Do bath bombs dry your skin?

February 15, 2024

Bath bombs – those colorful, effervescent orbs of bliss – have skyrocketed to stardom in the realm of self-care. They promise a luxurious escape from the chaos of daily life, transforming your bathtub into a fragrant oasis of relaxation. But could these indulgent treats be secretly plotting against our skin, leaving it high and dry? Are bath bombs good for your skin? For those of us already battling Sahara-like skin conditions, the last thing we need is for our relaxing soak to exacerbate the situation.

Let’s detective our way through the bath bomb mystery and find out whether these balls of bliss pull a sneaky skin-drying move.

Understanding Bath Bombs

Before addressing whether bath bombs dry your skin, let's understand what they are and how they work.

Bath bombs are compacted mixtures of dry ingredients that fizz and dissolve when submerged in water. At the heart of most bath bombs are two key ingredients: baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and citric acid. When these come into contact with water, they create a fizzy spectacle, releasing carbon dioxide bubbles that dance on the surface, creating a delightful sensation.

Alongside these main players, you'll often find common bath bomb ingredients such as Epsom salt, essential oils, fragrances, and artificial dyes, adding to the sensory experience by infusing the water with spa-like scents and colors.

Are bath bombs good for your skin?

Bath bombs can be beneficial for your skin, depending on their ingredients. Many bath bombs are formulated with moisturizing oils and butters, such as cocoa butter, which can help hydrate and soften the skin. Essential oils or natural fragrances can also provide soothing aromatherapy benefits.

However, the pH balance of bath bombs can be a factor to consider. Bath bombs are generally alkaline, with a pH level of around 9, due to the presence of baking soda. This is higher than the neutral pH of water, which is 7. The alkaline nature of bath bombs can affect the bath water’s pH, but a single use typically does not significantly disrupt your skin’s pH balance.

Frequent use of products that affect water's pH could potentially contribute to dryness or irritation, especially for sensitive skin. If you have dry skin, using bath bombs with gentle, natural ingredients and moisturizing properties is important. Ingredients like CBD, moisturizing oils, and butters can help counteract any potential dryness.

Do bath bombs make your skin dry?

Some pesky ingredients in bath products can kick your skin's protective barrier to the curb but according to this Allure article which quotes New York dermatologist Amy Wechsler, bath bombs that contain butters, oils, and emollients can make your bath water moisturizing.

Dr. Amy emphasizes that fragrances and dyes have the potential to trigger irritation, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. Therefore, it's crucial to take precautionary measures by carefully examining the ingredients list of bath bombs. By doing so, you can ensure that none of the bad stuff will wreak havoc on your skin, especially if you're prone to sensitivity.

What really causes skin to dry after a bath?

While bath bombs aren't always the culprits, it's the prolonged exposure to hot water that's the true villain, zapping your skin's natural oils faster than you can say "moisturize me!"

According to Schweiger Dermatology Group, extended exposure to hot water can spell trouble for your skin, particularly if dryness is a concern. To safeguard your skin, they’ve recommended these protective measures, such as limiting your time spent in the bath and adding oils to your bathwater.

Adding moisturizing bath bombs to your bath

For those seeking a truly indulgent bath, moisturizing bath bombs will go beyond the basics of baking soda and citric acid, incorporating skin-loving oils and emollients like cocoa butter and coconut oil. These ingredients not only nourish the skin but elevate the entire bathing experience, leaving you feeling pampered from head to toe. If you're in the market for bath bombs that do more than just add color and fizz, here's a complete guide on how to identify moisturizing varieties and explain the benefits of moisturizing bath bombs.

The essential ingredients to look for in bath bombs that won’t leave your skin high and dry:

Cocoa Butter: Cocoa butter boasts powerful moisturizing benefits. It contains an impressive array of fatty acids, making it a go-to for hydrating and nourishing the skin while enhancing elasticity. Thanks to its fatty content, cocoa butter creates a protective shield that locks in moisture, leaving your skin feeling supple and revitalized. With its luxurious texture, cocoa butter offers a richer and denser feel compared to many other moisturizers, giving your skin an indulgent treat.

Shea Butter: Shea butter, which hails from the seeds of the shea tree in West and Central Africa, also packs a punch with its high fatty acid content, albeit lacking the sweet scent of cocoa butter. What sets it apart is its rich vitamin composition, believed to aid in skin repair and hasten healing processes, making it a versatile addition to your bath time.

CBD Oil or CBD Extract: CBD bath bombs are all the rage and for a good reason. CBD, derived from the hemp plant, is celebrated for its potential skincare benefits, and when incorporated into bath bomb formulations, it can offer moisturizing properties that leave the skin feeling rejuvenated. CBD is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which work together to hydrate and nourish the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, making it particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or problematic skin. Additionally, CBD may help regulate oil production, making it suitable for both dry and oily skin types.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is a powerhouse when it comes to moisturizing the skin, thanks to its high content of oleic acid, a key fatty acid known for its hydrating properties. When incorporated into bath bomb formulations, olive oil works as an emollient, coating the skin with a protective layer that seals in moisture and promotes softness. This natural oil effectively replenishes the skin's moisture levels, leaving it feeling nourished, hydrated, and revitalized after a luxurious soak.

Coconut Oil: Packed with lauric acid and other fatty acids, coconut oil effectively penetrates the skin, providing deep hydration and preventing moisture loss. Its emollient properties contribute to skin softness by forming a protective layer that seals in moisture. The natural richness of coconut oil makes bath bombs with this ingredient particularly luxurious, offering a denser feel than many other moisturizers.

Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is a potent moisturizer when incorporated into bath bomb formulations, owing to its rich composition of essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid. This nutrient-packed oil effectively penetrates the skin's layers, delivering deep hydration and restoring moisture balance. Its emollient properties help soften and smooth the skin's surface, while its high vitamin E content provides antioxidant protection, combating free radical damage and promoting skin health.

Epsom Salt: Soaking in Epsom salt bath water can work wonders for rough, dry skin by softening it and gently exfoliating away dead skin cells. Additionally, it's known to provide relief for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. However, it's wise to consult a doctor before indulging in an Epsom salt soak if you have a skin condition, as it could potentially exacerbate symptoms.

Our verdict?

While the allure of bath bombs may leave us questioning whether they're secretly plotting against our skin, it's important to remember that the real culprit behind dryness lies in prolonged exposure to hot water. For those already contending with Sahara-like skin conditions, exacerbating the situation is the last thing on our minds.

To mitigate this risk, it's crucial to limit bath time and opt for moisturizing bath bombs that contain essential ingredients like cocoa butter and CBD oil. By incorporating these hydrating elements into our bathing rituals, we can transform our indulgent soak into a nourishing experience, leaving our skin feeling luxuriously moisturized.

Dive into the tub with confidence, knowing that with the right precautions, our skin will emerge from the bubbles feeling pampered, not parched.