Taking care of your skin is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health, and it’s not just about cosmetics. The health of your skin reflects your overall health, and if you want to look and feel your best, you need to take care of your skin from the inside out.
Here are a few statistics to back it up:
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
- More than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
- One person dies from melanoma every hour, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- UV radiation from the sun is the number one cause of skin cancer.
You might need to dedicate resources to purchase skincare and cosmetic products and maintain better-looking skin, but your efforts should start at the foundation. The proper bathing routine will make the products you use more effective and save your skin in the long run. Here’s what you need to know about how to upgrade your bath routine for better-looking skin.
Understand the Type of Water Used
The water you use to bathe can have a significant impact on your skin. Hard water, for example, is water that contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. This type of water can leave behind deposits on your skin that make it dry, irritated, and dull-looking. If you have hard water, you might need to invest in a showerhead filter or whole-house filtration system to remove the minerals from your water.
On the other hand, soft water doesn’t contain high levels of minerals and is less likely to cause skin problems. If you’re unsure which type of water you have, you can contact your local municipality or test it yourself with a home testing kit.
Some people have skin types that react differently to different kinds of water. If you’re unsure how your skin will respond, experiment with different kinds of water and see what works best for you.
Change Up Your Soap and Shampoo
The chemicals in your soap and shampoo can also impact your skin. Sulfates, for example, are a type of detergent that’s often used in shampoos and soaps. These detergents can strip away natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and irritated. If you have sensitive skin, sulfates might be one of the culprits behind your skin problems. Look for sulfate-free options the next time you purchase soap or shampoo.
If you have other types of skin problems like acne, there are specialty soaps and shampoos that can help. For example, tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can kill bacteria on your skin. This essential oil is often used in soaps and shampoos marketed for people with acne-prone skin.
You might need to experiment with different kinds of soap and shampoo to find what works best for your skin type. Once you find a good product, stick with it to avoid irritating your skin.
Pay Attention to the Temperature of Your Water
The temperature of the water you use can also have an impact on your skin. Hot water can strip away natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and irritated. In extreme cases, hot water can even cause burns. On the other hand, cold water can close up your pores and make it difficult for your skin to breathe.
Ideally, it would help if you bathed in lukewarm water that’s comfortable to the touch. This temperature will clean your skin without stripping away natural oils or irritating your skin.
You might need to avoid hot water altogether if you have sensitive skin. In this case, take shorter showers in lukewarm water or baths in cool water.
Add Moisturizing Ingredients to Your Bath
To hydrate your skin, add moisturizing ingredients to your bathwater. For example, add milk, honey, or oatmeal to your bathwater to soothe dry and irritated skin. These ingredients can also help to lock in moisture so that your skin feels soft and supple after you get out of the tub.
You can also add essential oils to your bathwater to boost moisture. For example, lavender oil is a natural relaxant to help soothe dry skin. Another product we highly recommend is the Olbas massage oil. This aromatic oil blend contains soothing essential oils of eucalyptus, cajeput, peppermint, wintergreen, clove, and juniper. You can use it as an inhalant by adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water. It’s also great as a body massage oil and can help relieve aching joints as well as boost circulation.
You can also invest in a bath salt scrub to exfoliate your skin and lock in moisture simultaneously. Look for a scrub that contains natural ingredients like dead sea salt or Epsom salt.
Don’t forget to moisturize your skin after you get out of the tub. Apply a generous amount of lotion or cream to your skin while it’s still damp to help lock in moisture.
Final Thoughts
The way you treat your skin can have a significant impact on the way it looks and feels. If you’re unhappy with your skin, change your bath routine to see if that makes a difference.
Pay attention to the type of water you use, the soap and shampoo you use, and the temperature of the water. These factors can all impact your skin in different ways. Finally, don’t forget to moisturize your skin after you get out of the tub. This will help to lock in moisture and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
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