The truth is, baths are one of our most powerful tools when it comes to unwinding. It’s actually been shown that your skin releases endorphins in response to warm water, in the same way that it releases endorphins when it feels the sun. That’s pretty impressive stuff, if you ask us.
However, if a basic bath just isn’t ticking all the boxes (we totally understand…), maybe it’s time to take your bathing ritual to the next level. For the ultimate in mind soothing, body soothing and soul soothing, we recommend investing in relaxing bath oils. Not only will they leave you feeling thoroughly moisturised, but if they’ve been well-formulated, they’ll have countless mental benefits too.
On the lookout for the best bath oils or best shower oil to help you unwind? Look no further.
Most of us want smoother, more supple skin. And we certainly wouldn’t turn down some added glow either! Bath and shower oils are some of the best ways to achieve a hydrated complexion on your body. This is thanks to the occlusive nature of oils, which means that they work more effectively when your skin is wet.
In fact, one scientific pragmatic trial concluded that the regular use of a moisturising bath oil can be effective in “improving the skin barrier function in children and adults with mild dry skin”. This was tested when the oil was used routinely, as a part of skincare, to manage a broad spectrum of dry skin conditions.
There’s also no denying that soaking in silky water is a brilliant way to start feeling more relaxed…
If you’re looking to unwind in your bath, it’s crucial to consider the scent of any products that you’re using. That includes bath and shower oil, of course.
Personally, we believe that products should be fragranced as naturally as possible. Mother Nature has given us so many divine scents with beneficial properties, that we simply don’t believe a man-made imitation can match her! Plus, essential oils are widely considered to have beneficial aromatherapy properties, which can be harnessed as a way to make modern life that little bit easier.
Here are some of our favourite scents that we recommend trying for a more relaxing bathing experience…
Unsurprisingly, we’ve harnessed many of these natural fragrances in our spa bath oils.
We’re experts when it comes to resting, refuelling and thriving in the modern world. Whether it’s one of our relaxing bath oils or bath gift sets, each and every one of our products has been formulated using natural ingredients, chosen based on how they will benefit your skin, your mind, or both.
Indulgent. Soothing. Relaxing.
If you’re looking for the moisturising bath oil to ease you into the land of nod, this is it. Apricot kernel oil locks in moisture and nourishes your body. Meanwhile, notes of lavender, cedarwood, patchouli, mandarin and vetiver blend together to ease stress and lessen anxieties. It’s serenity in a bottle!
Just as the name would suggest, this mix is intensely calming and will leave you feeling as though you’ve escaped to the countryside. Full to the brim with Omega 9 fatty acids, Vitamin K and Vitamin E, it deeply moisturises the skin. Its scent then transports you to a place of peace with lavender, ylang-ylang and cedarwood oils.
There’s nothing calming about a blocked nose! Whilst this isn’t your typical relaxing blend, it is a brilliant well-being booster that can be used at any time of day. Decompress in luxury with immunity-boosting eucalyptus, lemon, cedarwood, bergamot, and thyme. All whilst your skin gets the hydrating treat it so deserves!
There are two main ways to make the most out of spa bath oils. The first (our personal favourite!) is to massage a few drops into your décolletage, arms and shoulders before stepping into your gorgeously warm bath. Take a deep breath to enjoy any aromatherapy benefits your oil may have to offer. And relax…
The second way to use a luxury bath oil is extremely simple, but equally as glorious: Just add it to your water. Always check the instructions on your product, but in the case of Verdant Alchemy, our bath oil requires just 10-12 drops (or ¼ capful) poured into running water.
We recommend using Verdant Alchemy shower oils whilst actually in the water. Simply use any body cleansers, exfoliators or products as usual and then, on clean skin, apply a few drops with the palm of your hands. It will turn into a milky consistency when combined with water.
When it comes to a relaxing bath, a luxury bath oil can certainly pack a punch on its own. However, if you want to truly indulge in a sense of peace and calm, there are a few more factors to consider too.
Lighting: Nobody wants to sit in a brightly lit room while they’re trying to find zen, right? Recent research actually suggests that lighting directly affects alertness and (you guessed it!) sleepiness. We recommend opting for warm and dim light sources whenever possible, to avoid any sense of harshness. Candles are particularly great!
Temperature: It turns out that temperature isn’t just personal preference. If it’s relaxation you’re after, it’s recommended to opt for a neutral heat (meaning one similar to the human body). Apparently, this helps to relax the nervous system and prepare your body for calm.
Time: In terms of sleep quality, there’s also an ideal time to have a bath. Two hours before bed is perfect, according to a 2019 study. Leaving this much space between your bath and bed is beneficial for your "temperature circadian rhythm", helping us to fall asleep faster and improving our sleep quality.
Music: Finally, set the mood with some calming music. Whilst this is totally personal, it’s worth noting that the song Weightless by Marconi Union was found to be the most relaxing track out there.
There you have it! The best oils out there for a spa-like bathing experience, plus some extra tips for making it even more serene. Whether you’re in the market for a shower oil, bath oil or bath gift sets, be sure to browse our collection and find the perfect ritual for you.
]]>STEP ONE: TAPPING INTO WHAT WE TRULY NEED
2021 is not the year to agree to meetups, events or even work commitments that don’t make your heart sing! You’re getting your freedom back. Don’t let others dictate how you use it.
As restrictions have lifted, we’ve been setting time aside each morning and night for journaling. Nothing major, just a few minutes to write a sentence or two. We focus on how we’re feeling: Emotionally drained? Excited? Energetic? As we then go through our day, this helps us to decide what kind of activities will truly serve us.
