Fall cleansing rituals for bath time
Fall is a special time of year when people may perform cleansing rituals to mark a new season. Some examples of this include Nordic bathing traditions and the Hindu celebration of Diwali. In this article, we will go over three different bathing rituals you can do at home and make into your own Fall cleansing ritual!
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Bath
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has many benefits for skin. Firstly it is naturally acidic which is great for maintaining a healthy skin pH balance! Healthy skin tends to be around 5.5 which is slightly acidic; this helps your skin protect itself against bacteria and other unwanted pollutants from the environment. The acidity of ACV also makes it a great natural exfoliant. ACV is also praised as an antimicrobial ingredient and can help to reduce body odor.
Here is how you make an ACV bath!
Some safety notes/precautions before continuing!
- Always dilute the ACV in your bath to prevent skin irritation. A general recommendation is 1–2 cups of ACV in a full tub of water.
- If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, it’s advisable to do a patch test before soaking in an ACV bath.
- Rinsing off with fresh water after an ACV bath can help prevent any residual vinegar smell from staying on your skin.
- Make sure the bath is warm, as in you can comfortably keep your hand submerged in the bath for at least a minute. Do not use extremely hot water.
Add 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary to a warm bath. This bath will soothe your skin with ACV while the rosemary enhances circulation. Make this a cleansing ritual of balance and transition as we move into the colder and darker part of year. You can use this as a time to manifest a successful and joyful season ahead as you accomplish all goals set before you.
2. Cleansing Forest Bath
This is inspired by the Japanese practice of "Shinrin-yoku," or forest bathing, which involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to absorb its healing qualities. This bath replicates the grounding, calming effects of nature by using essential oils and plant-based ingredients to create an experience that soothes both body and mind. The scents of pine and cedar wood can help us feel grounded and connected to our natural environments, reminding ourselves of our place in the world. Pine, as well as Eucalyptus are known as decongestants which can aid with any flu or cold symptoms from the transition from hot summer days to cooler Fall days. The essential oils in this bath also help to reduce inflammation which can help with muscle soreness and overall relaxation and peace of mind.
Here is how to make a forest bath!
Some safety notes/precautions before continuing!
- Essential oils should always be diluted before adding them to a bath. Typically, 10-15 drops of essential oil mixed with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) or directly into the Epsom salts before adding to the bath water works well. You can also try using our Moonlit Pine Soap if you would like to avoid using pure essential oil
- If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, it’s advisable to do a patch test before soaking in a bath with essential oils.
- Make sure the bath is warm, as in you can comfortably keep your hand submerged in the bath for at least a minute. Do not use extremely hot water.
Add a few drops of pine or cedar essential oil and a bundle of dried eucalyptus to your warm bath. These woodsy, grounding scents evoke the forest and bring an earthy connection to the season. The woods are symbolic of transformation and renewal. This bath can help to connect you to nature’s cycle of shedding and renewing, bringing mental clarity and spiritual grounding. Try to manifest letting go of old baggage and bad habits that seem to never shed and let the power of the regrowth take over.
3. Turmeric and Honey Detox Bath
This bath combines powerful, natural ingredients to promote skin health, detoxification, and overall wellness. Turmeric, honey, Epsom salt, and lemon slices each contribute unique properties to this bath, making it a potent ritual for both physical and spiritual cleansing during the fall season. Turmeric contains the active compound Curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. When used in a bath, turmeric can help reduce inflammation in the skin and body, soothing conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and arthritis. Honey, the other ingredient in this bath is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft. Additionally, honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help to cleanse the skin and promote faster healing of wounds, acne, and other skin issues. The moisture retention from honey can be especially helpful during the colder seasons which tend to make our skin dry. Add lemon slices to use as an exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells, brightens the skin, and can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Lemons also have astringent properties, helping to tighten the skin and reduce oil production. Turmeric also helps with skin brightening making this a bath of rejuvenation and relaxation.
Here’s how to make your turmeric- honey - lemon bath!
Some safety notes/ precautions before continuing!
- Turmeric can stain the skin and bathtub, so be cautious with the amount used. To prevent staining, use a turmeric-infused soap, such as our Turmeric Trance Soap, rather than pure turmeric powder. If using turmeric powder, make sure to rinse the tub thoroughly after the bath.
- While lemon is a great exfoliant, it is also highly acidic, so avoid using too much. The juice of 1-2 slices per bath is enough. Also, avoid applying lemon to sensitive or irritated areas of the skin as it can cause stinging.
- After soaking, rinse your skin thoroughly to remove any residual honey, lemon, or turmeric. This ensures that your skin doesn’t become sticky or stained, and prevents any irritation.
- If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, it’s advisable to do a patch test before soaking in a bath with essential oils.
- Make sure the bath is warm, as in you can comfortably keep your hand submerged in the bath for at least a minute. Do not use extremely hot water.
Add a few slices of lemon, honey, and Epsom salt to warm bath water. Use a turmeric-based soap like Turmeric Trance for extra skin benefits and natural detoxification. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of raw, unprocessed honey. This amount allows for sufficient moisturizing and healing properties without making the bath too sticky. Raw honey is preferred because it retains more of its natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties compared to processed honey. Turmeric and honey are known for their powerful cleansing properties, while lemon helps with removing dead skin and encourages rejuvenation. Use this bathing ritual as a way to manifest cleansing in your life, mind, and soul. Let go of the negative energy you might be carrying and embrace new growth.
With Love,
The Phantosmia Scents Fam!