Essential oil is one of the most versatile therapies that helps soothes the body and mind. People often use them in various ways, but do you know you can use essential oils in the shower?
Seamlessly incorporating these oils into your routine is one of the best ways to get optimum benefits. And if you are a busy type, you can merge two things, shower time and essential oils.
If you think having lots of water and mist would not make the shower a conducive place (unless you are having a bath bomb session) for essential oils, think again.
The shower is one of the most suitable places to use essential oils. I will provide a guide on how to use essential oils in the shower. Keep reading.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated oils extracted from different parts of plants.
They are made through distillation that separates core nutrients – the essence – of a plant into oil form.
The oils are primarily liquid and accentuated with heavy scents, which is why they are used for aromatherapy purposes. They are also used to boost the health and well-being of people.
When inhaled, essential oil travels to the olfactory nerves and the brain to relax, soothe, or induce sleep.
Also, you can use the oil for fragrance on the body or soothe wounds and irritations. The topical use of essential oils is because of their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which have healing benefits.
However, essential oils are pure concentrates; they are harmful when used directly. You have to use them with carrier oils like coconut oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, and among others. Diluting them makes them safe to use.
The most versatile essential oils include peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, chamomile, rosemary, rose, sage, etc.
How to use essential oil in the shower
1. Bath bomb
This is what comes to mind when you think of essential oils in the shower. Bath bombs are soapy formulas used for relaxing in the tub. They can be bought or homemade.
While a bath bomb means you have to use the tub, it is still a well-used means of getting essential oils floating in your bathroom to soothe and relax your nerves.
You can either drop the bath bomb in a tub of water or a bowl and let the soothing aroma of the essential oil envelop the room.
2. Add to body wash
Another way to use essential oil in the shower is to add it to your body wash. Body wash is soothing on the skin, and with essential oils added, you get a boost.
To get an enhanced scent and soothing relief, add about 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to your unscented body wash. Shakes it before using it in your shower routine.
3. Shower melt
This is close to a bath bomb but has more essential oil concentrate than the usual bath bomb. All you have to do is place the melt away from water but close enough for steam to get to the melt.
As you shower, the steam releases the melt, and you have a pleasant aroma permeating your bathroom during your shower time.
4. Add to shampoo
Shampoo is another product you can boost with an essential oil. Moreover, essential oils like peppermint, lavender, clary sage, eucalyptus, and tea tree are great for scalp treatment and moisturizing your strands.
To use, add 10-15 drops of the essential oil to your shampoo, shake, and use.
5. Add to body scrub
Another way to use essential oils in the shower is to add them to body scrubs. Body scrubs help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells on the body, improving skin complexion and texture.
Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, you can enhance your body scrub with essential oils like peppermint and tea tree. Frankincense would provide anti-aging benefits when used. Meanwhile, to improve skin smoothness, use lavender or rosemary.
6. Diffuser
A diffuser is the simplest way to use essential oil in the shower. The aromatherapy it provides helps upgrade the aroma of the bathroom and relaxes you too.
You don’t need to take a diffuser to your bathroom for this; you can simply put drops in the shower and let the scent take over.
On the other hand, you can use a washcloth method. Add drops of essential oil to a wet washcloth, tuck it in a corner, and leave it to permeate.
The steam from the shower will help disperse the aroma of the essential oil.
7. Use a specialized showerhead
You can get a specialized showerhead with a dispenser that infuses essential oil, shampoo, or body wash with sprinkling water.
8. Spritz before shower
For simple aromatherapy or to improve the smell of the bathroom, just spritz diluted essential oil before you shower. The steam will carry the aroma, dispersing to all corners of the space.
Mix about 40:60 percent of essential oil and carrier oil respectively, then spritz in the shower and the bathroom before using.
9. Steam cup
You can add a steam cup to your bath routine to enhance your senses and keep you relaxed. To use, place the steam cup close to the shower in a caddy or tub and let the steam release its aroma.
10. Spritz after shower
You can also spritz after a shower to keep the house smelling nice. Moreover, essential oils have antibacterial properties that can cleanse the air space after a shower. Not only will your home smell fresh, but it will also stay clean.
11. Moisturize
This is for after-shower care. You can mix the essential oil with a carrier oil to moisturize and treat your skin.
Using oil to moisturize after showering boosts the body’s natural oil and softens and treats different skin issues like inflammation, scarring, eczema, etc.
To use, add 10 drops of essential oil to 1 oz (approximately 30ml) of carrier oil. Shake, then apply to your body.
FAQs
Does essential oil relieve itching on the skin?
Yes, it does.
Itching skin can be relieved when an essential oil is applied. Oils like peppermint, rosemary, rose geranium, chamomile, lavender, tea tree, vetiver, frankincense, helichrysum, and copaiba balsam are great for soothing itching skin.
Can you put essential oil on the shower floor?
Yes, you can.
However, keep it at the corners of the floor and away from flowing water. The water can wash the oil off, or it can vaporize. Or add the oil to a washcloth or cotton ball and drop it on the shower floor.
How often should you use essential oils in the shower?
Once a day.
Essential oils are potent and excessive use can cause side effects. Therefore, use them only once a day to reap the benefits.
Conclusion
Essential oils are one of the best oils you can use to relax your nerves and senses. One of the best places to use it is in the shower.
You can use it as a diffuser or let it come with other bubbly benefits from a bath bomb or body wash. You can also apply drops of the oil in the corners of your shower and let the steam do the dispersing.
Whatever way you want to use the essential oil, it will serve you well in the shower.
Thanks for reading.
Get more helpful beauty tips here on MBGON.