How to Create the Perfect Bath, From Water Temperature to Scents

A good book, a cup of tea, a night out with friends—there are some things that can really help you decompress after a hectic and stressful week. But a relaxing soak may just transport you to another world, even if only for a little while. Yes, spas are amazing, we know, but they're not the easiest to get to at a moment's notice. Did you know you can make your own spa-quality treatments at home quite easily? We asked dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian and Tim Hollinger, the cofounder of Bathing Culture for their tips on how to create the ultimate bath experience. Keep scrolling to learn how to create the perfect bath.

A Dermatologist-Approved Bath

According to dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, the perfect bath dermatologically isn't what people usually think of when they want a luxurious retreat in the tub. "Ideally, it would be a maximum of 15 minutes, with lukewarm, not 'hot hot' water, and would not use any perfumed or scented bubbly cleansers," says Nazarian regarding the health of your skin during bath time. "The worst type of bath is super hot, super long, lots of soap, lots of bubbles, lots of fragrance. All those things slowly weaken the skin barrier, increasing risk of dryness, irritation, itch, and inflammation."

How to Prep Your Bathtub

1. Set up your space: Keep your bathroom clean and decluttered. “Add some plants or a flower cutting, put on some low-key music, and mass up a big pile of towels next to the bath,” says Hollinger of creating your oasis.
2. Rinse the tub: Remove the shower curtain and give the tub a light brush down with a scrub.
3. Draw the tub: “Bath temperature is key. We like them to run around 107 degrees, which is hot, but not so hot that you have to play an uncomfortable game of footsie with the water before you get in,” says Hollinger.
4. Add your soaking salts: This addition can make a big difference to the quality of your bath, but only use one. According to Hollinger, magnesium salt flakes are great for physical relaxation and an Epsom salt soak also does wonders to soothe sore muscles (Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Therapeutic Soak, $5, is a popular choice). “The best soaks use blends of different types of mineral-rich salts,” he says, adding that Bathing Culture’s Big Dipper Mineral Bath ($30) is a favorite.
   
5. Use calming ingredients: Nazarian says that "oatmeal-based cleansers or products and calming ingredients that don't strip much of the natural oil barrier of your skin" are key to keeping skin happy during a bath. "Oils that are less likely to irritate skin, such as chamomile, should be used rather than citrus-based oils," she adds.

How to Create a Relaxing Environment

It's true that spas have a certain ambiance—they're usually calming, serene, and minimalistic. And while there is no right time of the day or night to have a soak, Hollinger says it is essential to carve out at least 20 minutes. “This is especially true if you use a salt soak, which needs time to work into your sore muscles,” he adds.

Light some candles

Candles will definitely set the mood for relaxation during your soak. Use unscented candles if you're looking for a little glow, or light your favorite scent. Be wary of competing aromas if you're using essential oils in your bath so one smell won't overpower the other, or worse, give you a headache.

Add a few drops of essential oils

Adding at least 10 drops of essential oils should scent up your bath nicely. Lavender will put you in a sleepy mood but rose and geranium are also lovely for relaxation. Bath oils can protect skin from the effects of hot bathwater, so make sure your bath products are hydrating.

Grab a snack

Take this time for self-care to the fullest with a healthy snack to munch on while you soak. Hollinger prefers a bowl of crisp grapes but says other light snacks can go a long way as well. And don’t forget your beverage of choice (we're partial to wine or a cup of tea). A cold glass of water is a must, regardless of bath length, as this will help the body to rehydrate.

Get comfortable

The last thing you want after a relaxing bath is a stiff neck. If you're a seasoned pro, you most likely have a bath pillow suction-cupped onto the tub (we like Hankey's Bathtub and Spa Pillow, $11) to make your bath more luxurious. You can also roll up a hand towel to put under your neck.

How to Make the Most of Your Bath

“There is a special moment while bathing when your body and the water temperature reach equilibrium… this moment brings us back to the safe feeling of the womb, which has been proven to reduce anxiety,” says Hollinger. “While we are all taking steps to make the world a better place, we can’t do this unless we’ve taken care of ourselves.”

Read

Consider this the perfect downtime to flip through that magazine or the pile of best-sellers stacking up on your nightstand. But think twice before bringing a tablet or phone to the tub. “Bathing is one of the few times you can escape that digital noise,” says Hollinger.

Get creative

While the bath can be a sanctuary for those who want to get lost in their thoughts, it can also be an environment for creativity. “I know people who paint in the tub, pull tarot, light mellow incense, or even bring crystals into the bath with them,” says Hollinger.

Apply a face mask

Whether you choose a cooling cucumber gel mask to soothe redness and irritation, a charcoal mask to draw out impurities, or a hydrating mask to combat dryness, applying a face mask during your bath pulls double duty in the skincare department. Let it sit for 10 minutes on your face and then wash it off with a warm washcloth in the tub. Follow up with your routine of toners, serums, and creams post-bath.

Exfoliate

After soaking for a good 15 minutes and cleansing (with a DIY bar of soap, of course), some people opt for an exfoliation session. Pull on some bath mitts (aka exfoliating gloves) and give yourself a good, vigorous scrub. You can whip up a DIY body scrub made from simple pantry ingredients like coconut oil, brown sugar, or oatmeal and honey. You won't believe how soft and supple your skin feels afterward.

Finish off with moisturizer

Hot water tends to dehydrate your skin. Be sure to use a good moisturizer after you've toweled off to lock in remaining moisture and help replenish skin. Pay attention to patches of skin that tend to get rough or extra dry, like elbows, knees, and knuckles.