Share this page on

While some timeworn beauty rituals have (thankfully) gone the way of wearing curlers to bed, the decadent bath remains a perennial favorite—a girly and glamorous treat that conjures up images of preening starlets swathed in frothy bubbles. It’s also the ultimate way to de-stress and warm up goose-bumpy limbs, as well as pamper yourself silly. We spoke with Joanna Czech, of New York’s Sava Spa (www.savaspa.com), about how to recreate an indulgent spa experience in your very own bathtub.

Despite most women’s devotion to morning beauty regimens, Joanna Czech advocates saving baths and in-depth skin treatments for bedtime. “Skin is working during the day, sweating to cool you down, and getting rid of toxins,” she explains. “Ingredients absorb better while you sleep.”

If you need to exfoliate, do so beforehand and rinse off with a quick shower. Try Mixed Emotions Mellow Me Body Scrub (www.shopmixedemotions.com), a luscious marshmallow-scented concoction infused with Dead Sea salts.

Keep bathwater comfortably warm, as a toohot temperature will dehydrate skin. Plus, “a warm temperature is most soothing for muscles and the nervous system,” says Czech.

A bath’s just not complete without your favorite aromatherapy oil, bath salts or rich foam. One caveat: stick to a single product, since mixing ingredients can cause irritation. Bubble bath fans will get a kick out of Too Faced Celebrity Spa Bubble Brulee (www.toofaced.com), a sweetly scented moisturizing foam bath that doubles as a shower gel. Other picks: Calgon Tahitian Orchid Powder Milk Bath (at major retailers or www.drugstore.com), Provence Santé Bath Salts in Bergamot and Hübner Bath Oil in soothing Lavender or Thyme (both at www.baudelairesoaps.com).

To get the most out of soak time, slather on a facial mask and relax while it works its magic. For dry skin, choose a moisturizing, reparative treatment like Shira Omega 3 Nourishing Mask (www.shiraesthetics.com). Oilier complexions benefit from products with exfoliating and acne-banishing properties, like Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque (www.dermalogica.com), which features clay and zinc oxide to extract impurities, plus calming extracts of mallow, arnica and cucumber.

Tired eyes? De-puff sensitive lids with cooling compresses. In a pinch, you can easily make your own with cucumber slices fresh from the fridge.

After soaking for 20 to 30 minutes—no longer— gently towel off and smooth on your favorite body moisturizer. We like Nivea Renewal Night Creme For Body (www.nivea.com), Curél Natural Healing 24-Hour Daily Moisturizing Lotion (www.curel.com), infused with lavender, camomile and oatmeal extracts, and The Healing Garden Organics Wild Honey Body Lotion (www.healinggarden.com).

After rinsing your face, follow with your usual nighttime treatments. Add a good night’s sleep, healthy diet and exercise into the mix, and you’ll definitely notice results. As Czech observes, “The skin is like a mirror of how you feel inside.”

• The List - Asheville

  
  read more ›
  
  

• On the Town - Indianapolis

  
  read more ›
  
  

• Bar Codes

  With hidden doorways and secret numbers, getting into speakeasies isn’t easy—until now. Here’s your guide to getting in.
  read more ›
  
  

• Pack Frat

  Male college students are the secret to a junk hauling company's success.
  read more ›
  
  

• Mission Control

  Creating a direct, powerful company mission statement can help your bottom line.
  read more ›