Skin Bathing: What is it, and why should you do it?

Skin bathing gives the outer-most layer of our skin a drink. It is the most direct way to hydrate this layer and having a percentage of water present ensures all sorts of things function in the skin as they should. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is often weak and vulnerable.

One of the main things skin bathing does is promote enzyme action. We used to think that the outer layer of our skin was dead and useless but we now know that it has an important role to play. It protects us from environmental threats and helps protect us from premature ageing. There is also a huge amount of biological activity happening. All of this activity comes down to the action of thousands of enzymes found in the upper layer of our skin. These enzymes are willing little workers and carry out many jobs for us. All they ask for is a little bit of water. Unfortunately, most people’s skin is slightly dehydrated, and this impairs the action of these essential enzymes.

When I tell my clients their skin is dehydrated, they look at me as if I can’t possibly be right. They usually say “But I drink 2 or 3 litres of water a day. How can my skin be dehydrated?  But the reality is that the upper layer of the skin is too far removed from the bodies internal water reservoir. The water we drink is not going to have any effect on the hydration of this outer-most layer. It is going to be more impacted by the environment or what we apply to our skin. This is where bathing comes in. It very directly gives that outer layer of skin a drink.

So how do you bathe? Fill a basin with warm water, immerse your Bestow cloth in the water, wring it out well and hold it to your skin for the time it takes you to take five deep breathes. Repeat this twice more, giving your skin ample time to absorb all that precious moisture.

There are a few key things to be aware of. Once you have finished bathing your skin, you need to immediately apply your skincare products while your skin is still damp. This locks the moisture in, preventing it evaporating away. Leaving your skin to dry has the opposite effect to bathing. It causes rapid dehydration.

Secondly, your skin cannot hold on to water for longer than about 12 hours. So you need to bathe your skin morning and night.

What difference do you notice when your skin is hydrated? A topically-hydrated skin is going to be more supple, stronger and will have a beautiful glow.  It will also be more resistant to premature ageing.

This simple ritual has so many benefits. I hope I have convinced you to make it a permanent part of your skincare routine.