There’s nothing nicer than grabbing a glass of wine and soaking in a nice warm bath after a long day at work. Baths are a great way to soak your skin and/or joints in needed minerals, aid your adrenal glands, and detox. Many women have turned to bath bombs for the fun fizzle, colors, glitter, and enjoyable scents. According to Google, “bath bombs” are one of the top searched beauty products of 2017. Unfortunately for all you bath bomb addicts, it may be time to look for a healthier alternative…
“What Have I Been Soaking In?”
While soaking in a bathtub with a bath bomb going may be relaxing during the moment, it can be harmful to your skin and, in particular, your lady bits. Here are some of the harmful ingredients found in a majority of bath bombs on the market right now:
Glitter
Nowadays, these small, sparkly, reflective particulars are usually manufactured from plastic. Glitter made of plastic has sharp, uneven edges that can scrape skin, causing irritation. In addition to clogging your home’s drains, this can be detrimental to the delicate pH balance of your vagina. Vaginas may be self-cleaning (yes, the female body is amazing!), it’s best not to make it work over time. Let’s avoid UTIs and yeast infections all around by not soaking in glitter water for 20 mins to an hour.
Talc
Talc has been advertised for “toilet and nursery” use since the 1890s. Over decades, the scented powder became associated with “freshness and cleanliness”, causing women to use it in their underwear and genital areas. After reports of women using the product long-term had developed ovarian cancer, Johnson & Johnson lost a lawsuit to the families, paying a $127 million in damages. While the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has not found asbestos in talc powder, it’s best to avoid using the product in your underwear or genital area or soaking in it during a bath until more research is performed.
“Fragrances,” “Fragrance Oils,” “Fragrance Oil Blend”
Keep an eye out for these phrases when inspecting the ingredients in your skin care or bath bombs. The FDA allows companies to use these terms in their labeling to protect their proprietary perfume blends. Unfortunately, these known harmful chemicals have been found in bath bombs (some on the EPA’s hazardous waste list…): Benzene derivatives Aldehydes Phthalates Please don’t soak in these toxic chemicals!
Healthy & Fun Alternatives
Fortunately, there are still SO many great ways to make your bath feel luxe and relaxing.
Submersible LED Lights
Miss your bath bombs fun, bold colors? No worries! There are waterproof LED lights that can you can add to the bottom of your tub to give it the colorful effect that calms you the most.
Candles, Essential Oils, & Essential Oil Diffusers
Nothing will better match your glass of wine like a lit candle. Try to find one that’s phthalate- and petroleum-free so you aren’t surrounding yourself with burning toxic chemical. (Safety first; Be careful not to put the candle in an area where it can fall over or set anything on fire!) Prefer an essential oil diffuser? That works, too! You can also add your favorite essential oils to your bath water!
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a great alternative for bath bombs because it benefits you in many different ways. Epsom salt helps relieve muscle and joint soreness, pain, sprains, headaches, and foot pain. (It can also be used as a face wash, exfoliator, hair texturizer, and more. There so many different uses for it!) Some brands even include essential oils in their Epsom salt.
Looking for Another Way to Unwind?
Come See Us at Advanced Skin and Body Solutions!
Looking to relax outside your bathtub? Check out our soothing facials and intense pulsed light therapy. Advanced Skin and Body Solutions is ready to pamper you. Request an Appointment today.
