When it comes to relaxation, few things are more enjoyable than a hot bath with a fizzy bath bomb. But as much as we love these colorful balls of fun, there are concerns about whether they can dry out your skin.
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients and effects of bath bombs on the skin, and offer some tips on how to keep your skin hydrated while enjoying these luxurious treats.
What are Bath Bombs?
Bath bombs are small, hard-packed balls of ingredients that dissolve in water and release a variety of fragrances, colors, and skin-nourishing additives.
They’re usually made from a combination of baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch, along with essential oils, fragrances, and other skin-loving ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter.
When you drop a bath bomb into a tub of warm water, it reacts with the water and fizzes, releasing its ingredients into the water and creating a colorful, fragrant soak.
Can Bath Bombs Dry Out Your Skin?
One of the main concerns about bath bombs is that they can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. This is especially true if the bath bomb contains ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a harsh detergent that can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin’s barrier function.
However, not all bath bombs contain SLS, and many are formulated with skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and essential oils that can actually help to moisturize and nourish the skin.
So it’s important to read the label and choose bath bombs that are made with nourishing ingredients, rather than harsh detergents that can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Which Ingredients In Bath Bombs Are Best For Hydrating The Skin?
When choosing which ingredients are best for hydrating your skin, the key is to look for those which provide moisture and nourishment. Ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, sunflower oil, and cocoa powder are excellent choices.
Cocoa butter helps protect the skin from dryness and irritation by locking in moisture; shea butter enhances hydration by providing vitamins and fatty acids; sunflower oil has powerful antioxidant properties that help improve skin tone; and cocoa powder works as an exfoliant to draw out impurities while adding a boost of hydration.
Which Bath Bomb Ingredients Tend To Dry Out The Skin?
Baking soda, citric acid and too much fragrance can be found among the list of bath bomb ingredients that have the potential to dry out your skin. Baking soda is an important ingredient for fizzing, but it can also dry out your skin with regular use.
Sometimes, a higher than necessary amount of citric acid is used in bath bombs, which has the same result. Additionally, too much essential oil or perfume oil can lead to over-drying your skin.
The combination of these ingredients results in a potentially unpleasant experience where the skin feels tight and uncomfortable after use.
To avoid this from occurring, it’s best to select bath bombs with fewer drying ingredients and keeping usage to once or twice a week for maintenance purposes.
What Kind Of Bath Bomb Is Best For Sensitive Skin?
For dry and sensitive skin, it is important to find the right kind of bath bomb that will not irritate the skin further. Natural bombs full of essential oils and herbs are ideal as they do not contain harsh chemicals which can further dry out or disrupt already sensitive skin.
The natural ingredients help restore moisture to dry skin while also providing a smooth and luxurious feeling in the bath water. Certain natural ingredients can provide calming or hydrating elements to help soothe dryness and sensitivity on the skin.
Finding the best bath bomb for sensitive skin, individuals can enjoy an even better spa-like experience with less irritation, and less dry skin on the body.
Is Bath Bombs A Good Idea For Eczema Sufferers?
Bath bombs may be a viable alternative for those who suffer from eczema. Many bath bombs feature natural ingredients that can help alleviate the symptoms of eczema, such as shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils like lavender or chamomile.
It is important to always check ingredient lists before using any product on sensitive skin, but if you do your research, there are many bath bombs out there that contain natural ingredients perfectly suited to treating eczema-prone skin. Taking a hot, relaxing bath with an aromatherapy bomb could be just what sufferers need to ease their symptoms.
How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated After a Bath Bomb
Even if you choose a nourishing bath bomb, it’s still important to moisturize your skin after you get out of the tub. Here are some tips for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy after using a bath bomb:
- Rinse off with lukewarm water: After you’ve finished soaking in the tub, rinse off with lukewarm water rather than hot water. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, so rinsing with lukewarm water will help to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
- Moisturize immediately: After you’ve rinsed off, pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizing lotion or oil while your skin is still damp. This will help to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
- Use a humidifier: If the air in your home is dry, it can contribute to dry, flaky skin. Using a humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air, which can help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Best Homemade Bath Bombs Ingredients To Use To Combat Dry Skin
The key to making an effective bath bomb is choosing natural ingredients that will both moisturize and nourish your skin. Some examples of the best ingredients include coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, and sea salt.
This combination of oils creates an incredibly moisturizing recipe that can provide hours of deep hydration after using the bath bombs. They’ll leave your skin smooth, supple, and looking its best.
Conclusion
Bath bombs can be a fun and relaxing way to pamper yourself, but it’s important to choose ones that are formulated with nourishing ingredients and to moisturize your skin after using them. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the benefits of bath bombs without drying out your skin.
