How to: Oil Baths

Searching for a way to elevate your baths? We’ve got you! Our favorite spin on a bath is an oil bath. Oil baths benefit all skin types, and serve a pretty similar purpose to bath salts. Oil baths, however, are usually blended with herbs and have  a higher concentration of essential oils. Doesn’t that sound incredible?

To do it yourself, here are some of the best essential oils to add to your bath. For scents that will soothe and ground you, we suggest cedarwood, sandalwood, or rosewood – any oil that comes from tree bark. Sandalwood in particular smells great, and is our favorite. Lavender, of course, is wonderful if you need to relax. It’s the quintessential calming essential oil, so put a little in your bath before bed. Chamomile serves a similar purpose if you’re not a huge fan of lavender. Vetiver is known as the ‘oil of tranquility’ in India, and will also moisturize dry skin.

Make sure that your bath isn’t steaming when you get in; it should be closer to warm than boiling. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded after your bath, the bath was too hot, and lowered your blood pressure. Also, as much as we love long, drawn-out baths, try to keep it to 20-30 minutes, so that your skin won’t start to get dehydrated. Lastly, drink a glass of water before you get in the bath, one while you’re in it, and one after you get out to make sure you’re completely hydrated.

Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil into either a cup of whole milk or a few tablespoons of olive oil for a touch of luxury. If your muscles are sore, add the essential oil to two cups of Epsom salt. Stir up your bath a little to mix everything together before getting in, and feel your whole body relax!