That way, we don’t have to deal with to-do list overwhelm. Just a schedule that is full of soul food.
STEP TWO: HARNESSING MINDFULNESS
If you’re feeling slightly anxious about the way your life is going to change in the coming months, we promise you’re not alone.
To help combat this unease, we’ve been embracing mindfulness activities on a daily basis. In the mornings, we’ve been enjoying this short yoga session that is available for free on YouTube. It’s allowed us to tap into our breath and get some “me time”, before we spend any amount of time with others.
In moments of particular overwhelm, we love this guided meditation, created for anxiety. It’s soothing and will help you to feel seen within your emotions.
STEP THREE: THE POWER OF SCENT
When we have a busy day planned that feels like a lot in comparison to what we’re used to, we need a quick hit of calm. That’s where aromatherapy comes in.
Allowing you to focus inwards for a moment, it can be a powerful (and simple!) tool for calming fear of uncertainty and overwhelm. We recommend using essential oils in an electric diffuser to fill your space with some positivity.
Try this blend mixed in water to help you re-set…
AND TAKE A BREATH
Your schedule may be getting busier, but that’s no excuse to not look after yourself in May!
Our Bath & Shower Oils make resting and pressing that all-important “reset” button easier than ever. Simply add a few drops to your bath or glide these complexion-loving blends onto wet skin in the shower.
For ultimate grounding experience, try our Breathe In oil. We’ve harnessed the power of bergamot in this nourishing mix. Calming and relaxing on both the mind and the body, this essential oil is brilliant to help you prepare for a busier season of life.
YOU DESERVE TO THRIVE
That’s why we’re offering free shipping on all Verdant Alchemy orders over £15. Whether you’re a bath salt lover, want to try our oils or have a gift to buy, we’re here to help you refuel.
Shop the range here. ]]>
Hello,
At Verdant Alchemy, my goal was always to boost your well-being through bathing and create rituals that allow you to press pause and relax. During these uncertain times, I believe even more strongly in those values I set for the business. I will continue to lean on them as I navigate these extraordinary times.
We are still operating, fulfilling and sending orders, albeit at a slower rate than usual. I am now fulfilling goods every Thursday via Royal Mail post boxes. The Post Offices around me have now closed, so I am unable to send any tracked orders. If you want next day delivery tracked, I am able to offer DHL.
I am incredibly lucky to have a studio in London which I can still access and l will be batching up more bath salts by myself in the next few weeks to ensure you have incredible baths during this period.
As always, we will continue to serve you the best way we can and are available to connect online; staying in touch via Instagram >> @verdantalchemy and on our website. Please drop me a dm- I would love to hear how you have been keeping.
Stay safe,
Vivien and the Verdant Alchemy family
]]>
It all started with a bath. A bath while travelling for work, after a very long day and for when I was burning the candle at both ends. Whatever I was tackling, the humble long soak is what got me through those exhausting days. Like many people, I somewhat fell into my career (in advertising). I was fortunate to work on some fantastic brands with some wonderful people, but I was slowly burning out - the hours and slog were long, and I was starting to feel the stress of the fast-paced corporate life. My mind and body felt like they were falling apart. During that time, I launched a wellness space with my chiropractor brother, offering our clients evidence-based care such as chiropractic care and pilates classes; empowering people to manage their wellbeing, including their pain and stress levels. This is really where Verdant Alchemy began.
Many of our patients came in for back pain, headaches, stress and other pain ailments which stems from work and modern life. In addition to prescripted therapy, we often recommended that they take magnesium to help restore their mineral balance- a vital mineral that the body needs to function effectively. However, it is a mineral we deplete quicker than we refuel it, through daily activities such as exercise and stress. According to the World Health Organisation, over 75% of US adults do not meet their recommended intake and are thought to be deficient from magnesium. So an excellent way to complement their healing was through the consumption of magnesium, and an alternative way beyond food was through mineral bathing.
Although this method of magnesium intake may not work for everyone, it worked for me. In addition to stress, I was also suffering from terrible back pain (rooted in my teenage scoliosis). When I discovered how magnesium could help with inflammation and muscle movement (back pain and exercise recovery), supports with brain function (stress and anxiety) and regulate the nervous system I started having daily magnesium baths, and I immediately felt the difference. I felt more relaxed, my body felt like it was rebooting, my stress and anxiety was melting away. It felt even more pertinent after I exercised, my muscles were recovering faster. And of course, I started to have the best nights sleep ever, waking up with the energy to take on the day. I realised I was slowly healing, and it wasn't just about popping some pills for pain relief, it was a connected bodily ecosystem of resting and nurturing the body to enable it to work effectively and efficiently again.
The more I researched and spoke to experts about the power of minerals and natural botanicals through aromatherapy, the more obsessed I got with the power of the ocean and mother nature. As a result, I started to create my own bespoke baths for different areas of my life. Utilising other nutrient-rich minerals we need to function, such as potassium, calcium and many more. What I realised on this journey was the importance of rest and recharging our mind and bodies. If our mental and physical states are broken, and we are not giving them time to get better, we will struggle to thrive in life. I realised I was not put on this world to get by and simply survive, I want to succeed and thrive, and so do you.
Verdant Alchemy was created as an antidote to modern living, mineral bathing was my cure-all to everything and started as my hero product and still remains my absolute go-to for everything. But as Verdant Alchemy grows I am excited to create new products that continue to help everyone to Rest, Recharge and Thrive in modern life using mother nature's most potent ingredients.