This is why Bathtubs are bad for you!

The decision is still pending: are you on team bath or team shower? For many, bathtubs have been the primary bathing experience due to their historical significance as one of the earliest innovations in bathroom design. Initially, bathtubs were considered a luxury reserved for the wealthy elite. If you were part of the royal court in a palace, your bathing ritual would be far more elaborate than a simple cleaning routine. This grand occasion would involve a person immersed in fragrant water with roses or petals, assisted by attendants who meticulously scrubbed them. A typical bath would last around 30 minutes, prompting the question in today's world: is it practical to take a 30-minute bath daily?

Baths are intended to provide a luxurious and relaxing experience by immersing oneself in water infused with essential oils to uplift one's mood. However, some may view it as soaking in a pool of one's own grime, which is a major reason why baths are often considered detrimental to our well-being.

Given the evolution of certain aspects and the changing times, particularly in terms of lifestyle choices, who truly has the time these days to immerse themselves in a bathtub on a daily basis? Not to mention the significant downside of owning a bathtub, which is the tedious task of cleaning it afterwards. The effort of scrubbing away dirt and soap residue to keep bathtubs in good condition can be quite burdensome.

Significantly, there has been significant progress from the traditional ceramic materials once utilized for bathtub construction to the more durable composite materials that offer enhanced ease of cleaning and maintenance. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that there are additional advantages to be enjoyed in using bathtubs.

The modern, streamlined designs incorporating ergonomic elements can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your environment. Moreover, they offer a more relaxing experience and may assist individuals undergoing prescribed skin treatments. Unlike showers, baths allow for the incorporation of ingredients into the water to address skin issues. For instance, Epsom salt can alleviate aches and pains, while oatmeal, whole milk, and honey are beneficial for conditions such as eczema, dryness, irritation, or sunburn. Additionally, taking baths can reduce cortisone levels, ultimately aiding in stress prevention.

It's important to remember that moderation is key in life. To prevent your skin from drying out, limit your time in baths to 10 minutes. An effective technique is to soak for 10 minutes and then apply moisturizer or oil immediately after stepping out, especially if your skin is prone to dryness. Skipping the moisturizer step can actually make your skin more dehydrated than it was before the bath, as the moisture will evaporate, leaving your skin parched.

Finally, this may pose a challenge for those who genuinely enjoy a relaxing bath; steer clear of bubbles and other foaming products. This recommendation is usually due to the presence of detergents in such products, which have the potential to deplete the skin of its natural moisture.

It is safe to say that our current situation is rooted in how we began, with the decision still pending mainly due to individual preferences. Personally, I prefer taking showers, but I occasionally indulge in a relaxing soak in the bathtub once or twice a week for a special evening of unwinding.