Doctor shares the one thing we’ve been doing wrong when running a bath
For those who relish a good soak, it turns out there’s a science to the perfect bath.
Bathroom experts at Wholesale Domestic and Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Pharmacy have revealed that many of us may not be bathing as effectively as we could be.
They’ve shared essential tips for elevating your bath experience, starting with a surprising revelation: begin with cold water to minimise steam and prevent mould.
From the optimal temperature to the recommended duration of a bath, these insights promise to revolutionise your bathing ritual.
“As a general rule, the ideal bath temperature should be between 36C and 40C. Any hotter should be avoided,” said Dr Lee.
“Just 5 minutes in a bath of 50C burns the skin which is not only painful but can be slow to heal and, in severe cases, even life threatening.”
When it comes to how long you should stay in the bath, Dr Lee said: “Cardiovascular benefits can be felt after just 10 minutes in a 40C bath.
“However, it’s best not to stay immersed for more than 20 minutes, as prolonged exposure to warm water can dry out the skin and lower blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or even fainting.
“It’s recommended to limit baths to twice a week. Bathing too often can strip the natural oils from your skin, which may lead to flare ups of conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
“A quick shower on the days in between is probably better for your skin.”
Baths can be beneficial for you in many ways, and one of the most significant reasons for a bath is that it reduces stress.
Dr Lee explained: “Immersing your body in warm water raises body temperature and creates a feeling of weightlessness.
“The heat and buoyancy ease tension, reducing stress and boosting happiness.”
Another benefit of taking baths is that it promotes better sleep. Dr Lee says that people with disturbed sleep are known to have raised body temperature during the night.
“Regular hot water bathing improves temperature regulation and supports Circadian rhythms which are the internal processes that regulate our sleep-wake cycle. This can lead to better temperature control overnight, sleep quality and mental health.”
