The Surprising Benefits of Indulging in a Bath | Brita PRO® (2024)

FAQs

Why does taking a bath make you feel better? ›

Bathing is also believed to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for helping you to feel calmer and more relaxed. One study even reported that two baths a week were enough to produce a moderate but persistent mood lift, a result that's comparable to physical exercise.

“Bathing cleans your skin, helping you avoid irritation, inflammation and sores caused by dead skin cell accumulation,” Dr. Zack explains. “It can also help you clear away the bacterial and fungal load from contact in your environment. As that accumulates, it increases your risk of infection.”

While the skin is quite good at absorbing certain minerals through the skin, water doesn't actually get passed it. For water to hydrate the body it has to get into the bloodstream, the only way for that to happen is to drink your water.

Sore muscles, irritated skin, and the health of your heart are all impacted by a warm bath. And your immune system gets a boost as well. Muscles – The surge of circulation while immersing yourself in warm water not only relaxes your mind, it also relaxes tight muscles.

The short answer is, yes, in terms of your health and well-being a bath is better than a shower. Showers may be better at cleaning you than a bath can be, but that does not mean that a beautiful bath time isn't good for you too.

The mental health benefits of a good shower are clear: it reduces stress, enhances mindfulness, sparks creativity, facilitates emotional release, and improves sleep. It's more than just a daily chore; it's a sanctuary for self-care.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health.

It's no secret that soaking in a warm bath can help relieve tense, achy muscles, but did you know that submerging yourself in warm water can also help relieve anxiety? Surrounding your body with heat activates the parasympathetic nervous system, where stress and relaxation are regulated.

"Most studies that show physiologic benefits have the participants bathing regularly, sometimes daily, often at least three to four times per week for around 20 minutes or so each time," says Patterson.

Rinse off the Residue: While a bath can be incredibly soothing and refreshing, it's important to acknowledge that the water you soaked in might contain bath oils, soap residue, or dead skin cells. Taking a quick shower afterward ensures you rinse off any lingering substances, leaving you feeling fresh and clean.

What does bathing in 20 lbs of Epsom salt do? ›

Takeaways. An Epsom salt bath is a home remedy that people have been using for hundreds of years. The claimed health benefits include reduced pain and stress, better sleep, and improved skin health.

Using too much can have adverse effects, such as drying out your skin. Remember, balance is key. Excessive use may also lead to irritation for those with sensitive skin. If you find yourself reaching for epsom salt daily, it might be time to reassess and give your skin a breather.

Most sources agree that between 10 to 30 minutes is the right length of time for a bath. However, our research didn't find any scientific studies based around answering this question. After 15 minutes the skin usually starts to get wrinkled or “pruney”.

Next time you take a hot bath to rinse away your worries, remember, you're doing it for your brain health, too. Hydrotherapy in water at 32°C (90°F) has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. It can also slow the production of the stress hormones cortisol and aldosterone.

A soak in a hot bath allows your muscles to release tension and reduce inflammation. The warmth of water can loosen muscle spasms allowing your body to fully relax. For the ultimate bathing experience make sure you add some Epsom salts. Research suggests that warmth can ease aches and pains.

Showers—whether cold or hot —can decrease anxiety and depression. Taking a warm shower relaxes your muscles and reduces tension. On the other hand, cold showers help with hormone regulation, improve circulation, and facilitate the release of beta-endorphins—endorphins that improve overall mood.

Colds occur due to viruses, which the body destroys via the immune system. That said, a warm bath may help ease some of the symptoms of a cold. Baths may help to reduce muscle aches and chills, while the steam could potentially reduce a stuffy nose.

Our body is essentially water based, with fat on the peripherals holding us together. Hot shower melts the fat and the waxes, opening the sweat pores and releasing stored toxins.

It's no secret that soaking in a warm bath can help relieve tense, achy muscles, but did you know that submerging yourself in warm water can also help relieve anxiety? Surrounding your body with heat activates the parasympathetic nervous system, where stress and relaxation are regulated.