For the past several weeks, the majority of us have spent inordinate amounts of time sifting through pandemic-related memes, or group chats about someone’s cousin’s brother who claims to have inside information from the government about COVID-19 and the state of the world’s future. While intended to make us feel better, the influx of information we receive daily, even from our well-meaning peers, can not only be unnerving, but over time, soul-crushing. The great unknown—currently on the minds of many—can add stress to an already frightening situation. In these moments, making time for self-care should not just be a fleeting trend, but a priority for our sanity. Regardless of however many hundreds of skin tutorials you watch, or maniacal squats you push yourself to keep up with online, your body will never be at peace if your mind is not.
The home bath is one of the most underrated self-care options that exists to calm, center, and quiet the mind. Below are some simple, holistic DIY bath recipes from respected skin experts that will soothe, restore, and balance your body and brain.
Teresa Tarmey: Magnesium-Infused Bath for Relaxation and Skin Health
Tarmey, the London-based go-to skin savior for Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Suki Waterhouse recommends a bath routine relying on the benefits of magnesium chloride. “For the most beneficial at-home bath, I first start by body brushing. This softens the skin and makes you feel extra clean and refreshed. Then I prepare a magnesium salt bath. Magnesium salts are an important part of a relaxing at-home bath because the transdermal absorption helps relieve any muscle aches and also is beneficial for skin health overall. After the bath, I finish with my favorite body oil, Hayo’u Revive Body Oil. I find it very calming. If I’m feeling like a real treat, I use the Gua Sha tool on my face and body afterward, too.”
