The Crafty Crow: Bath Salts, Sugar Scrubs and Bath Oils

When I began reading the labels of bath products, I found it unsettling: paraffin, mineral oils, alcohol. All toxic products that are readily absorbed through the skin, but common place, nonetheless. Having two children with exceptionally dry skin, and one with eczema, I started looking around. Here are two super easy bath products that we enjoy, made from completely safe ingredients.

 

Bath Salts

 

The most basic salts can be made from 2 equal parts of coarse sea salt and epsom salts with a few drops of essential oil. A small handful in the bath is both cleansing and soothing. 

 

Use lavender or chamomile oil to calm, cinnamon for warmth, rose or jasmine to smell like a princess, grapefruit or peppermint to stimulate, and eucalyptus to relieve congestion. Be mindful to use only small amounts of the oil with children as they can be quite powerful, particularly more medicinal scents like the eucalyptus or peppermint.

 

The ultimately soothing bath salt (great for itching, irritated skin) can be made from combining the following:

 

2 equal parts sea salt and epsom salt

1/2 part powdered milk, bicarbonate (baking) soda, and coarsely ground oatmeal.

 

If you don't want oatmeal bits floating in the water, I recommend tying it in a bit of cheesecloth of muslin.

 

 

Bath Sugar Scrubs

 

Sugar contains glycolic acid, which is one of the naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids that helps exfoliate human skin. Which is one reason why skin feels so scrumptious after using this scrub!  

 

To make it, mix 1 part large granule sugar (I use turbinado, as that is the most readily available type here anyway) with 1/2 part oil (raw sesame is the deepest penetrating oil, and is closest to what our bodies produce, but any number of vegetable oils work well-- avocado, sweet almond, coconut, apricot kernel, olive). Again, you can add essential oil a few drops at a time to get a fragrance you like. As this is a scrub, you can also get a bit funky-- for more grit, you can try throwing in cornmeal or poppyseeds, and Ana wants to try putting some coarsely ground cardamom in her next batch.

 

Both of these products should be stored in airtight glass containers, and make lovely gifts (if you are feeling particularly generous). I finally found a use for this coveted jam jar. ;)

 

One last note: for everyday bathing, especially for people with dry skin, I recommend keeping a bottle of oil next to the bath. Pouring a small amount of oil in as the bath is running distributes it evenly over the water, and it then easily passes onto the bather's skin. This is far simpler and safer than all of those baby oils or lotions and creams on the market now. 

 

Right. I am getting down off my not-so-soapy box now. Perhaps I will go take a bath...

Comments

[Kim]

This is just what I needed! Thanks so much for the intructions:)

[Susan]

I'm definitely going to try these. I get horribly dry skin in the winter. Thanks for sharing!

[amy]

Thanks for sharing this!

[georgia]

I would not use eucalyptus or peppermint oils with the salt bath. Any undissolved salt acts like an exfoliant and both these oils will sting on skin that has been even slightly scratched. It can also sting on any mucus membranes-places where the skin is thin. Better to use these to inhale or massage with.
Also a really nice one to try is geranium oil. It helps with cirulation and is a good pick me up. I use this when my kids are feeling over tired as it makes you feel good. It's also good for "women's problems"-and it smells divine.

[Sacred Snatch]

This look so devine. (found you by way of the Crafty Crow blog)