After a (very unscientific) workplace survey, we established that spring is most people’s favourite season. Springtime brings with it the promise of flowers, longer evenings, and pulling summer clothes out of storage. As we emerge from winter hibernation, here are a few ways to embrace the joys of spring in your bathroom by refreshing your personal care routine.
Smell fresh
The evocative power of scent is an easy way to bring the new season into your home. Look for products containing fragrances derived from natural essential oils. The fragrance family is up to you: we love florals, like refreshing geranium paired with sensuous rose, earthy Mānuka honey and heady jasmine, or creamy coconut with uplifting lemongrass. Although it’s hard to beat spicy classics like vanilla and cinnamon, whatever the time of year.
If you or someone in the house has allergies, asthma or sensitive skin, you can choose to go naturally fragrance free with your body wash, hand wash and soap to reduce the chance of a reaction.
Stay cool
Choose products that contain super refreshing Harakeke – a New Zealand native flax – is the ingredient that makes ecostore’s Hand Wash and Body Wash extra hydrating. Its strappy leaves contain a cooling, clear gel that was treasured in traditional Māori medicine to heal burns, cuts and skin infections.
This cooling gel is super hydrating, packed with skin nutrients and beneficial plant sugars called polysaccharides. With its active skin-conditioning compounds, Harakeke cares for skin in a similar way to aloe vera. It naturally soothes and hydrates, while reducing redness and supporting normal cell turnover and healthy inflammation management.
Refresh your bath
Those of us lucky enough to have a bathtub probably use it more in winter. But turning down the temperature and adding a handful of these refreshing DIY bath salts is a great way to indulge in a luxurious springtime soak.
For a soothing, refreshing sea salt bath mix you’ll need:
- 1 cup sea salt. Try Dead Sea salts, which may help with the symptoms of rheumatism, arthritis, eczema and psoriasis. Or Hawaiian red bath salts, which are kind to aches, and sprains.
- 1 cup epsom salts (magnesium sulphate crystals – to soothe muscles and soften the water)
- 1 teaspoon of good quality essential oil: skin-loving options include lavender, geranium, rose and sandalwood, or try a blend of cedarwood, lemon, mānuka and juniper for a scent-sual wakeup call.
- Dried herb sprigs, fruit zest or flower buds of your choice (optional – but lovely if you’re gifting your salts)
- A baking sheet with raised edges, a spatula and a mixing bowl and spoon
Step 1: Put the sea salt and Epsom salts in a bowl and stir well to mix. Add the essential oils a few drops at a time until they’re well mixed in.
Step 2: Spread your salts on the baking tray, and pop in the oven at 70°C for 15 minutes, and stir every 5 minutes. Yes, you read that right – ‘baking’ the salts will help to stop them clumping up.
Step 3: Take the baking tray out of the oven and let it cool down. Add your dried herbs and flowers if using.
Step 4: Store in a lidded jar, and add ½ a cup to your bath anytime you want to feel refreshed.
Be gentle
Plant extracts like Harakeke and aloe vera are very slightly astringent – great for controlling breakouts and excess oil production, without stripping, scrubbing or harsh detergents. While they add natural moisture, they’re also beneficial for acne-prone skin, with a gentle anti-microbial action that helps to reduce spot-causing bacteria all over the body.
To look after your skin’s own natural oils, it pays not to overdo the cleansing. Instead of scrubbing, try a softer option, like this coconut soap, which contains fine coconut strands to gently exfoliate and add vital moisture back while you cleanse.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
The most hydrating, refreshing body care in the world is no good if you’re parched. So spring is a good time to get into the habit of drinking plenty of water, and eating refreshing foods. These includes herbal teas, water-rich foods, salads, soups (not too salty) and fresh fruit. If you find it hard to drink enough, try adding herbs or fruit like lemon and blueberries to plain or sparkling water, to make it more appealing. But go easy on the coffee and alcohol, as these are diuretic and can dehydrate you.
You’ll find selected products from ecostore’s refreshing personal care range online, or at Coles, Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse stores throughout Australia.