Tag: bathing tips

4 Reasons You Should Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Next Bath

Published on by Lee1 Comment

POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. BeautyLeeBar gets a small commission, whenever you lovely beauties purchase an item directly from the links that are provided in this post, past posts, and any other posts after this. However, this DOES NOT change the price or the value of the product(s) that BeautyLeeBar recommends. I repeat, this DOES NOT change the price or value of the product(s).

Is there anything apple cider vinegar can’t do? It’s one of those kitchen staples, like baking soda or lemons, that has so many benefits—from cooking to cleaning to everything in between. But it’s not just household tasks that can benefit from its magic. Apple cider vinegar also does wonders for the body. Simply add some to your bathwater next time you require a soak, and you’ll be amazed at what it does for your skin, hair, and even your joints.

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Benefits of an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

I firmly believe that apple cider vinegar is a miracle worker that really does do it all, but for it to work, you need to buy the raw, organic kind. Unfiltered and unpasteurized ACV (with the “mother” of live organisms) still contains the vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that are so beneficial to the body. Simply look for a brand like Bragg’s, or head to your local health food store to find the raw stuff. Then hop in the tub and soak away.

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Here are just some of the things an apple cider vinegar bath can do:

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1. Relieves common skin issues

ACV naturally kills bacteria and yeast on the skin, which can be helpful for people suffering from dry skin, eczema, dandruff, or yeast overgrowth. Because bacteria doesn’t stand a chance around the pH of vinegar, it can also help clear up acne when applied to the face and body. ACV also contains the gentle exfoliant, malic acid, which can help remove dry, dead skin cells and leave fresh, vibrant skin in its place.

2. Soothes inflammation

Vinegar contains acetic acid, one of the components of medications such as aspirin. It can help ease sunburn pain, itching, and inflammation. Soaking sunburned or inflamed skin for 30 minutes can help calm the redness and irritation, so it heals faster.

3. Restores pH balance

Our skin is naturally acidic, but some common bath and body products make our skin a little too alkaline, which can lead to dryness and eczema. Because ACV is acidic, it can help restore our skin’s pH balance, which helps reduce dandruff and makes skin feel soft and moisturized.

4. Eases pain

Applying apple cider vinegar topically is also said to help with muscle and joint pain. If you’re a runner or if you simply suffer from sore knees, take an ACV bath regularly to soothe pain and nurture your joints.

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The Best Soothing Herbs for a Bath Soak

To boost the skin-soothing effects of apple cider vinegar, choose flowers and herbs that calm inflammation, and promote relaxation. You can add them to the bathwater directly, or wrap and tie them into a bit of cheesecloth, like when you are making a broth, to soak in their essence. Another way to use them is to brew a concentrated tea, strain, and then swirl into the bathwater—still nice and hot.

Here are a few flowers and herbs to try:

Lavender

Lavender has been used for centuries to relax jittery nerves, calm any feelings of anxiety [source], and soothe aching muscles. 

Rose Petals

A powerful mood booster, rose can moisturize, protect skin from oxidative damage [source], and soothe those itchy and flaky areas. It has also been shown in one study to help joint pain symptoms in patients with arthritis [source]. If you don’t have any roses in your garden or can’t find rose petals, feel free to use rosewater instead.

Peppermint

Peppermint is said to disinfect and calm inflammation [source]. But since peppermint oils have a tingling effect, it’s best not to use it on sunburned skin.

Chamomile

Often used in tea for its calming effects, chamomile has a similar effect on skin [source]. It’s especially soothing for itchy, irritated skin. 

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Calendula

Calendula has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it useful for soothing eczema and relieving irritation [source]. 

Rosemary

This medicinal herb has known therapeutic benefits. The many compounds within it have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for the body, but they are also known to have beneficial effects on the emotions [source]. One study showed rosemary’s ability to provide relief of physical and mental fatigue in those with health issues [source].

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DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

To reap the benefits of ACV, you can simply add some directly to bathwater. But to really kick things up a notch, why not try combining it with an anti-inflammatory ginger bath soak?

This apple cider vinegar bath is ridiculously easy to make, and chances are you already have everything you need in your kitchen. The Epsom salt helps to relax tired muscles and ease aches and pains, while the baking soda draws toxins from the body. The ginger has a thermogenic effect, which helps raise your body temperature and induce sweating for toxin elimination.

And last but not least, add some flower petals. While it doesn’t aid with the detox, flowers help make the whole thing look nice!

Apple Cider Vinegar Bath FAQs

Can I add oat flour or any flour substitutes to my apple cider vinegar bath?

Yes, definitely! Ground rice flour, oat flour, or even coconut milk powder would be great in this bath soak. I recommend adding about 1/4 cup to the mix.

