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Bathing has evolved significantly over time. From a communal activity in ancient Rome to a private, personal ritual in our homes, it began with hygiene and has since become a soothing indulgence for relaxation.
Taking a bath is not only an affordable and accessible form of self-care, but it also offers a unique opportunity for personal relaxation. Unlike other self-care practices, a bath allows you to focus solely on your own preferences without considering anyone else’s needs. You have complete freedom to design the bath experience you desire.
There are effective ways to elevate your bathing experience, ensuring it's ideal for both your body and your mood. Whether it's timing, water temperature, or adding bath bombs and oils, the following science-driven strategies can help enhance your soak.
How to Determine the Perfect Water Temperature for Your Bath
Since most standard bathtubs don't feature a built-in thermometer, you'll need to measure the water temperature yourself if you're aiming for precision. Alternatively, if you're in the market for a new tub, there are modern models with digital controls that allow you to set and maintain your desired water temperature.
Ideal Temperature
There isn't one universally perfect bathwater temperature—it depends on personal preference and the reason you're soaking. However, for most people, a comfortable bath is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Michael Marbach, the director of product marketing at Kohler.
And Marbach is an expert in the field: Kohler has been in the bathtub business since 1873, when founder John Kohler created a modern version of the bathtub by heating a cast iron horse trough/hog scalder and covering it with enamel. Today, Marbach's work focuses on using science and research to optimize the bathing experience, from tubs to bathroom design.
Specific Temperature Recommendations
How to Achieve a Thorough Clean
If your goal is to be as clean as possible during your bath, Dr. Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic, has a specific temperature in mind. Although she doesn't disclose the method behind this, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, she suggests that bathing in water at 112°F or lower is ideal for effectively removing dirt and bacteria from the environment.
How to Minimize Moisture Loss
Dr. Piliang also points out that age plays a significant role. The skin’s outer layer, the epidermis, is covered with a fatty lipid barrier that serves to block dirt and germs while retaining moisture. As we age, the process of replacing this lipid layer slows down. "As we age, we have less tolerance for hot water, which may lead to dry, itchy, red skin or even eczema," she explains.
Unfortunately, even your favorite moisturizer can’t fully replace the skin's natural oils, Dr. Piliang adds. To protect your skin from irritation, keep your bathwater at a temperature that isn’t too hot, especially if your skin tends to be dry or sensitive.
How to Enhance Comfort
If your goal is relaxation, the perfect water temperature is the one that feels most comfortable to you. For example, if you’ve been caught in a downpour without an umbrella, and by the time you get home your clothes are drenched and you're shivering, you might prefer a warmer bath than usual (perhaps accompanied by a warmed towel as well).
Alternatively, if you live in a home without air conditioning and are enduring a heatwave, you may find comfort in a lukewarm bath while sipping a cold beer and reading a book. Ultimately, it all comes down to what you want to achieve from the bath experience.
How to Achieve Balance for Your Body
Marbach suggests considering a cool rinse after a hot bath (or shower). He explains, "Heat penetrates and stimulates blood flow and circulation." A cool, neutral rinse following a hot bath or shower brings the body back to a state of homeostasis—a balanced state.
How to Get a Good Night's Sleep
Taking a bath in water that's around the body's natural temperature, typically between 94-98°F, can be especially helpful before bedtime. According to Marbach, "This can have a calming effect on the body’s nervous system."
The Ideal Time for a Bath
The Right Duration for a Bath
Aside from avoiding pruney fingers, is there anything else to keep in mind when determining how long to soak in the tub? Not really, says Marbach, who advises, "Stay in as long as it feels comfortable and enjoyable."
Thanks to research from Kohler, we know that nearly 50 percent of bathers prefer staying in the bath for around 20 minutes. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews also found that just 10 minutes in the tub before bed is enough to reap the sleep-enhancing benefits.
The Best Time to Bathe
Is there an ideal time of day for a bath? According to Kohler's data, evening is the most popular time for a soak, followed by early morning. Marbach notes, "I can see how a morning bath could benefit people with stiff joints—helping loosen them up before starting the day." He also mentions, "A quick bath could increase blood circulation and potentially help wake someone up."
Want to enhance your sleep quality? The Sleep Medicine Reviews research also shows that bathing one to two hours before bed is ideal for our "temperature circadian rhythm." It helps us fall asleep faster and improves sleep quality by improving blood circulation from the body’s core to the extremities, which cools the entire body, preparing it for rest.
Expert Tips for Using Bath Products
While some bathers prefer their soak au naturel, others like to enhance their experience with products like bath bombs or oils. However, Marbach offers this advice: feel free to use bath products in standard tubs, but "if you're soaking in a jetted bath—such as a whirlpool or BubbleMassage experience—you must follow your tub's specific guidelines, as certain products could cause clogging in the system."
How to Use Bath Oils
Adding a few drops of bath oil to your soak not only elevates the experience with a delightful and calming scent but can also leave your skin feeling softer. Just be sure to check the label to ensure it's safe for bath use. While some people choose to use pure essential oils rather than bath-specific products, this isn't always the best option.
Essential oils like lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus are known for their benefits. However, oils such as black pepper, clove, and peppermint can irritate the skin. For a safe DIY bath oil, the Tisserand Institute recommends mixing five to 20 drops of essential oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba, almond, or argan oil are all great options). Add the oil just before stepping into the bath to prevent it from evaporating.
How to Use a Bath Bomb
Using a bath bomb is simple: Fill the tub with water at your preferred temperature, drop in the bomb, and watch as it fizzes and dissolves, releasing soothing ingredients into the water. Fun fact: Bath bombs were created in 1989 by Mo Constantine, co-founder of Lush, as a skin-friendly alternative to bubble baths. With so many options available—including recipes for DIY bath bombs—we'll leave the choice to you.
