Soothing + Healing Bath Salts for Eczema + Psoriasis
Bath salts can help soothe and moisturise the skin, reducing the symptoms of eczema + psoriasis. They work by creating a barrier on the skin, locking in moisture, and preventing further irritation. Many bath salts also contain minerals and nutrients that can nourish and heal the skin.
Which are the Best Bath Salts for Eczema + Psoriasis?
Bathing has many health benefits, as well as being an enjoyable way to relax. The benefits of bathing include:
- Lowering Stress- Taking a lukewarm (not hot) bath is a great way to get rid of stress, which as we all know is a major skin trigger. Bathing can increase the release of serotonin- the ‘happy hormone’, leaving you feeling positive and relaxed. Baths have been used for centuries as a way to calm the mind, ease tense muscles, and promote relaxation. Research has shown that taking a bath can have a positive impact on our physical health. Studies have also found that it can lower our blood pressure, improve circulation and boost our immune system.
- Improves Circulation- A warm bath improves blood flow, and makes blood more oxygenated. This is because it encourages slow, deep breathing. Soaking in warm water can dilate your blood vessels, increase blood flow, and help distribute oxygen and nutrients throughout your body.
- Better Sleep- Having a relaxing bath before bedtime can greatly improve the quality of your sleep. When you exit your warm bath, your body temperature will rapidly drop. Your body automatically cools itself down when it’s time to go to bed for optimal rest. This produces the sleep hormone, melatonin.
- Relieves muscle pain- Muscle pain can be excruciating, and it can affect your day-to-day life. Whether you overdid it at the gym or spent all day gardening, muscle pain can make simple tasks challenging. Fortunately, a relaxing bath can help ease your aches and pains. The heat of the bath gets the blood moving, which can loosen tight muscles.
- Self-Care- A bath is a luxurious experience as it provides time alone and away from a busy schedule. This is your well-deserved ‘me time’. Enhance your bath with additions that you enjoy. These can include a good book, a face mask, or music. The experience of being submerged in water is said to replicate the experience of being in the womb, which is why many of us feel comforted by the warm water.
- Aids Digestion-The improvement in circulation and the reduction in blood sugar levels can benefit the digestive system. When we immerse ourselves in warm water, our blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow to our organs and muscles. This increased blood flow can aid in digestion by promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the digestive tract.
- Improves Symptoms of Cold + Flu- The steam from a warm bath can work wonders for cold + flu sufferers. The heat can release congestion and loosen mucus. A bath can help soothe achy muscles, whilst improving your mood if you're feeling miserable and unwell!
- Reduces Blood Pressure- Taking a bath has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels in people with hypertension. The warm water helps to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the pressure on the heart. When you soak in a warm bath for at least 10 minutes, your heart rate slows down, and your blood pressure decreases.
- Skin Conditions- If you are suffering from a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin, taking a bath can be a great way to help alleviate your symptoms.
A hot bath can be tempting, but a lukewarm bath is more beneficial. Hot water may irritate the skin of those with eczema or psoriasis. Hot water can also dry out your skin, which is the last thing anyone with a skin condition needs! Your bath water temperature shouldn’t exceed your body temperature.
Avoid any bubble baths or bath bombs. Many of them are full of harsh chemicals, which should be avoided by those with skin conditions as they can cause irritation.
For even more moisturising properties, you could try adding bath oil. There are many pre-made formulas available, choose one which is fragrance and alcohol-free. See our article Essential Oils for Eczema. Our favourite is argan oil, with a couple of drops of Vitamin E.
An optimal bathing time is 10-20 minutes. Bathing longer than this can be aggravating for eczema and psoriasis sufferers, and dry out the skin. Gently pat yourself dry with a towel afterwards. Avoid any harsh rubbing or rough towels, these could irritate your skin and cause redness.
Apply your favourite moisturiser or emollient as soon as you are dry. We highly recommend Childs Farm body lotion. If you use any medicated topical treatments, apply these 15 minutes after your moisturiser. This gives it a chance to soak in, ensuring you get maximum benefits. Always follow the instructions on the bath salt packaging and don’t add more salt than directed. Don’t use any harsh loofahs or wash mitts, just gentle cleansers.
Choosing the Right Type of Bath Salt for Your Skin
When it comes to choosing the right bath salts for eczema or psoriasis relief, it's important to consider the type of salt and any additional ingredients. Look for bath salts that are fragrance-free and avoid any ingredients that may irritate your skin, such as artificial colours or preservatives. It's also a good idea to patch-test any new products before using them in a full bath.
Epsom salts- Epsom salts in water break down into magnesium & sulphate. These then enter your body through your skin, which helps lose muscles & stiff joints. Other benefits include skin smoothing, loosening psoriasis scales and reducing inflammation. They are cheap and easy to use, which makes Epsom our go-to for bath salts. The magnesium in Epsom salts makes them ideal for treating psoriasis, eczema, insect bites or sunburn. Add 1 or 2 cups (300g-600g). We recommend Westlab Epsom Salts. This huge 10kg bag is of amazing value.
Oatmeal baths- Super skin smoothing, and claimed to reduce redness, oatmeal baths can be a real skin treat. Research shows that oats have anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. Oatmeal baths are thought to be one of the most effective for those suffering from itching. To use oats in your bath, you will need to grind them up into a fine powder, known as colloidal oatmeal. This is done so the oats don’t simply sink to the bottom. Some studies indicate that colloidal oatmeal helps maintain the pH level of the skin's barrier. For a fuss-free option, try one of the many available pre-made formulas. Alternatively, blend a cup of oats in a food processor or blender. Add about 1 cup to warm running water and stir for a DIY homemade version. The water should be a silky/milk-like consistency. Some users report feeling ‘sticky’ after an oatmeal bath. If this is the case, rinse off quickly in the shower afterwards.
Himalayan Salts- Himalayan bath salts are derived from the ancient seas that once flowed through the valleys of the Himalayan mountains. These salts are rich in minerals and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Himalayan bath salts have been found to be beneficial for people suffering from eczema and psoriasis. When dissolved in warm water, these salts provide a soothing and therapeutic bath. The minerals in the salts can help to hydrate and soften the skin, reducing dryness and flakiness. Himalayan bath salts have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with eczema and psoriasis. The minerals in the salts can also help to improve the skin barrier function, reducing the risk of infections.
Dead Sea Salts- Dead sea salts are famous throughout the world for their healing properties. It contains magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which can help soothe and hydrate dry, itchy skin. Dead sea salts help treat eczema, skin allergies + psoriasis. The rich minerals work to exfoliate dead skin, help calm inflammation + fight off allergies + microbes. Studies have shown dead sea salt baths can enhance skin hydration, improve skin barrier function, and reduce redness.
Do not take a salt bath if you have any sore, open or weeping patches. This may sting and irritate the skin, so wait until you are healed. Some eczema sufferers, particularly severe eczema, find that baths don’t work for them. We are all different, experiment and find what works for you.
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