Self-care is highly recommended to allow our body to rejuvenate to promote better overall well-being. If you are an avid fan of essential oils, we have put together some popular tips that can let you maximize your essential oils for a relaxing soak after a long, tiring day.
Mix Oil Before Dripping
Do not simply shake a few drops of essential oils into the tub straight out from the bottle. Water and oil do not mix and can be hard to clean. The droplets of oil can separate and stick to your skin, leaving you with potential irritation or even a burning sensation. Instead, you should first mix your essential oil with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are much gentler on our skin and some of the most popular types include olive, coconut, jojoba, and sunflower. Jojoba oil is highly recommended for using with essential oils whether you wish to apply it directly onto your skin or drip into the tub. Try the following formula:
- Mix up to 25 drops of essential oil per 15 ml of carrier oil
Add Oil While Running the Water
Add your essential oils while you run the water. This can help to disperse the oils to prompt them to emit their scent so your whole bathroom will smell nice. You may also add your essential oil and carrier oil mixture to salts like Epsom or Himalayan sea before pouring the combo into a tub filled with eater. This creates a well-balanced bath that you can immediately soak in.
Applying Oil Blend to Skin
If you are looking for a more intense aromatherapy experience, you can soak in the bathwater and applying the oil directly on your skin. This method will enable you to inhale the scents deeply and help you conserve your oils as they are absorbed into your skin instead of being left in the bathwater. Remember to perform a patch test of your preferred oil blend a day prior to directly applying it onto your skin.
Cleaning the Tub
Oils can cause your tub to be slippery as they remain behind after the bathwater has been drained. You can try using carrier oils that do not really stick such as grapeseed or almond oil. For oil residues, you can scrub gently using sea salt or baking soda to degrease your tub. This can ensure the safety of the next person using the tub.
Being Careful with Certain Oils
Majority of essential oils are generally safe to soak in but you need to be careful of those with citrus scents. Citrus oils can make your skin to be highly photosensitive. If you do soak in a citrus oil, remember to stay out of the sun for at least 72 hours after use. Being exposed to the sun after topically applying citrus oils on your skin can put you at risk for dark spots or bad burns even with sunscreen. It is best to just use citrus oils in aromatherapy as opposed to using them topically or in bathwater.