The Science of Beauty in the Bath - Special Bath-Time Treatments

by Dee Braun

Bath time can be the perfect time to address problems and issues the skin of your body is experiencing. Goosebumps, cellulite, dry/flaky skin, rough knees and elbows and even detoxification can be helped by adding a few ingredients to your bathing. Learn how to improve the appearance and texture of your skin - safely, effectively and, most importantly - simply.

1. Goosebumps

Goosebumps usually occur on the thighs, the buttocks and/or the upper arms. You can stimulate the circulation by scrubbing regularly with a bath mitt or loofah in the bath. It is also beneficial to scrub with sea salt once in a while, or with sugar, or with a bag filled with oatmeal or bran. The `follow-up` should be a massage thoroughly given with hand cream or body lotion.

2. Bulge-reduction

One treatment that combines friction with a weight-reducing treatment is to use a friction glove. Even if weight loss is not your concern, the glove is an excellent way of eliminating goosebumps and achieving a healthy pink glow.

Alternately, you can use a soft-bristled (natural bristles!) brush to dry brush your skin. I use a cheap one from WalMart which is made by Goody, although there are fancy/expensive ones available. Dry brush your skin, starting at the extremities (feet and hands) and using long strokes always towards your heart. Do this before a bath or shower - it is great for exfoliation, detoxification, circulation and cellulite.

3. Discolored and horny knees and elbows

Regular attention is required to these areas to eradicate the problem, but a `blitz` treatment can be commenced right now.

a. First the elbows and knees should be massaged with cleansing cream and then tissued off. These should then be worked with a pumice stone and water whilst you are in the bath and then rubbed with sea salt or an oatmeal and bran, or with sugar mixed with a little vegetable oil. You should then rinse well.

b. Following the bath, a cut lemon should be rubbed over the elbows and knees and the juice allowed to dry.

c. The areas should then be massaged well using body lotion or hand cream.

You can do this treatment once a week or once a month, but in between times you should ensure to pumice and massage with hand cream or body lotion.

4. Very Dry Skin

Skin Conditioning and Rejuvenation

* * 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
* * 2 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
* * 1 drop Palmarosa Essential Oil
* * 1 drop Geranium Essential Oil

Blend and add 3-5 drops to 1/4 cup baking soda or epsom salts. Add to warm bath with water running and soak 10-20 minutes.

Herbal Waters Bath Oil

This sensuous oil turns any bath into a pampering spa treatment full of moisturizing plant oils and skin-friendly herbal Essential Oils.

* * 1 cup Almond oil
* * 2 cups Avocado oil
* * 2 Green Tea bags
* * 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
* * 8 drops Chamomile Essential Oil
* * 4 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
* * 2 drops Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Warm Almond and Avocado oils in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags and let steep until cool. Remove Herbs and combine tea-infused oil with remaining ingredients in a 12-ounce glass bottle with a lid or a stopper. Close tightly and shake well to mix the oils. Store mixture in a cool, dark place for 24 hours to allow the oils to blend.

To use, add 2 ounces to your bath water and soak 10-20 minutes.

Marigold and Fennel Milk Bath

Fennel acts as a stimulant, while marigold offers healing qualities. Milk is an excellent skin softener and conditioner.

* * Muslin material
* * 8 T. Milk powder
* * 4 Oz. Dried Fennel seeds
* * 2 Oz. Dried marigold flowers
* * Ribbon

Cut out a 10 inch diameter circle of muslin. In a bowl, mix together the seeds, milk powder, and marigold flowers. Place a large handful of the mixture into the center of the muslin circle. Gather up the edges to form a pouch and tie tightly with ribbon. Toss into hot bath and allow to steep about 10 minutes before entering.

Honey and Oatmeal Milk Bath

* * 1 cup powdered milk
* * 1 cup finely ground oats
* * 1/2 cup honey powder
* * 2 tsp fragrant oil of choice

Place all ingredients into a glass or stainless steel bowl, mix well. Add approx 1/2 cup to warm bath, relax and enjoy.

5. Cellulite

Cellulite Blend

These mixtures stimulate circulation.

* * Eucalyptus Citriodora 2 ml
* * Lemon 2 ml
* * Cedarwood 2ml
* * Sage 2ml
* * Cypress 2 ml
* * Niaouli 2ml
* * in 100 ml Hazelnut oil

or

* * 2 d. Bay oil
* * 2 d. Lemon oil
* * 4 d. Lavender oil in 20 ml Sesame oil

Directions:

Combine ingredients and add 5-7 drops in a warm (not hot) bath. Soak for 10-15 minutes. Additionally, you can apply this blend to problem areas 2-3 times per day after bath or shower for 30 days.

6. Detoxification and Deodorization

Deodorizing Herbal Bath

All of the Herbs in this recipe contain ingredients that will deodorize your body. It is a wonderful herbal mixture to enjoy after a hot day of working in the garden.

* * 1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried Thyme
* * 1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried Lavender buds
* * 1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried Rosemary
* * 1 muslin bath bag
* * 1 quart boiling water

Add the fresh or dried Herbs to the bag and close snugly. Add the bag to the water and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove the infusion from the heat and cool to lukewarm. Add the infusion and bag to your bathwater, using the bag of herbs as a washcloth.

Skin-Softening and Detox Bath

Adapted from 365 Simple Pleasures, collected by Susannah Seton (Conari Press, 2001).

The bath has the added benefit of helping to remove Toxins, and being very calming and relaxing, too.

Ingredients

* * 1 cup buttermilk
* * 3 tablespoons Epsom salts
* * 1/2 tablespoon Olive Oil or Canola oil
* * 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Combine ingredients and pour into the stream of warm water as your tub fills. Immerse yourself and soak for 15 minutes or so.