"Calgon, take me away!" This commercial echoes the sentiment of many hardworking professionals after a long day at the office. Today, however, buyers don't have to depend on one manufacturer to produce a comforting, relaxing body wash or bubble bath that will wash away the day's stresses.
Find peace and comfort with relaxing scents like freesia or plumeria blossoms, or rejuvenate body and mind with ocean breeze, eucalyptus, or juniper fragrances. Different manufacturers package bath and body care items in different forms, so look for the right kind of body wash or shower gel as well as the desired fragrance.
Both shower gel and body wash are much like soap, intended to be applied directly to a washcloth and rubbed across the skin. Persons with sensitive skin or oily skin types may prefer specialized face or hand soap instead of regular scented bath soap. Some specialty soap manufacturers include I Natural, Crabtree & Evelyn and L'Occitane en Provence.
For a relaxing soak in the tub, use traditional bubble bath or bath foam. Bath salts are also designed for use in the tub. Some of these may be made of sea salts or Epson salts, and are often packaged in decorative containers. Bath oils are a good alternative for people with dry skin, because these add extra moisturizer in addition to fragrance.
No bath time is complete without a good set of brushes or sponges for cleansing and exfoliating the skin. In addition to a regular bath brush, use a separate face brush so that facial cleanser and face soap don't get mixed in with body wash and cause skin irritation. Use long-handled back brushes for scrubbing the back.
Many people prefer sponges to brushes because they are easier to handle and use. Mesh sponges are popular and inexpensive. These are made of synthetic materials. Sea sponges form soft, elastic skeletons that are sold for bath use, and are very gentle on the skin. Loofah sponges, made of the material inside a luffa fruit, are rougher and are perfect for exfoliating the skin.
Bundle and Save
Sometimes, buying individual products can be more expensive than bath sets. In addition, bath sets often provide extra freebies that most people wouldn't consider purchasing individually but turn out to be quite handy. Bath pillows, extra sponges or brushes, and even soap samples are sold with along with shower gel, lotion, bath salts, and body wash. These also make excellent Christmas or birthday gifts.
Skin Care Tips
Merely cleansing the skin with soap and water isn't always enough. Some people with dry skin requiring moisturizing. Exfoliating the skin also leaves it feeling softer and cleaner. Specialized bath products are available for nearly every part of the body, from the face to the feet. Choose the products that will leave each area feeling cleaner, softer, and healthier.
Some areas of the skin, such as the face, require frequent exfoliation. This process removes keratin, the top layer of (dead) skin cells, and helps rejuvenate and refresh the skin. Both facial scrubs and body scrubs, which have a grainier, rougher consistency, than standard body wash, are widely sold.
Body lotion is helpful for moisturizing and softening the skin. The majority are scented, so expect the fragrance to linger long after bath time is over. During cold, damp weather, many people also enjoy the benefits of specialty hand cream, such as those made by Victoria's Secret or Mary Kay.
Worried about cellulite or aging? Anti-aging products are designed to hydrate and tone skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Cellulite treatment products help tone and smooth the skin.
Don't get carried away by the events of the day. When something stressful happens, just close your eyes for a moment and imagine a long, relaxing bath that will wash all your cares away. You'll feel much better when you open your eyes!