1. Spending too much time in there
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Spending too much time in the bath can annoy everyone in your household, but not only that, it goes cold and unpleasant after a while. Your candles burn out and your bubbles all pop, not to mention how puckered your skin gets. So instead of floating from a heavenly bath all relaxed and zen, you're emerging looking like a wrinkly deep sea creature, shivering from the cold with everyone queueing at the door... Not what you wanted, was it?
2. Overusing products
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If you overuse your products, obviously you're going to have to buy them more often, burning a huge hole in your bank account and single-handedly clearing the stores. But you also might feel the ill effects on your head and body as overusing products can cause hair, scalp, and skin issues, like dryness or oiliness, not to mention the residue left in your bath too.
3. Using harsh soaps
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You might also want to consider the brands and types of soaps you are using on your skin too, especially if they're causing skin issues to flair up or worsening existing problems. Some soaps can be too harsh on the skin, so it might be a good idea to start shopping around for more sensitive and non-fragranced products to use in your bath time routine.
4. Not rinsing properly
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If it's not the soaps that are the issue, it might just be you not rinsing them off properly. In fact, many mistakes made at bathtime, particularly the ones that cause skin and scalp issues, surround not rinsing products from your head and body properly. And there's also the issue of your hair. You see if you don't rinse the shampoo or conditioner, or even hair masks properly, you will probably end up with slimy and unkempt hair that doesn't look like it's been washed forever!
5. Not checking the temperature
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If you jump straight in the bath without checking the temperature first, you could be in for a nasty surprise. It could scold you because you've forgotten to add cold to it, or freeze you on the spot because the hot water didn't seem to work! Either way, you're definitely going to be defeating the object of having a nice relaxing bath and heading for the emergency room instead if you neglect this vital step!
6. Using water that is too hot
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Using water that is too hot has the potential to damage your skin through burning and scalding and you might have to take a trip to the ER! And if it doesn't scald you completely, your skin might still turn an angry shade of red, not to mention the dehydration that might set in as you lie there. To us, sweating in an uncomfortably hot bath is not our idea of self-care.
7. Not using a bathmat
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Using a bath mat is bathroom safety 101! It just ensures that when you step out of the bath, you are not going to slip on a hard, probably tiled, floor and cause yourself serious injuries! You can even put a rubber bath mat inside the bath to prevent you from slipping in the bath too. And you can relax in one place too rather than trying to get comfortable on a slippy surface!
8. Not cleaning the tub regularly
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Not cleaning the tub regularly enough can lead to a rather dirty bathtub that could cause you some issues with your health and skin if you continue to use it. Residue from soaps and bath oils can make the surface even more slippery too which could cause you to fall and be injured. Besides, bathing in a filthy tub kind of defeats the object of having a bath, doesn't it?!
9. Scrubbing your skin too hard
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You might feel like scrubbing your skin with products or a loofah is beneficial for your skin as it seems to exfoliate the dead skin cells away. But if you scrub your skin too hard, this could damage it and cause you some nasty friction burns rather than the soft exfoliated skin that you envisioned. This could also cause lasting damage to your skin as well as pain.
10. Neglecting the moisturizer
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Using soaps, bubble baths, and other products in your bath can cause your skin to become dry, so using a moisturizer is essential if you want to keep your skin supple, firm, and well-moisturized. This is especially true if you have existing skin conditions where bathing can cause dryness to occur. Not moisturizing after a bath could cause you itchiness and other dry skin issues.
11. Using dirty towels
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So you've just had a relaxing bath and you're feeling squeaky clean, and now it's time to dry yourself, you probably want to stay feeling this way for a while. So it kind of defeats the object of bathing if you then decide to dry yourself with a dirty towel! Be sure to have clean and dry towels at hand to dry with after having a bath. You won't feel like you need another one right away!
12. Not replacing your loofah often enough
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Loofahs are great for scrubbing and removing dead skin cells. But if they stay in your bathroom, warm and damp, they are going to be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This means that when you come to wash again, you might be just spreading that bacteria around your skin! So be sure to replace your loofah regularly to avoid this bacteria build-up!
13. Not prepping before shaving
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If you shave, your skin needs to be prepared before shaving. You need to make sure it is soft and moisturized so your shaver can glide over it seamlessly. If you don't prepare your skin properly, you could end up with an unsightly, painful, and itchy shaving rash that nobody wants. Shaving foams or even conditioners can help with this, and be sure to soak for a few minutes to make sure any goosebumps aren't present before you begin!
14. Not cleaning bath toys
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If you have kids, they probably take toys in the bath with them. But one thing parents often forget to do in their endless to-do list is actually clean the bathroom toys when they clean the bathroom! Again, warm and damp conditions are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and it can grow on the toys that your children play with. So add this to your tasks when you clean the bathroom.
15. Neglecting your feet
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Your feet do a lot of work, and they're stuffed into shoes and have weight on them a lot of the time. They sweat and they can smell, become dry, suffer from certain conditions, and the nails can become too long or dirty. So be kind to your feet and add some care for them into your bath time routine. It can prevent foot problems in the long run and can feel like a real treat!
