The Science of Beauty in the Bath - Special Bath Recipes

By: Dee Braun

On occasion it is beneficial to take time to relax in a soothing special bath and smooth the skin.



Depending on what you put into the water, a bath can be:



a. Nourishing



b. Stimulating



c. Toning



d. Soothing



e. Relaxing



Easy additions to the bath water are as follows:



a. 1 cup of vinegar: Soften water / soothe dry and itching skin



b. 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal: Soothe / soften skin



c. 1 cup of powdered milk: Nourish skin / combat dryness



d. 1 large spoon of honey: Relieve tiredness / sleeplessness



e. Orange or Lemon peel: For a pleasant odour



f. 2 tablespoons of laundry starch: Tighten / smooth skin



g. 2 handfuls of Epsom salts: Combat tiredness



Herbal Bath Treatments



Herbal baths have traditionally been incorporated into a beauty treatment regime. The more popular herbs for the bath include the following:



* Chamomile flowers, Elder flowers, Thyme: Softening / soothing skin



* Mint, Rosemary: Stimulating circulation



* Blackberry leaves: Clearing the skin



* Comfrey: Chapped, sore, spotty skin



* Lavender: For the pleasant odor and very relaxing to the mind and emotions



Autumn Body Polish



Ingredients



* 1/8 cup finely ground Sunflower seed meal (try using a coffee grinder)

* 1/8 cup applesauce

* Mix ingredients into a paste, then apply with gentle circular motions into your face, throat, chest, arms, and legs.

* Allow formula to remain on skin for 10 minutes so the Sunflower oils can be released and your thirsty skin can absorb them.

* Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry.



Makes enough for one application.



Buttermilk Bath Salts



Here is another variation on bath salts.



* 1 cup Buttermilk Powder

* 1 cup Sea Salt

* Add up to 24 drops of Essential Oils.



Blend well, keep in a sealed jar. Use 1/2 cup per bath. This makes enough for 4 baths.



Almond Bath Bomb



* 1/4 cup baking soda

* 2 tablespoons citric acid or Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Powder)

* 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

* 2 tablespoons sweet Almond oil

* 1 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil

* 1/4 teaspoon Essential Oil of choice



Combine dry ingredients in bowl and stir until well blended. Drizzle in Almond oil and stir until mixture is moistened. Add Vitamin E and Essential Oil. Stir until well mixed.



Take teaspoon size globs of mixture and form balls. If mixture is crumbly, add more Vitamin E Oil. If too wet, add more baking soda.



Put balls on Sheet of wax paper and leave for 2 or 3 hours. Reshape balls, then let air dry and harden for 10 days. Store in a closed container.



To use, add one or two balls to hot bath and enjoy.