Bath soaks are products added to bath water for relaxation, softness or relief from dry, itchy skin. A warm bath is one of life's simple comforts. Some soaks have real benefits for the skin. Others mainly add color and scent, and a few can irritate. Knowing what is in the water helps you to enjoy a bath without paying for it with dry skin afterwards.
The main types
| Type | What it is | What it offers | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epsom salts | Magnesium sulfate crystals | A soothing, traditional soak for tired muscles | Evidence that magnesium is absorbed through skin is limited; can be drying |
| Sea or bath salts | Mineral salts, often scented | A sense of softness; relaxation | Fragrance and dyes may irritate |
| Colloidal oatmeal | Very finely ground oats that disperse in water | Soothes dry, itchy skin | Makes the bath slippery; choose plain, fragrance-free |
| Bath oils | Oils that float on or mix into the water | Leave a moisturizing film on the skin | Very slippery; clean the bath afterwards |
| Emollient bath additives | Medical moisturizing liquids | Used for very dry skin and eczema | Follow medical advice |
| Bubble bath | Foaming cleansers | Fun and fragrance | Detergents can dry skin and irritate the genital area |
| Bath bombs and fizzers | Baking soda and citric acid with oils, color and scent | Fizz, color and fragrance | Fragrance, dyes and glitter can irritate |
| Baking soda | Sodium bicarbonate | Sometimes suggested for itch | Ask a doctor for children or skin conditions |
What a bath can and cannot do
It can:
- Relax muscles and ease stress through warmth.
- Soften hard skin before a pedicure.
- Hydrate the outer layer of skin for a short time.
- Soothe some kinds of itching, with the right additive.
It cannot:
- "Detox" the body. That is the job of the liver and kidneys.
- Replace moisturizer. Without it, skin often ends up drier after a bath.
Choosing by skin type
- Dry or itchy skin: colloidal oatmeal or a fragrance-free bath oil.
- Eczema: only additives recommended by your doctor or pharmacist, with plenty of emollient afterwards.
- Sensitive skin: fragrance-free and dye-free products. Avoid bubble baths and brightly colored bath bombs. See Fragrance-Free Body Lotion: How to Read the Label.
- Normal skin: any product you enjoy, used in moderation.
How to take a skin-friendly bath
- Run warm, not hot, water. See Hot vs Warm Showers: What to Consider for Your Skin.
- Add the soak as directed on the pack. More is not better.
- Soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Longer baths dry the skin.
- Wash with a gentle cleanser near the end, if you need to. You do not have to soap your whole body.
- Rinse briefly if the product leaves a residue, or if you used salts or bubbles.
- Pat dry and moisturize within a few minutes. See Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care.
Safety points
- Slipping. Oils and oatmeal make surfaces slippery. Use a non-slip mat, hold the side as you get in and out, and rinse the bath afterwards.
- Temperature. Very hot baths can cause dizziness. Get out slowly.
- Children. Never leave a child alone in a bath. Bubble baths can irritate young children's skin and genital area, so use them sparingly.
- Pregnancy. Avoid very hot baths, and ask your midwife about specific products.
- Broken skin. Salts and fragranced products sting on cuts, grazes and freshly shaved skin.
- Health conditions. People with heart problems, low blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease should check with a doctor before long, hot or salt baths.
- Allergies. Fragrance is a common cause of skin allergy. Stop using a product that causes redness or itching.
Reading labels
- "Fragrance-free" is the safest choice for reactive skin. "Unscented" products may still contain masking fragrance.
- "Natural" and "essential oils" do not mean gentle. Essential oils can irritate and cause allergy, and they should never be added undiluted.
- "Detox", "cleansing" and "purifying" are marketing words.
- Check the ingredient list for dyes and glitter if you have sensitive skin.
Bath or shower for dry skin?
A short, warm bath with an oil or oatmeal additive, followed by moisturizer, can be kinder to dry skin than a long, hot shower. The essentials are the same either way: warm, short, gentle, and moisturize at once. See Shower Routine: Simple Steps for Daily Body Care.
For choosing a lotion for afterwards, see How to Choose Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin.
Related on ArniSun
- Hot vs Warm Showers: What to Consider for Your Skin
- Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care
- Fragrance-Free Body Lotion: How to Read the Label
- Shower Routine: Simple Steps for Daily Body Care
- How to Choose Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Do Epsom salt baths really work?
A warm bath itself relaxes muscles. Evidence that magnesium from Epsom salts is absorbed through the skin in meaningful amounts is limited.
Are bath bombs bad for your skin?
They suit many people, but the fragrance, dyes and glitter can irritate sensitive skin or the genital area. Choose simple formulas and rinse afterwards.
How long should I stay in the bath?
About 10 to 15 minutes in warm water. Longer soaks tend to dry the skin.