When was the last time you bath the right way?

The bathtub is such a happy place for many. For some, it is still a daunting task to bath daily though. Let it be. But do you know there is a proper way of bathing too? Of course !! Wondering? Then keep on reading till the end and you would know how to bath it right.

The main and foremost purpose of bathing is to maintain personal hygiene, to get feelings of cleanliness, and comfort. Washing the dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and sweat off your body is a preventative measure to reduce the incidence and spread of disease.

It helps to prevent irritations and rashes that would otherwise transform into infections. Stimulate blood circulation. Good circulation is promoted through the use of warm water and gentle stroking of the extremities.

How to Bath the right way?

We tend to take bath by letting go shower or bucket water on our head directly. It causes the body to adjust its temperature too quickly because we are warm-blooded.

It may generate pressure and cause artery or capillary breakage. Hence, sequenced bathing is very important to avoid such incidences.

1. Gauge the temperature first. Either use a thermometer or simply you can use your wrist to determine if the temperature is actually comfortable.
2. Start with wetting your legs and up to your head gently. We tend to take bath by letting go shower or bucket water on our head directly. It causes the body to adjust its temperature too quickly.
3. Gradually, try to pour water on your body and do a quick rinse to wet your skin before applying any soap.
4. You can apply the soap or body shampoo either your way down or up.  A soap wipe away the dirt, germs, oils, and bacteria from the skin.
5. The hair shampoo can be applied directly to the ends of your hair. You may apply conditioner if you require so.
6. Use a dry and clean towel for after bath.

While bathing…

• Make sure that the bathroom is clean and smells nice. 
• The bathroom should be not be cluttered as it messes up your relaxation vibes.
• Try keeping the bathwater at a cooler temperature. The dermatologists recommend showering in water that’s lukewarm or slightly warm. You also would like to know the effect of drinking cold and warm water on your body.
• Decide on timing. Bathing once a day is ideal. However, you should decide the preferred time to bath; may it morning or night.
• If you sweat a lot, you must use cool water for bathing. As hot water may increase the body sweating. Also, consider taking the cold or cool shower, especially when it is hot and humid out or after a heavy workout.
• If you are with your make-up, don’t take a bath or shower directly. Wash your face first, and let the steam do its job.
• It is important to know when to shower or bath, and what areas are most important to clean (Hair, underarms, and private areas).
• Bathroom ventilation plays an important role. Sometimes, bathing in a non-ventilated bathroom may cause suffocation or make us feel uneasy.
• As you soak in the warm water, your body will start to try cooling you down by sweating. You can quickly become dehydrated, so make sure you are replacing those fluids by drinking plenty of water. Applying a cold washcloth to your forehead can keep you from overheating.
• If you had a bath with hot water (particularly after steam-bath), try to keep the bathroom door open for a while (say 10 seconds) before getting out of the bathroom. Allow your bathroom temperature to settle to normal. The body needs time to adjust the temperature from hot to cool.  Few studies have identified the incidences of palpitations, or even cardiac arrest or stroke after coming immediately from the bathroom.
• Take shorter baths. Keep your bath under 30 minutes.

What should not do?

Bathing with too-hot water actually agitates your nervous system and can cause a drop in your blood pressure. Pouring water directly on the head may worsen the condition. Your heart will start pumping harder, and you may feel dizzy or sick (1).

Pregnant women should not take hot baths, and people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems should not add Epsom salt to their bathwater.

If you are taking a hot bath prior to sleep, you may find it more difficult for you to relax and fall asleep. Yes, it is. It’s recommended to take your bath at least an hour and a half before bedtime. Baths before bed will help you sleep better.

For high blood pressure people, sequenced bathing, the temperature of the water, and season should be on the count. Sudden cold water exposure increases sympathetic tone which further causing a rapid fall in skin temperature. It leads to rising blood pressure.

Bathing is suspected of causing abrupt changes in blood pressure that induce ischemia in the cerebral blood vessels. This could drive a stroke or heart attack or a cardiac arrest in the bathroom or toilet.

Be careful not to slip when getting in or out of the tub or bathroom.  If you jump in too quickly, you risk slipping and falling, so it’s worthwhile to step in slowly.

Bath additives to make it special

Thermometer – You can keep track of the temperature with a thermometer. You want the water to be about 100° (38 degree Celsius) Fahrenheit, which is ideal for relaxing muscles. Always test the water before getting into the bath to make sure that it is not too hot or cold.

Natural-bristle body brush or a loofah or washcloths – Take a natural-bristle body brush and gently rub your skin from your feet to your neck with upward strokes. This loosens dead skin and helps your body expel toxins.

Bath salts – You can add bath salts as you start to run your bath so that they dissolve completely. Use one cup for every 60 pounds you weigh.

The salts help to relax your muscles and get rid of any stiffness or achiness. As a person who goes to the gym like, six days a week, Epsom salt is a necessity.

Essential oil and herbs – If you have dry skin, so in order to counteract the drying effect of soaking in hot water, you can add in some oil or diluted oil to the bath. Use at least an entire cup of oil per bath to reap the moisturizing benefits.

The fresh or dried herbs tied in a piece of muslin or cheesecloth can be a great choice as a bath additive. You must know how to use essential oils to purify indoor air.

Powdered milk – One or two cups of powdered milk. Milk contains lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxyl acid that loosens dead skin.

Music and phone – You can use your phone for music or listen to a podcast. Putting on some music can be a great way to make your bath special.

Candles – Lighting a relaxing lavender candle and let it burn for like 45 minutes to an hour before bath.

Moisturizer – When you get out of the bath, liberally apply moisturizer while your skin is damp. You can apply coconut oil all over my body so it can “trap” the water into your skin.

To summarize

• Many would want to spend all day in a hot bath during the winter.
• Many of us would spend hours-n-hours in the bathroom in summer taking cold water baths.
• Some may try to make bathing more special by adding music and candles all around.
• The majority of people prefer to bath daily, either once or twice.
• Some studies recommend a shower every other day, or two to three times a week is also enough (2).

Must read – Why stroke or cardiac arrest in bathroom is frequent?

Everyone has their own preferred time of bathing as per convenience and comfort. Keeping it aside, it is important to know how to bath the correct way to stay healthy.