Scented Soap Ideas to Pamper Yourself

Your work day was long and tiring. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. On top of that, the weather was frightful! Tonight is the only evening when you might have a spare minute to indulge yourself.

First, stay away from those chocolates and sweets. As an alternative, why not consider luxuriating in a warm shower or bathtub surrounded by scented soap bubbles to help you feel better? You don’t have to do much to transform a drab bathroom into a warm, inviting personal spa.

A wide variety of bath soaps and gels are available. For those of you with sensitive skin, the glycerine soaps are wonderful. Whether you prefer a tea rose or vanilla scent, you will find that these attractively wrapped and packaged soaps will add to the beauty of the bath.

Mild vegetable-based soaps have special moisturizing ingredients to help prevent dryness. Look for one with antioxidant vitamin E to help condition the skin. One that is scented with refreshing lavender, rose and herbs will leave your skin feeling wonderful and smelling great.

For dry or sensitive skin, a creamy soap, enriched with a generous amount of moisturizing cold cream, is ideal. Shea butter, in a vegetable-based soap has the moisturizing benefits of a cream. It is also an excellent choice for dry skin. Golden jojoba oil, aloe vera and goat milk are some other ingredients to look for in vegetable- based soaps for help with dry skin.

If you prefer a deliciously long shower, then shower gels are what you are looking for. These, too, are available with jojoba oil, goat milk, aloe vera and various other moisturizing ingredients. All you need to do is choose the scent that is right for you!

Several of the gels can be used in either the bath or shower. Look for one that is recommended for use with a bath mitt or sponge for an extra-invigorating scrub. A loofah is a natural vegetable sponge made from a tropical gourd. They are excellent for helping to stimulate circulation and exfoliate dry skin and can be used either wet or dry. Natural sea sponges, used since Colonial times, are known for their squeezable luxury. Whereas the silk sea sponge, with its fine pores and soft surface, creates the feeling of silk. From the deep waters of the Mediterranean, these silk sea sponges are perfect for your bathing luxury.

Whether you choose a bath or shower, the aromatherapy scents are therapeutic and will contribute to your sense of well-being. Soap made with a gentle plant material and natural lavender oil will leave your body feeling cleansed, soft and smooth. The psychological benefits of lavender oil are reduced insomnia, relaxation and calm nerves. Physically, lavender oil is good for dry itchy skin, as an antibiotic, and for bruises. Natural neroli and lemon grass oils will help you get over that stressful day.

Lists of aromatherapy scented soaps and their benefits can be found on the Web. For those of you who are creative, there are sites to instruct you on making these fine soaps. Supplies are readily available for ordering online, too.

Washing your hands with anti-bacterial soaps will help to make sure that you don’t share those cold or flu germs. For the households with a baby or small child, these soaps are a must. The new water-less hand soaps make cleaning up less of a chore for both parent and child.

Of course, a selection of soaps, gels, bath mitts and sponges in a shower caddy will be a gift that anyone would love to receive. Keep in mind that this is a gift that both men and women will appreciate. There are scented soaps especially for that special man in your life. You may be able to find one to match his cologne or after-shave of choice. Whatever you choose, he is sure to appreciate the fact that you recognize that he needs some spoiling, too.

Soaps that you have specially selected for your guests will make them feel welcome as well as comfortable. You might want to consider packaging the soaps with some other items that they may need during their stay.

To enhance your décor, select soaps that complement or contrast the colors of your bathroom. You may also want to purchase a uniquely shaped soap to match the print in your towels, curtains or wallpaper. For example, sea shell shaped soap, in an assortment of colors to go along with your nautical theme, is a good, inexpensive addition to the décor.

A special holder for your soaps and gels will add to the appearance of your bathroom as well as allow the soap to dry properly. To prevent vegetable-based soaps from ‘melting’, store them in a plastic soap saver. An oval dish soap, with a rose or lavender pattern, will look stunning on your bathroom sink.

Whatever type of day or week you have had, it is time to pamper yourself in a warm, luxurious bath. Don’t forget to light some candles, turn off the cell phone and lock the door! Then, let go of the stress and relax!