Can I add essential oils to my bath instead of herbs?

It depends on the essential oils you use. Oils like lavender, frankincense, tea tree, and sandalwood oil can be an excellent addition to your bath. Dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba by combining 6-9 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.

Read this article for more information on essential oils and how to mix CBD with your essential oils..

Can this be used in whirlpool tubs without affecting the jets?

Yes, it can. But, I would still check with the manufacturer and see if anyone has the same tub as you and see if they ever used essential oils and flowers to see their results. Or you can always research it, YouTube has become my best friend lol. If you’re still worried about it messing up your tub or your pipes, it’s better to be safe than sorry and just skip it. 

How much soak/vinegar should I use per bath?

I recommend using the whole thing: approximately 1 cup each of Epsom salt and vinegar. If you’d prefer, feel free to use less and store any remaining soak in your bathroom cabinet for up to a month.

How often should I do an ACV soak?

Soaking 1–2 times a week is considered safe. If you have sensitive skin or if you notice skin irritation getting worse, it’s best to take a break or consult a doctor. 

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Other Beauty Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV shouldn’t just be relegated to the bath. You can also use it to clarify hair, clear up dandruff, and exfoliate dry skin. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Soak

Vegan Gluten-free · This apple cider vinegar bath will soothe tired muscles, reduce inflammation, restore your skin’s pH balance, and detox the body. Add some fresh herbs for an anti-inflammatory healing boost.

Equipment

  • Small jar
  • Measuring cup

Materials

  • 1 tbsp Ginger, ground
  • 1 Rose petals or herbs, Dried (Optional)
  • 1/4 cup Baking soda
  • 3/4 cup Epsom salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Apple cider vinegar, raw
  • 1 Essential oils

Instructions

Combine everything except the vinegar in a jar and set aside.

Fill the tub with warm/hot water and add apple cider vinegar. Then add the entire cup of salt bath soak and stir with your hand until completely dissolved.

Notes

Hop in the tub and soak for at least 30 minutes. When you’re done, gently blot skin with a towel to remove excess water, and let the vinegar sink into the skin as much as possible. Now is a great time to apply moisturizer to seal in the benefits.

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As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor. POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. BeautyLeeBar gets a small commission, whenever you lovely beauties purchase an item directly from the links that are provided in this post, past posts, and any other posts after this. However, this DOES NOT change the price or the value of the product(s) that BeautyLeeBar recommends. I repeat, this DOES NOT change the price or value of the product(s).

THANK YOU FOR READING. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE CONTINUOUS SUPPORT 🤍

Here’s How to Take the Most Relaxing Bath of Your Life

Published on by Lee3 Comments

Bring on the bath bombs, candles and body wash, because taking a bath is one of the best  ways to reset, recharge and relax after a day that, TBH, was just way too long. To help you indulge in some much-needed, spa-like self-care, we’re sharing how to get yourself and your tub prepped and ready for the best (and most luxurious) bath of your life. Take it from us, you deserve this. 

STEP #1: Set the Temperature Make sure your tub is clean as can be before filling it up with water. We then recommend turning the nozzle to a lukewarm temp so it feels warm and relaxing, but not scalding hot when you step in. Water that’s too hot can strip your skin of essential oils and dry you out, so make sure to test the water with your fingers before letting the bath fill to the halfway point. 

STEP #2: Add Essential Oils, Bath Bombs or Body Salts 

As the water is running, add in 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils for a soothing scent that will put your body and mind at ease. If bubbles, bath bombs or body salts are your preference, now is the time to drop those in too. We’re currently obsessing over the Bathing Culture Big Dipper Mineral Bath Salts. It’s rich in minerals and melts away stress.

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STEP #3: Face Mask Time! 

We hope you have one of your all-time favorite masks nearby, because applying a face mask while in the bath is seriously the way to go. Your skin will feel fab after stepping out. Not sure what mask to bring with? We recommend the Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask. And hey, if you’re really trying to go all out, place some cucumbers on your eyes.

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STEP #4: Candles, Candles and More Candles 

Just before stepping in, set the atmosphere by lighting some of your favorite candles, put on some soothing tunes and grab a book or magazine. As tempting as it is to have your phone nearby, we suggest you don’t. Let yourself unplug for a while.  

STEP #5: Pick Your Products 

Last but not least, make sure your bath is stocked with all the products you need. We suggest a creamy body wash like the Kiehl’s Made For All Body Cleanser to keep skin clean and moisturized. If you plan on shaving, make sure to throw in a body exfoliant, like the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub to slough away dead surface skin cells and prep for a clean, close shave.  

