The Surprising Health Benefits Of Bathing – And How To Maximise Them

An avid bather herself, Reid attributes our obsession with soaking in the tub to something deeply instinctive: the memory of our “first bath” in the womb. “Immersing my body in water just does something to me – it’s like an aqua hug, as though you’re being held,” she shares. “Whenever I’ve been really stressed in my career, the image I return to, again and again, is always me floating in water.” With more volumes incoming – spanning Japanese onsens to Mesomerican sweat lodges – each rooted in the time period 39BC, Reid has delved deep into the history of bathing, unearthing stories across cultures and centuries.

For many of us, a hot bath is the perfect way to end a long and arduous day, helping to alleviate stress and tension and usher in a sense of peace before bed. Studies show that taking hot baths regularly can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as improve mental health, reduce stress and enhance sleep – so having a dunk isn’t just about getting clean, it’s actually really good for us too.

The perfumer Lynn Harris has also just launched bath and body formulas via her brand, Perfumer H, featuring old-school soap bars and body wash. The beauty of bathing is that it’s “about cocooning your senses for a moment or two”, Harris says. “A bath allows body and mind to disconnect and let go, which is so beneficial and therapeutic – it’s especially good when there is rain and wind outside.”

Here, some top tips on how to supercharge your bath now.

Get the temperature right

For maximum health benefits, keep your bath between 36C and 40C – slightly hotter than normal body temperature – and if you enjoy steam, shut the door and let the atmosphere do its thing.

Get the lighting right

Few things kill the bath time mood faster than the glare of harsh overhead lighting. Instead, dim the brightness and light a candle – scented or unscented – for a gentle, calming flicker. “The flame always helps centre me,” says Harris.

Find your ritual

For Reid, the true magic of bathing lies in the transformative rituals that frame it – whether it’s having some tub time at the same time each day, or doing some face massage while you’re in the water. Her own ritual? Soaking in a 39BC-infused bath, following it with a clay face mask and then doing a full-body exfoliation with a loofah.

Supercharge your water

Bath time hits differently when there’s some salts, oil, bubbles and/or infusions involved. Add any of these formulas into your bath water for your most relaxing soak yet.

And after?

What happens once you get out of the bath matters, too. Ensure your bathrobe (and your body cream game) is on point for afterwards.