Taking a bath is one of the most effective ways to relax or freshen up after a long, tiring day. Moreover, bathing regularly is also essential to get rid of the microscopic germs that may accumulate on the skin throughout the day. While it is a daily task, you can add some simple ingredients to your bathing routine to keep skin problems at bay and improve your skin health. So, here is a list of the top ingredients to incorporate into your everyday bathing ritual. 

1. Epsom Salt

Contrary to its name, Epsom salt is not really salt. It's a naturally-occurring compound consisting of sulphate and magnesium. Known for its ability to relieve tension and muscle soreness, it helps in replenishing your body's magnesium levels, which decreases under stressful conditions. Dissolving Epsom salt in warm bath water can help in alleviating inflammation and pain.  

2. Oatmeal

It is not only a popular and healthy breakfast choice but also a great ingredient to add to your daily bathing regimen, particularly during winter. With the help of its healthy fat content, it helps in soothing rashes, dryness, and everyday skin irritation. It also serves as a natural cleanser and keeps your skin's pores free from impurities. It's a rich source of proteins that help your skin maintain its natural moisture barrier. Moreover, it serves as a great solution for those suffering from sunburn or poison ivy rashes. 

3. Lavender oil

When imagining a soothing, relaxing bath, lavender is often the first ingredient that springs to mind. This is because of its pleasing fragrance that can instantly calm you down and relieve stress. Due to its detoxifying and purifying action, lavender has been used as a natural remedy for itching, irritation, and acne for centuries. Lavender essential oil is very commonly used in skincare products as it is quite helpful in treating inflammation. You can choose to add lavender essential oil or dried lavender to your bath water to experience its benefits yourself.

4. Honey

This sweet, gooey substance has been used as a topical healing agent for ages. With its powerful antibacterial properties, honey is quite helpful in preventing infections and healing minor skin abrasions. It is also loaded with polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants that help in strengthening the immune system and protecting you against the signs of ageing. Moreover, honey leaves your skin feeling deeply moisturised and cleansed. You can massage some honey onto your body before bathing.

5. Essential Oil

For hundreds of centuries, essential oils have been used in several skincare products. There are endless skin benefits of essential oil, depending on which one you use. While rosemary uplifts mood and boosts circulation, eucalyptus relieves joint pain and soothes a cold, peppermint relieves PMS symptoms and offers anti-inflammatory effects and citrus offers antioxidant benefits. Other amazing essential oils you use for a soothing bath include lavender, rose, sandalwood, and chamomile. 

6. Baking Soda

With its soothing properties, baking soda is another edible ingredient that you can add to your bath water. Also referred to as sodium bicarbonate, this ingredient is a natural exfoliator that can help you keep areas with hard skin, like elbows, knees, and heels, free of dead skin, soft, and smooth. It can also help combat acne, restore your skin’s pH balance, and neutralise skin acidity. Baking soda is great for anyone suffering from skin inflammation or looking to bring life back to tired-looking skin. 

7. Roses

They are not just aesthetically stunning but also possess strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Roses are also known for their refreshing and moisturising effects on the skin. Water infused with rose petals can help in tightening your pores to brighten up your complexion. Additionally, it can keep redness, irritation, and acne at bay and make your skin smoother. It's also a great way to soothe chapped skin during winter.

In addition to the ones mentioned above, you can use several other amazing bath-time ingredients like red wine, orange peel, olive oil, aloe vera, milk, coconut oil, lemon juice and green tea. If you have sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist before adding new ingredients to your bathing routine.

Ask Apollo's Expert Dermatologists

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.