16. Not drying thoroughly
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Not drying thoroughly after your bath can be an issue too. Your skin could become chapped and irritated which can be really uncomfortable, not to mention damaging your skin if it becomes broken. You might also have issues actually dressing after the bath because having damp skin can make it more difficult to get your clothes on as they might become stuck.
17. Not washing your hair properly
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Everyone's hair is different, and it can take some trial and error when it comes to your haircare routine. You have to pick out the products that work for you and you've got to make sure that you wash it as regularly or not as it needs, as well as which order to put the steps in. Taking some time and putting in a little work and patience can get you to a haircare routine that really works for you.
18. Not using a bath pillow
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Not using a bath pillow is certainly a mistake, particularly when it comes to really relaxing into your bath. A bath should be a time when you can fully embrace self-care and relaxation, so you should make it comfortable for yourself! Grab a bath pillow that is waterproof and you will see how it changes your bath time routine and perhaps your life!
19. Neglecting the preparation of your surroundings
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To fully relax in your bath, your surroundings need to be right. If you're in your bathroom and the kids have left their toys everywhere, there are dirty towels on the floor, laundry, and empty product bottles, how are you going to relax without thinking about having to clean them? Be sure to do this in advance (or get others to do it!), light yourself a candle, dim the lights, and take the time for yourself (not the cleaning!).
20. Not keeping essentials within reach
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So you're finally relaxed into your bath, but you need your shampoo which is up on the shelf, and then you realize that your soap is over on the sink. And when you finish, you find that all of the towels are folded away in the closet in another room! This can impact your bath time experience, as you have to get in and out, never fully relaxing into it.
21. Using too many scented products
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Scented products can be a nice addition to your bathtime, especially from an aromatherapy point of view. But sometimes, too many scented products, especially if they're strong have the potential to cause headaches and nausea. The ingredients that create the fragrances too can be harsh on your skin so it's wise to check the ingredient lists and limit your scented products as much as you can.
22. Using shampoo as a body wash
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So you've run out of your body wash, but look - there's shampoo left. You might think that it's a good substitute, but, it is better to make sure that you use the products for what they're intended for. Their ingredients have been designed to be suitable for certain areas of the body and using different products as substitutes could potentially cause issues for your skin and hair.
23. Not removing any jewelry
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If you don't remove your jewelry before you dunk into the bath, you could potentially damage it. It could tarnish or break and if using soaps could also make jewelry like rings slip off and go down the drain to be lost forever. When washing your hair, jewelry could also snag your precious locks too, causing pain and split ends. So be sure to remove any jewelry before getting into the bath!
24. Not using your bath salts properly
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Bath salts are great for relaxing your muscles and can be a really pleasant addition to your bath. But you should make sure that you use bath salts properly and follow the instructions on the pack so you don't cause yourself any undue skin irritation. The salt also means that any broken skin could potentially become painful and itchy too, so be careful if you have any cuts or open skin.
25. Not properly ventilating the bathroom
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Baths cause steam and steam in a not-very-well-ventilated room can certainly cause issues with mold and mildew on the walls, ceiling, and even in the grout. This can look unsightly, but it can also cause issues for your home, as well as your health. So make sure you have a ventilation system in place or an open window can help with this potential problem.
26. Not staying hydrated
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If you lie in a warm, or even hot bath, you need to remember that you could become dehydrated, especially if you're sweating with the warmth. This can cause you to feel worse than you did before you got in the bath with a potential headache. So it's always a good idea to have plenty of water in reach when you get in the bath and remember to keep sipping it to stay hydrated.
27. Not practicing breathing exercises
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We all know how hard it can be to fully switch off in the pursuit of relaxation and self-care for our well-being. But one effective thing that can really help with this is by using breathing exercises. People tend to neglect these, thinking they don't really work, but when done properly, case studies have proven that people tend to be more relaxed and less stressed when they do them regularly.
28. Not fully relaxing
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It can be hard to relax when you have a to-do list as long as your arm, your other one, and also both of your legs, but when you get in the bath, this is your time for self-care. Being present in that moment and trying to switch off from your responsibilities can really help you to recharge and enjoy your ME time. This means you can emerge ready to face the world.
29. Not taking your time
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Now we've mentioned spending too long in the bathtub, but we don't mean that you need to rush just because you have a queue forming outside the bathroom. In fact, taking your time to fully relax your muscles can really help you to enjoy your time alone. Rushing through it is only going to make it feel like another task for you to complete, rather than something to enjoy.
30. Skipping the cool rinse at the end
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At the very end of your bath, having a cool, or even a cold rinse can have many benefits, though we understand if it is the very last thing you want to do. Cool or cold rinses can help to close your pores for healthier-looking skin, as well as stimulate you, giving you more energy to take on the world. Cold showers can also help you with your own well-being too.