Our bathroom routines play a big part in our wellbeing. After a hard day at work, there's nothing better than sinking into a warm bath and soaking away the day's stresses. A brisk morning shower is also an essential ritual, refreshing us for the day ahead. The products we use can make all the difference.
You are probably using aromatherapy in the bathroom already. Many shop-bought products such as bubble baths and shampoos use natural ingredients and contain several essential oils.
The personal touch
Making up your own aromatherapy products can be more economical and just as effective, however. The main benefit of making your own products is that with a little know-how you can tailor them to suit your individual needs, whether you want to soothe a bad case of eczema or cultivate a glowing complexion.
Your Quick Bathroom Blends
Use these combinations of oils in the treatments described below to achieve healthy glowing skin.
Easy Acne Treatment
Add 5 drops of juniper and tea tree oils to a sink of steaming water to open your pores and fight your spots.
Blends for Oil Skin
Mix together 2 drops each of juniper, lemon and mint essential oils.
You can also try 2 drops of tea tree, 6 drops of grapefruit and 2 drops of rosemary essential oils.
Blends for Dry Skin
Add 10 drops of combined lavender, geranium, sandalwood, tangerine and orange oils to your bathwater. Also add frankincense to soothe cracked skin.
Simple Aromatherapy Remedies to Improve your Skin
Add a few drops of essential oils to your usual skin care products, or dab problem areas with diluted massage oils.
Remember that even oily complexions still need moisture.
If deprived, they simply over-compensate and produce more oil.
In your bath water
Add 7 to 10 drops of essential oils to your bath. Ensure the oils are dispersed properly by giving them a good swish around in the water.
- You can dissolve them first with vegetable oil, full-fat milk, or even a small cup of your usual bubble bath.
- Create a soothing footbath with a bowl of warm water and 4-6 drops of your chosen oil
In your shower
Squeeze a small amount of shower gel into the palm of your hand or a small cup, add 4-6 drops of your chosen oils, and mix thoroughly. Use a flannel or sponge to rub it over your skin.
- The steam of the shower will help you to inhale the aroma of your chosen oil, increasing its benefits.
- Steamy showers open your pores and detox skin.
Healing waters
Eucalyptus and lavender oils both have a cooling effect. Add a few drops to lukewarm bathwater to soothe a case of sunburn.
Hair Remedies
Many essential oils can help to improve the condition of your hair.
In your shampoo
Add 25 drops of your choice of essential oil per 100ml of unperfumed base shampoo and shake well. Or, add 2-3 drops to a handful of your usual shampoo.
Rinsing your hair
Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to the water you use for your final rinse to get the benefit of conditioning oils.
Unwind with Scented Candles
Candles are much more relaxing than electric light when you're bathing. Scented with essential oils they can also be therapeutic, especially when combined with the effects of a relaxing aromatherapy bath.
Make your own
Aromatherapy candles are widely available in the shops. If you wish to make your own however, simply light a chunky candle and, once a small pool of wax has melted at the top of the candle, blow it out and add a few drops of your chosen oil. The next time you relight the candle, the aroma will be released as the wax melts.
Choose from the following aromatherapy oils to suit your mood.
To cheer you up:
clary sage, jasmine, frankincense, geranium, neroli
To relieve stress:
lavender, clary sage, rose
To soothe a headache:
rosemary, marjoram, mint
To help you sleep:
lavender, chamomile
To help wake you up:
bergamot, grapefruit