STEP #6: Enjoy

Now that everything is prepped and ready to go, step into the tub and enjoy a night of R&R. Just one more thing though, make sure to moisturize once you’re done with your spa-like bath. We suggest lathering on the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. 

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These 6 Mistakes You Make In The Shower Are Ruining Your Skin

Published on by Lee1 Comment

So you probably think how you’ve been showering for the last 20 years was on point. Like really, how wrong can you go in the shower – as long as you get your body clean, goal achieved, right? Well yes, but it’s like your skincare routine – you can get WAAAY better results just by layering your products in the right order – and showering is the same. By doing different steps at the optimum time, it’ll result in cleaner and softer skin. Intrigued? Here’s what you’re doing wrong, and how to shower the right way:

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1. Blasting the heat too high

We know, we know, it feels great, but soaking your skin in hot water is actually drying your skin out. Super hot showers strip your skin of their natural oils and dehydrate it, making it feel dry and itchy; it can even lead to rashes. You should also cut back on how long you spend showering, 5 to 10 minutes is ideal – if you’re washing your hair, aim for 15 minutes max, to avoid stripping the skin of its natural moisture levels. The drier your skin, the more likely you are to get rashes, as it’s easier for bacteria to penetrate the cracks in your skin.

2. Not washing in the right order

If you’re in a rush, you most likely take advantage of those few minutes when you let your conditioner do its thang, and wash your body. But doing this could be the reason you get pimples on your chest, body or back, as when you wash out the conditioner, it leaves a film on your skin that can block your pores. Try the Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel; it’s hypoallergenic, soap and paraben-free, moisturizes dry skin and is also amazing for getting rid of body acne. Also, Glow Goddess bar soap, $10.00 is another good choice as well. Goddess bar soap has lavender essential oil that can be used for treating burns, inflammation, eczema, acne, nervous tension, asthma, arthritis, acne, and bacterial infections. This gentle bar soap is soft on the skin and is packed with lavender flowers as a soft exfoliant. Another tip is to use your shower gel only in the places where your skin is oily, your lady parts (look for fragrance-free), underarms, and feet – unless you’ve been exercising and sweating excessively. Because your arms and legs have much less oil to spare, using soap here regularly can make your skin drier.

3. Not masking in the shower

This is juicy news to us, but it makes so much sense! The experts say the best time to do your face mask is in the shower when your pores are open from the warmth of the water. This means that hydrating and nourishing masks will be able to deliver all their vitamins and minerals as they can soak into your pores more easily. Similarly, ‘extracting’ masks like clay, mud, and charcoal can pull more toxins from your open pores, without running the risk of dehydrating your skin as the mask won’t completely dry out. For a quick nourishing and moisturizing DIY, you can apply a thin sticky layer of organic honey over your skin for 5 minutes while you shower.

4. Shaving at the beginning of your shower

Shaving is an eternal pain in my butt – no matter how much you do it, it keeps coming back. If you want to maximize on your silky soft skin for as long as possible, the key is to wait until the end of your shower, about ten minutes in (or while you have your conditioner in). By this time, your hairs will have softened and your pores will have opened, making it much easier to get a closer, smoother shave. Another hack, don’t keep your razor in the shower, as the steam will gradually rust the blade and speed up blunting. Instead, leave it to soak in baby oil, which keeps the metal from oxidizing, so it’ll stay sharper for longer. Try Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Cream, $5.99 for a smooth, razor bump free look and feel.

5. Using old sponges and loofahs

We know it’s painful to throw something away that seems like it still has at least another six months of effective use, but sometimes it’s what you can’t see that you need to be cautious of. Loofahs and sponges collect bacteria and mold due to the damp conditions they’re stored in, which can lead to rashes or dry patches. Ideally, you shouldn’t use either for longer than a month. To keep your loofah or sponge in the best condition, ring it out as much as possible after using it, and allow it to dry completely before you next use it, storing it in a dry place, not directly in your steamy shower.

6. Not moisturizing immediately after showering

First things first, instead of vigorously rubbing your skin dry with a towel, try gently patting it instead. The aim is not to be completely dry, but to use any leftover moisture on your skin to your advantage when you moisturize. Experts agree that within three to five minutes after you shower is the best time to rehydrate your skin so that you can trap any excess water on the surface of your skin without it evaporating. Moisturizer and body oils act as a barrier to lock in moisture; I love using Gloww Goddess Body Oils, $20 as these contain rich vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids to help restore your skin. Otherwise rich moisturizers like shea butter or cocoa butter are amazing natural moisturizers.

Which of these showering mistakes are you guilty of?

**FTC: This post is not sponsored. No monetary compensation was received for this post, however, products were sent to me. Opinions are 100% my own, of course.