Move over everything showers: the everything bath is the bubbly new trend of self-care
TikTok gave us the everything shower trend – a weekly extravaganza that involves, well, everything. From shaving, exfoliating, face mask, hair mask, you name it, the everything shower has it. What this trend did was make those weekly, somewhat mundane, almost chore-like self-care tasks seem appealing once again.
Except for one thing – I don’t know about you, but standing up for that long feels like too much effort. But a bath, where you can lay back, is far more chore-turned-spa experience. Now we don’t all have a tub at home but if you do, an everything bath is something that should be explored.
Wellness boost
For centuries, people have been reaping the benefits of bathing. From Cleopatra to the Roman Baths, a leisurely soak has long been leaned on for beautifying bodies. These days, while we may not head to a public bath for a catch-up with friends, a soak in the tub can provide numerous benefits.
"Warm baths are particularly effective at promoting relaxation," says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, a skin expert and founder of Adonia Medical Clinic. But that’s not all: "Immersing yourself in warm water may help reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, while boosting serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with happiness," says Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart, a chartered psychologist.
If you don’t have a tub, don’t worry. "Using a shower head with massage settings will relax muscles," says Dr Ejikeme. You can also attach fresh eucalyptus to the shower head as it will emit a spa-like aroma under the steam.
Body boost
For those who exercise and experience those telltale muscle aches, a bath can help boost circulation. "The warm water helps to relax muscles and relieve tension," says chartered health psychologist, Dr Ravi Gill. "The heat from a bath can enhance blood flow to support cardiovascular health and promote healing." You can amplify the effect with the addition of Epsom salts, as they "may help soothe sore muscles," notes Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of The Bath Project.
Best for: Soothing sore muscles
Try: BetterYou Magnesium Sleep Flakes
• Size: 750g
A blend of magnesium chloride and lavender and chamomile essential oils, these relaxing bath salts could be perfect for a bedtime bath. Why not light a lavender candle and give your eyes a break from screens by reading a book?
A soak in the tub can help ease other common ailments, too.
"Sniffles? Take a bath," suggests Dr Gill. "The steam from a hot bath can help clear nasal passages, making it easier to breathe."
And if you’re experiencing menopausal signs and symptoms, you guessed it, take a bath. A soak in the tub can not only help calm anxious thoughts, but help soothe restless legs. And if your sleep has been affected by the menopause, an early evening bath can help with those all-important ZZZs.
"When you go to sleep, your body temperature naturally decreases. A warm bath will artificially raise your temperature and, when you’re out of the bath, your body temp will start to drop, mimicking the drop in temperature that happens as you fall asleep," explains Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist, neuroscientist and sleep expert for retailer And So To Bed. "This process helps in regulating your circadian rhythm," says Dr Newman-Beinart, "which can be good as part of a sleep routine."
Make it everything
Even hair washing can be done in the tub. "As long as you are using fresh water and not soapy bath water to rinse," advises Anabel Kingsley, trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley.
As for shaving, a bath is the perfect place to de-fuzz. "Shaving in the bath can be effective, because the warm water softens the hair and skin," says Dr Kubicka. "However, ensure you have a clean, sharp razor and use shaving cream or gel to protect your skin."
And to make it even more spa-like, dim the lights or use candlelight. For extra comfort, Dr Newman-Beinart suggests a bath pillow or rolled-up towel to support your neck. Keep a carafe of water nearby, infused with cucumber, mint leaves or citrus slices. While enjoying such a soothing environment, why not listen to a guided meditation or breathwork session? You can find plenty on Spotify or Apple Music.
So there it is, with the everything bath you really can do everything while soaking up plenty of benefits for body and mind. Rubber duck, optional.
Our top picks for your everything bath
Shopping for yourself, or looking for that perfect relaxing gift for the bath lover in your life? Discover our best bathtime bits, as featured in Health & Beauty Magazine.
Best for: Calming body & mind
Try: Origins Peace of Mind Bath Soak
• Size: 200ml
This luxurious oil-to-milk bath soak feels gorgeous on the skin, creating the perfect atmosphere for an ultra-relaxing bath. Combined with a blend of peppermint, basil and eucalyptus essential oils, soothe the senses and sink into a calming peace of mind.
Best for: Bathtime ambience
Try: Rituals The Ritual of Jing Scented Candle*
• Size: 290g
Rituals’ Ritual of Jing collection is all about finding inner peace and achieving deep relaxation, making this candle perfect for your everything bath. With a delicately calming fragrance of sacred lotus and jujube, this chic candle will also look lovely as a decoration in your bathroom.
Best for: Skincare self-care
Try: No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Sheet Face Mask
• 1 face mask per pack
Who doesn’t love a sheet mask? This one by No7 includes seven times the concentration of their Lift and Luminate serum, helping skin feel super hydrated. Wear while in the bath and afterwards, gently massage the remaining serum into your skin; if there’s any left in the mask, lightly massage this into your décolletage.
Best for: A fabulous shimmery bath
Try: Soap & Glory Feel the Petal Power Bath Bomb Fizzer
• Size: 210g
Christmas isn’t complete without a Soap & Glory treat – and this gorgeous rose-shaped bath bomb will do just the trick. With the classic Soap & Glory Original Pink scent, this fizzer transforms your bath into a shimmering pink paradise, the perfect size for a stocking stuffer.
Best for: Healthy, happy hair
Try: Philip Kingsley Nourish & Volume Jet Set
• Contains: Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment, Body Building Shampoo & Moisture Balancing Conditioner
This three-step routine is fab for adding volume and beautiful shine. Use the Elasticizer before getting into the bath, and let it sit on your hair for half an hour before rinsing out and washing your hair like normal with the shampoo and conditioner. Make sure to use fresh water when you rinse your hair – your bath beauties are great for the mind and body, but not for keeping hair clean!
Best for: Locking in moisture
Try: Q+A Collagen Body Butter
• Size: 200ml
As you step out of the bath, make sure to lock in all those gorgeous bath goodies with this luxuriously rich body cream. Enriched with vegan-friendly** collagen, shea butter and squalane, this creamy formula leaves skin feeling super smooth. Massage into skin and leave the bathroom feeling relaxed and ready for anything.
