Winter. The season where baths come into their own. If you’re a chilly mortal like me then you’ll know that sometimes a long soak in a hot bath feels like the only way to get warm to your very bones. But what if that soak could do more than warm you up? Add the right products to your tub and you could be reaping a whole host of extra benefits.

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes

We can’t talk about baths without talking about magnesium. Many of us are unknowingly magnesium-deficient and yet it is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and plays a key role in muscle relaxation and nerve signalling, energy production, blood-sugar regulation, stress resilience and sleep quality, and reducing inflammation. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or inflammation, poor sleep, muscle tension, stress, anxiety, and burnout, skin conditions like eczema/psoriasis, or if you have trouble switching off your mind at night, magnesium is a must.

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes are made from magnesium chloride (derived from the Zechstein seabed) – a form of magnesium that is particularly well suited to trans-dermal use because it dissolves very easily in water, has a relatively low molecular weight, and naturally dissociates into magnesium and chloride ions – all of which appear to support more efficient absorption through the skin via hair follicles and sweat glands. I certainly feel the effects quite quickly. It’s one of the simplest ways to support deep muscular relaxation and recovery, help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation, improve sleep quality and nervous-system regulation, and feel noticeably calmer.

Once magnesium is inside the body, it is used in exactly the same way regardless of the form it came from – the body only cares about the magnesium ion itself – so magnesium absorbed as chloride can be taken up into cells, stored in tissues and bone, and retained just as effectively as magnesium from food or supplements. Hence, bathing in Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes is a great way to treat magnesium deficiencies too.

Flewd’s Insomnia Ending Bath Soak

Flewd’s Insomnia Ending Bath Soak is an absolute must if I’ve had a stressful day and want to be sure of a good night’s sleep. Again it’s a hefty dose of magnesium that’s packing the punch here, but this one also includes Vitamins A and E to support nervous-system recovery after long, overstimulating days and L-Carnitine to support overnight energy restoration, so you don’t feel drained the next morning. It’s recommended to soak for 15 minutes but that’s harder than it sounds as it really does make you sweat! Stick with it though because this soak really lives up to its name. I always go straight to bed after bathing to maximise the benefits and I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. And I sleep like a log. It just works.

HigherDOSE Seratonin Soak

HigherDOSE Seratonin Soak, as the name suggests, is intended to reduce stress and boost your mood. It’s another one that is rich in magnesium, meaning that it will relax the body, calm the mind and ease sore muscles – a perfect option for bedtime. This bath soak uses magnesium Zechstein flakes, named after their origin in the ancient Zechstein seabed beneath what is now the North Sea. According to the brand, this source provides a form of magnesium that is highly bioavailable and free from contaminants. HigherDOSE Seratonin Soak also contains French Green Clay, which is an excellent source of trace minerals and softens the skin, and Apple Cider Vinegar, which soothes irritated skin, restores your skin’s natural pH, and supports your skin’s protective barrier. Although the clay does make this bath soak a little messy, don’t let that put you off. This nutrient-dense soak feels seriously therapeutic and it even softens my really dry skin.

Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath

Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath is seriously therapeutic and is hands-down my favourite detox bath. It makes me sweat like crazy and it’s my soak of choice when I can feel a cold coming on. I’ve also found it to be super effective at relieving menstrual cramps – and coming from someone with endometriosis, that’s no mean feat. This stuff works!

This information is straight from the label:

Dr. Singha used this therapeutic, aromatic and alkaline formula clinically in England for 40 years with excellent results, helping people to eliminate acid waste and balance their pH.

Traditionally, Mustard is renowned for its stimulating, cleansing and rejuvenating qualities. The hot alkaline water together with the Mustard assists the largest organ of elimination, the skin, to release impurities.

Dr. Shyam Singha, well-known Master Acupuncturist, Osteopath, Naturopath and Ayurvedic Physician, recommended his Ayurvedic formula as an aid in relieving many ailments. These include Stress, Muscle and Joint Soreness, Congestion, Skin Conditions, Periodic Tensions and Sleeplessness.

Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath contains certified organic mustard seed powder, esssential oils (eucalyptus, rosemary, wintergreen & thyme) and gum benzoin in a base of sodium carbonate. And it smells really good.

To get the best results you really do have to follow the instructions. You add two scoops to a hot bath and relax for 20 minutes. Keep the bath hot and try to stay fully submerged up to your neck the whole time – which is harder than it sounds as it really does make you sweat. Finish with a cold shower – which is a real shock to the system and it can be tempting to skip this step, but don’t! Then dry yourself with a rough towel to exfoliate and boost your circulation. As an optional extra, massage with Dr. Singha’s Mustard Rub – a warming oil that will further assist in opening the pores and eliminating impurities. After your bath, rest and keep warm. You’ll continue to sweat!

