully brightening face mask. Its super potent formula—made with fine rose-hip-seed granules and papaya enzymes—gently polishes the skin, leaving it amazingly soft and smooth.
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask goop, $50
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For added bath pleasure, add Heartthrob to the proceedings—it’s water-resistant for bath or shower play. This silky-smooth vibrator’s intense drumming gives next-level clitoral stimulation and has over 100 combined sensations to play with. And its silky-smooth silicone is incredibly soft to the touch.
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A powerful blend of adaptogens and skin-plumping peptides—including brightening ginseng, antioxidant-rich centella, and moisturizing evening primrose—leaves the skin luminously hydrated. Press one sheet mask (there are five in a pack) gel side down onto clean, dry skin.
YINA Divine Bio-Cellulose Mask goop, $85
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This incredibly hydrating gel mask is made with three types of hyaluronic acid, soothing calendula extract, marine ferment, rose hip oil, aloe vera, and rose water. It smooths the look of fine lines and wrinkles and leaves your skin extra dewy and plump-looking.
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This whipped, hydrating gel-mousse mask is a perfect skin-reviving treat. Made with different sizes of hyaluronic acid as well as revitalizing botanicals like tremella mushroom, probiotic kimchi ferment, and chia-seed water, the mask transforms the skin, leaving it absolutely glowing and silky soft.
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After the Bath
When your skin is wet, it’s better able to absorb moisture and nourishing ingredients from body oils, butters, and lotions.
Lotion
This fragrance-free body lotion effortlessly nourishes and hydrates, leaving the skin with a healthy gleam.
Nécessaire The Body Lotion goop, $28
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Rub this rich, luxurious oil over your entire body right after your bath. It smells of ginger, violet, cedar, and vetiver and soaks into your skin instantly for a hydrating, radiant glow.
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Afterglow Body Oil goop, $48/$43 with subscription
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Made with three ultranourishing butters—bacuri, cupuaçu, and shea—this lush body cream is silky-soft, leaving skin feeling exceptionally smooth and gorgeously luminous.
goop Beauty GOOPGENES Nourishing Repair Body Butter goop, $65/$50 with subscription
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Related Reading
Megan Tries It: The New Secret to Moisturizing in a Bath
Gwyneth’s At-Home Spa Day Routine
How to Redo Your Bathroom (without Renovating)