Ten Bathing Tips, Luxury of Relaxing in a Bath
In the busy lives we lead today, people often shower rapidly. We can benefit greatly, however, from the luxury of relaxing in a bath. This time can be a real beauty treatment — for your face, your body, and your soul! To get the most out of your bath or shower and to appreciate these relaxing minutes of your day, here are some suggestions:
1 The ideal temperature for showering or relaxing in your bath without becoming drowsy is about 95°F (35°C). The steam is very good to open the pores of your face for a thorough Cleaning. (It’s also therapeutic if you have a cold with congestion.) If you have a tendency to develop spider veins on your legs, avoid very hot baths and jacuzzis, and when you are in a warm bath, lie so that your body is submerged but your hips are raised out of the water. If you have a tendency to facial redness or flushing, try lowering the temperature of the bath a bit.
2 As you first lie in the tub or step into the shower, luxuriating in the warmth, you could do a few isometric exercises to stimulate your muscles. Do the Flapper and the Power Palm Press five times each when you get in; then squeeze your buttocks and abdominal muscles into the Hip Hugger and repeat five times. Finally, with your legs straight, press your knees together, feeling the contraction of your inner thighs in each Kneecap Kiss. Do five repetitions. Your body will be more streamlined and your posture improved in less than two minutes!
3 For the ultimate in relaxation, deep-breathing can be wonderful. Inhale deeply through your nose to a count of four, expanding your chest and your abdomen as you lower your diaphragm. Hold your breath for a count of eight, exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 12. Repeat five times.
4 Now lie back and close your eyes. Relax all your muscles, from the tips of your fingers to the tips of your toes; relax your spine, your legs, your arms, your neck and your facial muscles.
5. It is better not to soak or shower for more than 30 minutes. The first 15 minutes are certainly very good for your skin as the outer layer of dead skin cells takes in water - the only true skin moisturization. But with longer sessions, your fingers and toes can become puffy and rigged.
6 If you use bubblebath, be sure to rinse in a shower before drying. It is not good for your skin to have a coating of residual soap.
7 As good as it might feel, I do not recommend bath oil — first because of the very real danger that you can slip in the tub, and second because it tends to float on the water surface and can coat your skin, preventing the real moisturization by the water. If you absolutely adore your bath oil, it is better to apply it to your damp body with a washcloth or bath- mitt after you bathe.
8 Some herbs are therapeutic. You can make a bath sachet with a 6in (15cm) square of cheese cloth; fill with 1/2 cup of herbs or tea, knot on top, and tie it under the faucet (taps) so that it is submerged when the bath is full.
- For scent, use bay leaves, cinnamon bark, jasmine tea, or orange peel.
- For circulation, use ginger.
- For sensitive skin, use chamomile.
- For itchy skin, sprinkle finely ground oatmeal powder into the bath.
9 After soaking, wash! Apply your cleanser to your washcloth, bathsponge, brush, polishing pad, or loofah. Rub your body with long, smooth strokes, working from the extremities inward toward your body, massaging always toward your heart. Use an exfoliant cream or a pumice stone on any extra-tough skin you might have on your soles, knees, or elbows. Rinse thoroughly. Take a quick shower after a bath to remove any residual soap.
10 Immediately after towel-drying, always be sure to apply a moisturizer to any specially dry areas of skin; particularly your feet, lower legs, and elbows might benefit. If you have cellulite on your thighs, upper arms, or love handles, now is the time to massage those areas with an anti-cellulite product, as you learned in Thin Thighs for Life.
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