The Ultimate Self Care Bath Routine: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need!
A self care bath routine is a tailor-made routine for you to enjoy your baths. It typically comprises a step-by-step guide to achieve the ultimate bath experience. It is actually a great way to enjoy a self care night all by yourself!
In this article, I will be sharing a simple 7-step self care bath routine, along with 30 self care bath ideas and 10 bath essentials, to create the ultimate bath guide just for you!
So, do any of you have a complete self care bath routine yet? Or are you looking to elevate your current bath routine? Look no further, I’ve got you covered ladies! Here are 7 steps you should follow in order to elevate your self care bath routine!
How To Elevate Your Self Care Bath Routine?
#1: Set up a calm ambience
To fully immerse yourself in this experience, it is important to set up a calm ambience to ensure you are relaxed. Start off by playing some relaxing music and lighting a candle. I would suggest an aromatherapy candle as not only does it smell good, but it brings benefits such as making your mind feel relaxed and calm.
#2: Prepare your bath
Fill your bathtub with warm water until it reaches three quarters of your bathtub. After that, add some essential oils or bath salts for a fancy experience. If you like bubble baths, add lots of your favourite shower gel into the water. If you want to take your bath to the next level, use bath bombs.
#3: Carry out a relaxing hobby
While you’re in your bathtub, do a relaxing hobby to keep yourself entertained. For instance, watch a funny movie or read your favourite book. Or, you could simply close your eyes and put on some spa music to feel as if you’re at a spa!
To make yourself feel more comfortable, you can add on a warm rolled-up towel or bath pillow to support your head and neck while you’re lying down in the tub. Use a warm eye mask to elevate your experience if you have one at home. You can spend around 30 minutes in the tub, but not longer than that to avoid wrinkly skin!
#4: Bodycare time
Now that you’re fully relaxed, it’s time to move on to bodycare. Firstly, use a body scrub to exfoliate your skin and get rid of the dead skin cells. Then, squeeze some shower gel onto your loofah or brush and proceed to massage it onto your skin in circular motions. This step is important in order to promote better circulation and helps you feel more relaxed. Finally, give your body a final rinse with warm water to get rid of all the excess product.
#5: Do your skincare
After getting out of your bathtub, it is time for you to pamper your skin and body with your self-care products. Firstly, get into a comfy bathrobe or towel. Then, begin your basic skincare routine by using a cleanser, followed by toner, moisturiser and then finish off with an eye cream.
#6: Hydration is key!
Hydrating yourself is key in order to have an amazing self care bath routine. While having your bath, make sure to have a glass of water next to you so that you can sip on it from time-to-time.
In addition, you can use a hydrating face mask during your skincare routine and leave it on for around 15 minutes to achieve the glowy skin effect. At the very end, you could use a lip mask or apply some lip balm to nourish your lips.
#7: Final Steps
Now that you are done with your self care bath routine, it is finally time to put on your cosy pyjamas and settle into your bed or a comfortable corner at your home. You can take a few minutes to meditate or journal your thoughts of the day, before dozing off and having a good night’s sleep.
Self Care Bath Ideas
There you have it, the ideal self care bath routine for ultimate relaxation. At the same time, here are 30 self care bath ideas that you should incorporate into your routine!
- Imitate a spa environment by having dim lighting and soothing scents.
- Get yourself a bath tray to place items such as snacks, candles or a glass of your preferred beverage.
- Do some journaling to reflect on the day or week you’ve had so far.
- Do some light stretches to enhance relaxation.
- Customise a DIY bath bomb according to your favourite scents.
- Listen to an audiobook or podcast.
- Add flower petals or floral-based essential oils to enjoy a flower bath.
- Curate a playlist for relaxing music only.
- Use a scalp brush and give yourself a massage.
- Use a bath thermometer to ensure perfect temperature.
- Perform breathing exercises to calm yourself.
- Mentally reflect on your day in the bathtub.
- Use a hair mask.
- Close your eyes and visualise yourself in your favourite/ideal location.
- Prepare a soothing beverage such as warm herbal tea to increase relaxation.
- Try out a new bath product such as a new shower gel or shampoo.
- Create a DIY body scrub using coffee grounds.
