Once in a while, immersing your body in a hot bath is still (very) pleasant. But did you know that there is an ideal duration to reap all the benefits? Our dermatologist can enlighten you.
If taking a bath becomes rather rare (ecological awareness requires!) it is nevertheless possible to relax once in a while in hot water, within reason. A moment of relaxation appreciated by all, which can have physical benefits but also on morale.
22 minutes, the perfect time to relax
So, no profitable bath without a minimum of time on your hands, as Dr Isabelle Gallay, dermatologist, confirms. “This is even the first condition. The bath relaxes and will cause the release ofendorphins. Its anti-stress effects help fight against cellular oxidation factors. As long as you have the time to delve into it and enjoy it as little as possible.” According to our expert, no less than 15 minutes, preferably in the evening, are necessary to benefit from a real effect against stress. “But you can stay in lukewarm water for up to 30 minutes as long as it remains pleasant.” she tells us.
Data supported by a scientific study commissioned by the Victoria Plumbing site in November 2023, which concluded that a duration of 22 minutes was the ideal time for a bath to relax the muscles and soothe the mind, but also to benefit from the benefits that products can have on the skin, without damaging it.
Bathing, a time to do good for your skin
For Dr. Gallay, this relaxation time can also be used to do good for your skin. “By hydrating it as much as possible, or even overhydrating it a little, we will let our surface cells peel off without even rubbing the skin. You can even speed up the natural phenomenon a little with bath salts, for people who tend to psoriasis” she advises.
Skin prone to irritation will also benefit from this 20-minute bath time. “By adding milk or oat powder which will calm irritations, pruritus, and even children who have eczema.”
Bathing can thus become a real skin care treatment again, provided you avoid water that is really too hot, and aggressive products, such as foams or bath bombs with dubious compositions.
