Bathroom Essentials:
Caring for your body creates endless rewards. So keep a selection of beauty products on hand to maintain your skin from top to toe on a daily and occasional basis. The time of day and even the time of year will affect what you like using, so why not take the opportunity to try different products, adding the ones you particularly like to those you already know well.
Bathroom Must Haves:
Soaps And Cleansing Bars: These are a cheap and effective way of cleansing your body. If you find them too drying, choose ones that contain moisturizers to minimize these effects. Most people can use ordinary soaps and cleansers without any problem. However, if you have particular dry or sensitive skin, opt for the pH-balanced variety.
Shower Gels And Bubble Baths: These are mild detergents that help cleanse your body while you soak in the water. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, including those containing a host of additives, ranging from herbs to essential oils. If you find them too harsh for your skin, look for the ones that suffer 2-in-1 benefits – these contain moisturisers as well, to soothe your skin.
Sponges And Washcloths: These are useful for lathering up soaps and gels on your skin, and dislodging dirt and grime from your body. Wash your washcloth regularly, and allow it to dry between uses on a wash line or the bathroom window sill. Natural sponges are a more expensive but long-lasting alternative. Squeeze out afterwards in warm clear water and allow to dry naturally. However, don’t underestimate the power of your hands for washing yourself; they keep you in touch with your body and will make you aware of any lumps, bumps and changes in texture that occur.
Bath Oils: These are a wonderful beauty boon for those with dry skins. They float on the top of the water, and your entire body becomes covered with a fine film when you step out of the bath. Most cosmetic houses produce a bath oil, but if you’re not worried about the fragrance, you can use a few drops of any vegetable oil, such as olive, corn or peanut.
Bath Salts: Made from sodium carbonate, these are particularly useful for softening hard water, and for preventing your skin from becoming too dry. Combined with warm water, they’re a popular way to soothe away aches and pains.