- Watch a funny Youtube video.
- Give yourself a hand or foot massage using body oil or lotion.
- Prepare some iced water and a small cloth to place on your forehead.
- Apply a clay mask onto your face and relax in the bathtub.
- Get a rubber ducky or any bath toys and embrace your inner child.
- Practise positive self-talk.
- Sing or hum to some relaxing tunes.
- Use body butter to moisturise your skin.
- Add some warm water into your bathtub every 10 minutes.
- Place cold cut cucumber on your eyes during your bath.
- Read your favourite book.
- Watch a Youtube tutorial on massaging techniques and practise them during your bath.
- Get a glass of wine or champagne to elevate your bath experience.
My Top 10 Bath Essentials
Now that you have 30 self care bath ideas, take your time to explore them all for each time you want to have a luxurious bath experience. Meanwhile, here are 10 bath essentials that you can’t miss out on!
#1: Bath Tray
A bath tray is perfect for you to put items such as your snacks, books, glass or candle during your bath. Personally, I find it super useful and a wooden bath tray also looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye!
#2: Scalp Brush
Massage your scalp and promote hair growth by using a scalp brush! All you gotta do is rub your scalp in circular motions with the brush for 5-10 minutes.
#3: Bath Essential Oils
Essential oils not only smell amazing, but have many benefits such as boosting your mood, relieving pain and more. Adding a few drops into your bath definitely makes a difference!
#4: Candle
I think this is pretty self-explanatory – candles always set the mood! Lighting a candle instantly makes you feel better. Personally, I love scents related to cinnamon & vanilla but I like to switch it up with eucalyptus at times too! My favourite candle at the moment is the Cinnamon Spiced Vanilla by Bath & Body Works.
#5: Bath Thermometer
To ensure your bath water is at its desired temperature, use a bath thermometer! The ideal bath temperature would be between 32° C – 40° C (90° F and 105° F).
#6: Rose Petals
Set the mood and treat yourself to a luxurious bath experience by adding rose petals into your bathtub. Nowadays, you can just purchase natural dried rose petals online (so, you don’t have to worry about it possibly irritating your skin) and just store the leftovers in an airtight container!
#7: Bath Bomb
Bath bombs are a must-have item for your bath routine! It adds colour and some fun into your bath, and watching it dissolve into the water is so satisfying. Call me basic, but you should definitely get Lush’s Bath Bombs and enjoy!
#8: Body Scrub
Using a body scrub towards the end of your bath is highly recommended. A body scrub acts as an exfoliator which is typically sugar or salt-based, which removes dead cells from your skin. Use it once or twice a week during your baths!
#9: Body Butter
To moisturise your skin after your bath, apply some body butter. This is especially for those of you with dry or rough skin, as body butter is known to replenish your skin with its natural oils. I personally like the Shea Body Butter from The Body Shop, but I highly recommend you to browse through different types of body butter and pick what’s best for your skin!
#10: Bathrobe
The last bath essential on my list would be a bathrobe! You can go for a silk/satin bathrobe or fluffy/thick one, depending on your comfort. Lounge around in your preferred bathrobe for a while, before changing into your PJs.
Are baths good for self care?
The short answer is, yes! Baths are a way to make yourself feel relaxed and clean and hence, is definitely a good form of self care! Plus, it does not have to be elaborate – 7 simple steps is all you need!
What is the ideal bath time for adults?
To me, the ideal bath time for adults should be an hour before bedtime. That way, you will have just the right amount of time to do a quick hobby after your bath and proceed to prepare for bedtime. Also, a bath should last for around 30 minutes ideally.
Wrap-Up: The Ultimate Self-Care Bath Routine Guide
These 7 steps are simple yet effective in elevating your self care bath routine! You don’t have to go out of your way to achieve this routine but of course, minimal effort is required.
To spice up your self care bath routine, do try out any of the 30 self care bath ideas and let me know how it goes! Not forgetting, my top 10 bath essentials that you can shop for if you don’t have them at home yet. Think of these items as an investment for your self care night, alright?
I hope this guide helps all of you out there! Remember, everyone deserves a good self care bath routine from time-to-time.
