Best Bath Soaks For Congestion, Dry Skin, and Bloating

Ahh! Nothing takes the bite out of winter’s frigid temperatures like lounging in a steamy bath. And with these nutrient-packed add-ins from holistic skincare expert to the stars Susan Ciminelli, you can transform any soak into a body-healing spa experience!

To ease congestion: Chamomile + eucalyptus

A bath infused with chamomile tea and eucalyptus oil can offer relief from that stuffy, heavy-headed feeling, says Ciminelli. Eucalyptus’ menthol scent opens nasal passages to relieve congestion. And chamomile’s floral aroma eases anxiety while its flavonoids absorb into skin to soothe cold-related aches.

To do: Steep 2 chamomile tea bags in 2 cups of boiling water, add 1 tsp. of eucalyptus essential oil. Pour into bathwater and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

To soothe dry skin: Milk + honey

For a pampering way to rehydrate itchy, flaky skin, Ciminelli suggests soaking in milk and honey. Milk’s lactic acid and vitamin A work topically to encourage the growth of healthy new cells, and honey is a humectant that deeply moisturizes skin to keep it supple. Plus, honey’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe red, rashy skin.

To do: Mix 1/2 cup of honey into 2 cups of milk; microwave for 30 seconds or until honey has dissolved. Pour into warm bathwater; soak for 20 minutes.

To beat bloat: Sea salt + ginger

The sea salt and ginger powder in your kitchen pantry can help you banish winter bloat from head to toe. How it works: Hot bathwater opens pores, which allows sea salt’s nutrients (including potassium and magnesium) to deeply penetrate skin and help draw out impurities and excess fluids, Ciminelli explains. And ginger’s warming properties trigger sweating and increase circulation and lymph flow, which helps speed the detoxification process. The result? You can flush up to 5 pounds of “false fat” simply by soaking in the bathtub — plus you’ll release skin-dulling toxins for an instant radiance boost!

To do: Add 3 Tbs. of ginger powder and 1 cup of sea salt into warm, running bath water. Relax in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes.

Note: Since sweating can cause dehydration and dizziness, Ciminelli recommends drinking a glass of water before, during, and after a detox soak.