USING BATH SALTS IN THE SHOWER
Whether you tend to be a bath person or a shower person, you can still experience the same therapeutic benefits of bath salts, given an understanding of different bath salts’ characteristics. The composition of bath salts dictates their suitability for different shower applications. Epsom salts which are made from magnesium sulphate are often unscented and dissolve easily in water, making them highly effective for muscle relaxation when used in methods involving skin contact as magnesium is absorbed through the skin. Sea salts or Himalayan salts, primarily sodium chloride, tend to be coarser and are excellent physical exfoliants. Salts intended for the aromatic benefits ie. by steam diffusion, should contain a higher concentration of pure essential oils without excessive carrier oil, as these are meant to vaporize with the steam.
The addition of essential oils, such as lavender, eucalyptus, and bergamot can be great for shower aromatherapy to promote relaxation, clear the mind, uplift mood, and reduce anxiety. Incorporating bath salts into the shower routine can provide exfoliation, skin nourishment, relaxation, stress relief, and an enhanced shower experience accccording to the type of bath salt. Why not maximize the therapeutic benefits of shower aromatherapy by incorporating essential oils into showers through scrubs, diffusers or DIY shower sprays. Here are a few methods to consider:
Pre-Shower Preparation
Before stepping into the shower, take a moment to set the mood. Dim the lights, play some calming music, and let the warm water begin to flow. This will help create a relaxing atmosphere for your bath salt experience.
Create Your Epsom Salt Shower Scrub
In a small bowl, mix your favourite bath salts i.e. unscented Epsom salts or coarse Himalayan salt with a carrier oil of your choice, such as Coconut or Almond oil. The combination of bath salts and oil will create a luxurious scrub that gently exfoliates your skin while moisturizing it at the same time. Once you have achieved a thick paste-like consistency, set it aside for use in the shower.
Step into the shower and apply the scrub
Now it is time to step into the shower and get ready to indulge in some self-care. Take a handful of your Epsom salt shower scrub and begin to massage it onto your damp skin, focusing on areas that could use some extra attention, like elbows, knees, and heels.
The gentle exfoliation will help remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. Order pure Epsom salt in 5-lb pouches or 40-lb buckets here.
Enjoy A Scalp Massage
As you continue to scrub your body, don’t forget about your scalp. Take a small amount of the Epsom salt scrub and massage it into your scalp using circular motions. Not only will this help remove any buildup of product or oils, but it will also stimulate circulation and promote healthy hair growth. Plus, the soothing aroma of the bath salts will help relax your mind as well.
Foot Bath
For tired feet, take a small, shallow basin and place on the shower floor, filled with warm water and a handful of salts. This method allows the feet to soak in the mineral solution while the rest of the body is being washed, offering focused muscle relief.
Steam Diffusion
When the primary goal is aromatic and mood enhancement, bath salts can be used indirectly to diffuse scent through the shower’s steam without touching the skin. The simplest way to achieve this is by creating a small mound of scented salts in a corner of the shower floor, positioned away from the direct blast of the showerhead. As the hot water runs, the heat creates steam, and the runoff water gradually dissolves the salts, releasing the essential oil molecules into the humid air.
This steam diffusion method leverages the principles of aromatherapy, where inhaling the vaporized compounds interacts with the olfactory system to influence mood and physiological responses. For instance, salts containing eucalyptus or peppermint are inhaled deeply in the warm, moist air, offering a sensation of respiratory clarity. A more controlled method involves placing the aromatic salts into a porous container such as a small muslin sachet, a washcloth or a shallow ceramic bowl and hanging it close to the showerhead.
Hanging the salts allows for maximum exposure to the rising steam, accelerating the vaporization of the essential oils while preventing the salts from immediately washing down the drain. This technique prolongs the aromatic experience and is useful for salts that contain expensive or highly concentrated essential oils. The resulting shower atmosphere becomes like a steam room, offering a sensory experience that relies purely on the inhalation of the diffused fragrance.
How to Use Essential Oils in the Shower
There are several effective methods to add essential oils to your shower experience:
Steam Head: Add a few drops of essential oil directly to the steam head before turning on the shower. Start with one drop to gauge the strength.
Washcloth Method: Dampen a washcloth with hot water and add 15-20 drops of your chosen essential oil. Place it just outside the direct water stream to allow the steam to carry the scent.
DIY Shower Steamers
You can create your own shower steamers using simple ingredients:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups baking soda
3/4 cup citric acid
1/2 cup Epsom salt
30-40 drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus)
Instructions:
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
Add essential oils and a light spritz of water to form a moldable mixture.
Pack into molds and let dry. Use one steamer per shower.
Tips for Best Results
Placement: For steamers, place them on the shower floor away from the direct water stream to prolong their effectiveness.
Experiment: Try different essential oils to find combinations that suit your mood or needs, such as mixing lavender with citrus for a refreshing experience.