Susanne Kaufmann’s Herbal Whey Bath

Susanne Kaufmann’s Herbal Whey Bath is pure luxury. The whey is a natural exfoliant which gently exfoliates your skin while you simply lie back and relax. I am literally obsessed with how soft, silky and smooth it leaves my skin. And it smells amazing too. If that’s not enough, this bath also claims therapeutic benefits. Lime blossom and chamomile extracts reduce irritation, calm inflammation, and enhance the skin’s elasticity.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath Oil

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath Oil smells absolutely amazing and is a great choice after a workout. The essential oil blend combines aromatic rosemary, warming ginger and spicy black pepper – all intended to relieve tired and aching limbs and muscles. I massage this oil all over my body before stepping into the bath, and I will often add magnesium flakes to the bath too since they also work to ease sore muscles and reduce inflammation. And don’t worry – a light oil application does not meaningfully reduce trans-dermal magnesium uptake.

Kate McLeod Breathe Pebbles

If you haven’t yet experienced the Kate McLeod Breathe Pebbles then you’re in for a treat! They are simply heaven for dry skin. One pebble is enough for even the largest bath tub and will melt to release a nutrient-rich blend of cocoa butter, luxurious plant-based oils, and natural exfoliants. It hydrates and exfoliates your skin as you soak and I can tell you that that little pebble really does pack a punch. My skin feels so soft and moisturised after bathing that I can skip the body lotion and hop straight into bed. The eucalyptus scent is amazing too and these pebbles are especially great if you are feeling congested with allergies or a cold.

Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak

Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak is super hydrating and leaves even my very dry skin feeling silky smooth and soft. The coconut milk powder has anti-inflammatory properties too, so it’s really soothing for inflamed areas skin. It certainly makes for a luxurious and indulgent bath, and I love the faint coconut and vanilla scent too.

Chances are you’ve seen jade rollers EVERYWHERE. They’ve been adorning every beauty blogger’s Instagram feed for a few years now, and yet still I was slow to jump on board. Why? I have no excuses. The jade roller is a cheap little tool which will last a lifetime. It adds only about 1 minute to your skincare routine and the benefits make it a no-brainer. I suppose I always assumed it was too simple to be effective, but now I’m hooked and I believe EVERYONE should own a jade roller.

So, what is a Jade Roller?

Jade rollers are hand-held facial massaging tools. Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, they have been used since ancient times to boost circulation, increase lymphatic drainage, reduce wrinkles, relax the facial muscles, and improve skin elasticity.

The Benefits:

• increases circulation to the skin, boosting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to its surface
• promotes lymphatic drainage and boosts the skin’s natural detoxification process
• relaxes facial muscles, relieving tension and smoothing out the skin
• improves absorption of skincare products
• stimulates anti-inflammatory properties in the skin
• improves the tone of facial muscles and has a gentle lifting effect
• gets the complexion glowing radiantly
• relieves stress
• soothes inflammation and reduces puffiness and dark circles under the eyes
• tightens the skin and reduces fine lines
• minimizes pores and lessens congestion and breakouts

How I use my Jade Roller

It couldn’t have been easier to add the jade roller into my skincare routine. I use it every morning and evening after applying my facial oil (scroll down for my favourites).

I store the jade roller in my beauty fridge overnight for a refreshing and de-puffing treat in the morning. The cool stones really help to reduce dark under-eye circles too and leave me feeling soothed and much more awake. At night I heat the stones in some warm water though. That helps my facial oil to m-e-l-t into my skin and penetrate more deeply. Try it – it will leave your skin glowing!

I spend about one minute rolling the jade roller all over my face and neck. It really feels as though I am ironing out the wrinkles! I start by rolling up my neck to lift and tighten the skin there. Then, applying a gentle pressure through the jade roller, I roll in upward and outward motions all over my face, working up my face from the chin. Gentle is the key here. It should never be painful or uncomfortable at all. Starting at the chin, I work out along the jawline. Then from the nose, I roll out towards my ears. Applying very light pressure, I roll just below the brow bone, out towards the temples. Then I roll just above the eyebrows, rolling downwards towards the outer corner of my eyes. Then I place the jade roller between my eyebrows and roll upwards towards my hairline, gradually moving out across my forehead. I finish up the work on my face by rolling across my forehead, working outwards from the centre. Finally – and this is the most important step of all – I make sure to work on the sides of my neck, to boost lymphatic drainage and move any fluid retention downwards towards to the collarbone region where it can enter the circulatory system and get filtered by the kidneys. I simply roll up and down either side of my neck a few times, starting at the side of my jaw and ending at my collarbone.

Shop my Favourites and Get Rolling!