Self-care rituals support healthy bodies and minds. A simple way to look after yourself is to enjoy a well-deserved bath, which provides a calm environment to cleanse.
A good bath will do more than just relax you (although obviously relaxing you should play a huge role...). A really satisfying bath will soothe your muscles and lock moisture into your skin for 24+ hours. That's where shower oil excels.
Despite its name, shower oil has a domain outside of the bath. Shower oil can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a pre-shave oil or a conditioner. Adding a few drops to a freshly drawn bath will add a beautiful scent and a moisturising feel to the water.
The benefits of using shower oil will really manifest when you use it in a routine: using small amounts in your showers and your baths. Your skin will become softer and smoother, and you should feel spiritually more balanced after implementing relaxing routines.
Shower Oil vs. Bubble Bath: Which Provides the Most Luxurious Experience?
Traditional bath products (such as bubble bath) often purport to deliver a luxury experience. Despite the fact that they're generally available in a greater range of prices, they host some definite disadvantages.
For example, many traditional bath products contain cheap ingredients, including perfumes, that can trigger sensitive skin. The result? Dry, flaky or red skin after a bath, which definitely does not contribute towards a relaxing experience. In contrast, shower oils are often made of plant oils and botanic extracts that, due to their natural origins, will not trigger irritation.
Our tip for having the best bath experience would be to run a hot bath. While running the hot tap, add a few drops of shower oil. Once you've checked the temperature, climb in and consciously focus on feeling your muscles relax (for extra measure, why not add some candles to the room?).
Once you get out, gently pat your skin dry and immediately lock in the moisture using a high-quality body oil (after about three minutes of drying, moisturising becomes less effective). Hopefully, you'll feel clean, nourished and relaxed.
Plus, many shower oils are eco-friendly, meaning you can enjoy your bath fully guilt-free! The best shower oils will use natural extracts (not to mention, eco-friendly packaging) for a relaxing, hydrating treat for your skin.
What is the Best Shower Oil for Moisturising Dry Skin?
Not all shower oils are made equal. Shower oils that incorporate plant oils and botanic extracts will be absorbed quicker by dry skin, without leaving a greasy feel. Some plant oils and extracts you might expect in a shower oil include:
- Avocado Oil, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, is gentle on sensitive and/or dry skin. By maintaining hydration and improving elasticity, avocado oil helps keep skin supple and protected from damage caused by sun damage or free radicals. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritation associated with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, making it a beloved choice by dermatologists.
- Sweet Almond Oil. Despite its deeply nourishing qualities, almond oil has a non-comedogenic formula, meaning it won't clog pores (potentially introducing bacteria). Cold-pressed almond oil, packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids, reinforces the skin's barrier, calms any existing irritation, and locks in layers of intense hydration due to its high levels of vitamins E, A, and D.
- Sunflower Oil. A powerhouse of linoleic acid and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, sunflower oil strengthens the skin's protective outermost barrier, soothes irritation, and deeply hydrates your skin.
And, of course...
- Olive oil. In particular, cold-pressed organic Olive Oil is a natural wonder, packed with antioxidants, emollients, essential fatty acids, and vitamins. It nourishes the skin, aids in wound healing, and prevents water loss, keeping skin hydrated and supple. This gentle oil is suitable for all skin types, helping to soothe dryness, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
By selecting a shower oil that incorporates at least one or two of these ingredients, you'll be able to restore your skin's naturally soft and touchable feel. Check how many artificial chemicals are present in a shower oil - are they organic and naturally sourced?
For the ultimate relaxing bath, try IKKARI's shower oil, which is available in three soothing scents. Our products are designed to last, as you need to only add a few drops to your bath. We're proud to take a conscious approach: being transparent about our ingredients so you can take advantage of the best natural properties the planet has to offer.