So many bath salts, which one should I choose?

This is another topic about baths.

I love baths, so I enjoy taking them comfortably every day.

My wife buys various bath salts for me to put in the tub, so I enjoy choosing different ones, wondering, "Which one should I use today?"

There are powder types, granular types, solid tablet-like types, bag-like types containing medicinal herbs, and even liquid types that I once mistook for body soap until I looked at the bottle and was told, "That's a bath additive. You can't wash your body with that."

I only knew about things like "Bathclin" or the "Yunohana" sold at hot springs, so I was curious about the characteristics of each and looked them up.

<Three effects of bathing>

In the first place, baths have three effects: "thermal effect," "hydrostatic pressure effect," and "buoyancy effect."

Just by getting into a bath and soaking in the tub, the "thermal effect" warms the body, expands blood vessels, and promotes blood circulation. This activates metabolism and encourages the excretion of waste products, toxins, and fatigue-inducing substances from the body.

Also, by soaking in the tub, the "hydrostatic pressure effect" applies pressure to the entire body. This acts on the blood vessels in the limbs and internal organs, improving the flow of blood and lymph. It is also said to lead to improved cardiopulmonary function.

And because of the "buoyancy effect," buoyancy acts on the body in the water, which instantly reduces the burden on muscles and joints that exists when in the air, and reduces stimulation to the brain, resulting in a deep relaxation effect.

<Types by shape>

The differences in the appearance of bath additives can be broadly divided into five types: "powder type," "granular bath salt type," "solid tablet type," "chopped medicinal herb type," and "liquid type."

In other words, we have all the types at home. My wife is amazing. I was a little surprised.

(Powder type)

There are various scents and colors, it is the most common type, and since there are large-capacity versions, it is also excellent in terms of cost performance.

It dissolves quickly in hot water, so you can adjust the amount to your liking. I like to use a generous amount.

(Granular bath salt type)

These are bath salts that often feature specific salts, such as "Dead Sea salt."

The granular salt gradually dissolves and forms a film on the skin's surface, so it has a high heat-retaining effect and promotes perspiration.

(Solid tablet type)

Since you just drop one in, it is an easy-to-use type that eliminates the need for measuring.

Many of them release fizzy carbon dioxide bubbles the moment you put them in.
This carbon dioxide is absorbed through the skin, dilates blood vessels, and raises body temperature by 2 to 3 degrees higher than usual.

(Chopped herbal medicine type)

This is a type where herbal medicines are chopped and placed directly into a bag.

When you put it in hot water, it slowly seeps out.
You can clearly tell the ingredients are coming out when you gently squeeze it.
It keeps releasing ingredients for so long that it feels like a waste to throw it away.

It also has a unique scent that might be a matter of personal preference, but I quite like it.
Inhaling the steam from the herbal medicine makes me feel relaxed.

(Liquid type)

Since it is already a liquid, it mixes quickly when added to hot water.
There is no undissolved residue.

<Types based on effects and benefits>

Even within the same powder type, there are several varieties based on their effects, such as cooling, skincare, and enzyme types.

(Skincare type)

These contain familiar ingredients like collagen, ceramide, and hyaluronic acid, which have the effect of moisturizing the skin and refining its texture.

This is common in powder and liquid types.

(Cooling type)

These contain cooling ingredients like mint or Japanese peppermint, providing a refreshing sensation after bathing.

This is common in powder and tablet types.

(Enzyme type)

These contain enzymes such as papain or pancreatin, which have the effect of breaking down sebum and old skin cells to cleanse and smooth the skin.

This seems to be common in powder types.

(Herbal medicine type)

In addition to the aforementioned chopped type, there are also powder and liquid types.

Ingredients such as Japanese angelica root, cnidium rhizome, dried citrus peel, chili pepper, and mugwort are included.

(Inorganic salt type)

This is the bath salt type mentioned earlier.

Ingredients such as sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, and sodium chloride are effective for improving sensitivity to cold, recovering from fatigue, and relieving stiff shoulders and lower back pain.

It seems there are also powder types in addition to the granular type.

(Carbon dioxide gas type)

There are many tablet types, but there are also granular ones.

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate, and succinic acid are the main ingredients, and they have effects such as promoting blood circulation, recovering from fatigue, relieving stiff shoulders and lower back pain, and promoting metabolism.

However, it is best not to bring your face close to the tablet while it is effervescing.

(Hot spring type)

There are three types: "100% natural hot spring minerals," "contains hot spring minerals," and "formulated to evoke a hot spring."

Those that imitate sulfur springs have high bactericidal effects and are expected to be effective for skin diseases. However, many products do not reproduce hot spring water exactly as it is.

You need to check the notes carefully.

<Types according to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law>

(Pharmaceuticals)

There is one bath additive in Japan that is classified as a pharmaceutical.

It is called "Jitsubosan," and it also contains multiple herbal medicines, which have medicinal effects such as alleviating sensitivity to cold, pain relief, inflammation suppression, and improvement of hysteria.

Since it is a pharmaceutical, a doctor's prescription is required.

(Quasi-drugs)

Products that state on their packaging that they alleviate or improve physical ailments such as stiff shoulders are treated as quasi-drugs and are labeled as medicated bath salts.

(Bath cosmetics)

Bath cosmetics, which are classified as cosmetics, have the effect of cleaning and conditioning the skin, but they do not have any effect on improving physical conditions.

(Miscellaneous goods)

Items for enjoying color and fragrance, such as bath charcoal, cypress, or ceramic balls, are considered bath accessories.

<Price range by type>

I looked up the estimated price per use and the price per box for each type.

(Powder type)

30 to 400 yen per use, 200 to 4,000 yen per box

(Bath salt type)

150 to 450 yen per use, 500 to 6,500 yen per box

(Tablet type)

30 to 100 yen per use, 400 to 4,000 yen per box

(Crushed herbal medicine type)

350 to 500 yen per use, 350 to 8,000 yen per box. That's quite expensive.

I think I'll start using one bag for two baths from now on.

(Liquid type)

70 to 200 yen per use, 500 to 4,500 yen per box

<How to choose based on effectiveness>

Before adding bath salts, keep in mind that lukewarm water between 38°C and 40°C has a high relaxing effect, while hot water around 42°C makes you feel refreshed and active.

A duration of about 10 to 15 minutes seems to be ideal.

Also, when you are concerned about poor circulation or want to thoroughly relieve fatigue, bath salts or carbon dioxide-based bath additives are recommended.

For chronic stiff shoulders, lower back pain, or skin issues, herbal-based products seem to be good.
Those with dry skin, sensitive skin, or atopic skin need to be especially careful when choosing.

It is best to choose skincare-type products that are classified as quasi-drugs, have high moisturizing effects, and are hypoallergenic enough to be used on babies.
Conversely, it seems best to avoid carbon dioxide-based products or those containing baking soda or sulfur.

When you want to relieve tension and achieve a deep sense of relaxation, products with your favorite scent, herbal-based, or carbon dioxide-based ones are recommended.

When you want to feel refreshed during the hot summer, cool-type products are a good choice.

As you can see, there are truly a wide variety of products in terms of both price and type. It can also be fun to take your time and find your own favorites.

Thank you for reading.
I would appreciate it if you could like and follow. I look forward to your continued support.

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