Bath bombs make the stay in the tub even more amazing. In addition to being available in numerous fragrances, shades, shapes and sizes, they often have a heart of oils or butters with moisturizing and nourishing properties on the skin. But how are these dusty and crumbly spheres used? This article contains all the details you need to learn how to use them, but also many useful tips to choose them and many ideas suitable to make the experience even more grandiose, sparkling and sublime!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Using a Bath Bomb
Step 1. Choose your bath bomb
They are available in a huge variety of colors, fragrances, shapes and sizes. Some even incorporate delightful decorations, which make them even more beautiful to the eye, such as flower petals or glitter. Others contain an oil or butter that is beneficial to the skin, such as almond oil or cocoa butter. Look for a bath bomb that has the colors and scents you like best; if you have dry skin, it is best to choose one that contains a moisturizing oil or butter to nourish it. Here are some of the ingredients you can generally find in a bath bomb:
- Essential oils, such as lavender, rose, or chamomile. In addition to giving it a pleasant scent, they serve to induce a state of relaxation or, on the contrary, to give you more energy.
- An oil or butter that softens and nourishes the skin, such as almond oil, shea butter, or coconut oil or butter. Each of these ingredients is very useful for moisturizing dry skin.
- Fun decorations that will float on the water during the bath, such as glitter or flower petals. Their purpose is to please the sight and improve the mood.
- Salts, herbs and clay powders that help soften, hydrate and nourish the skin of the body.
Step 2. Consider wrapping the bath bomb in fabric
The decorations contained in some bath bombs, such as flower petals, could end up in the tub drain and block it. To prevent this from happening, you can close the ball in a small fabric bag or nylon stocking. Oils, fragrances and detergents will pass through the fibers enriching the bath water, but the petals will remain trapped in the bag or sock. Once the bathroom is finished, all you have to do is empty them by recycling or throwing the decorations.
Step 3. Consider cutting the bath bomb in half
Buying one is quite expensive, but splitting it in two will give you a double experience. Cut it using a serrated knife, such as a bread knife, then use one half and save the other for a second chance.
If you have chosen to use only one half of the bath bomb, be sure to store the other properly: wrapped in plastic wrap and in a dry place. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar. Make sure it is perfectly dry before putting it away: the humidity triggers the process that causes it to bubble and melt
Step 4. Put the stopper in the bathtub and turn on the hot water tap
You want to take a nice bath, so do what you can to accommodate your wishes. Fill the tub to the level you prefer and set the water to the temperature you like best. Once the tub is as full as you wish, turn off the tap.
Step 5. Put the bath bomb in the tub
As soon as it comes into contact with water, it will unleash its effervescent effect and start bubbling. Over time the sphere will begin to break down and dissolve, allowing the oils, salts and all other beneficial ingredients to spread into the water.
Step 6. Undress and enter the tub
You can soak in the water while the bath bomb is still bubbling, or you can wait for it to finish.
Step 7. Make yourself comfortable
Sit comfortably, then try closing your eyes, relaxing, meditating, or read a good book. The bath bomb will dissolve, flooding the water with its essential oils, nourishing and moisturizing ingredients and additional colored decorations, such as petals and glitter.
Step 8. When the water has cooled, get out of the tub and dry off
After a while, the water will begin to cool naturally; at that point, you can get out of the tub and empty it. Don't stay soaked for too long or your skin will end up dry and wrinkled!
Step 9. If desired, rinse off in the shower
It is not mandatory to rinse the skin after using a bath bomb, but if it is colored or enriched with glitter, it could be useful. Simply empty the tub, then shower to wash the oil and butter off your skin. If you want, you can also use a bath sponge and bubble bath.
Step 10. Clean the tub
Some bath bombs contain dyes that may stain it; they are generally much easier to wash off when the surface is still damp. Use the sponge or brush you normally clean it with to get rid of any color residue. If there are glitter or petals on the bottom, you can choose to collect them or let them run down the drain with the water.
Part 2 of 2: Alternative Uses of Bath Bombs
Step 1. Remember that it is best to use the bath bomb as soon as possible
By storing it in a dry place you will be sure that it will keep its solid shape, however it is best to use it as soon as you can to make sure it releases all its effervescent power once it is immersed in the bath. If you wait too long, your experience will become very little bubbly.
Step 2. Use it to relieve nasal congestion
If you bought a bath bomb that contains eucalyptus oil, you can use it to decongest the airways in case of a cold. Simply fill the tub with hot water, add the bath bomb, then soak and relax.
Step 3. Use it for aromatherapy
Many bath bombs contain precious essential oils that can make you feel more serene, relaxed, calm or even more energetic. When buying, read the ingredients list to find out which oils are contained in each type of bath bomb. Essential oils have intense fragrances, so evaluate your tastes when it comes to smells when making your choice. Here are some of the oils you can generally find in a bath bomb and their uses:
- Lavender essential oil: has a classic fragrance characterized by fresh and floral notes; can be used to reduce anxiety, depression and stress.
- Rose essential oil: this oil also has a classic scent with pleasant sweet and floral notes, and like lavender oil it can help relieve depression.
- Lemon essential oil: it has a fresh and pure scent and is very useful for lifting morale and giving a feeling of vigor and energy.
- Mint oil: has an intense, refreshing and invigorating fragrance and is ideal for relieving nausea, headaches and giving new energy to the body.
Step 4. Create a spa-worthy environment
You can dim the lights, light a few candles and play some relaxing music. Since you will be in the tub for some time, you may want to consider keeping some items close at hand. Here are some good ideas:
- Relax by immersing yourself in the pages of a good book.
- Bring something to drink with you, such as a glass of champagne or hot tea.
- Also add something to eat, such as fruit or chocolate.
- Fold a soft towel to place under your head, neck and shoulders while lying in the tub; the stay will be much more comfortable.
- Get a face mask. When it's time to get out of the water, the beauty treatment will be complete.
Step 5. Use it to perfume the air
In some cases, bath bombs are so beautiful that it seems wasteful to dissolve them in water. If you can't throw it in the tub because you can't stand the idea of it disappearing, consider displaying it in plain sight in the bathroom. Put it on a saucer, it will release its scent discreetly.
Step 6. Try an effervescent shower tablet
If you love to pamper yourself, but don't like being soaked in water, the effervescent shower tablets are just for you. Similar to bath bombs, they contain only a minor amount of oils to avoid making the shower floor slippery. All you have to do is place one where the water falls while you wash. The tablet will begin to bubble, breaking and dissolving slowly as it releases its scented essential oils.
Advice
- If you don't like taking a bath, buy effervescent tablets to place on the shower tray.
- Cut the bath bomb into two or more parts, then use one piece every time you take a bath.
- If you want to buy a bath bomb, visit a "Lush" chain store. You will find a wide choice with the guarantee that all the ingredients used are of vegetable origin.
Warnings
- You may be allergic to one of the ingredients in the bath bomb; read carefully the list of what it contains before buying it.
- Bath bombs can stain the tub and towels.
- Be careful if you have sensitive skin. Bath bombs contain essential oils and other ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction. If common soaps or skin oils cause you skin problems, you will most likely have the same negative reactions when using a bath bomb as well.
