Ways To Use Essential Oils In The Shower | Inculcate Diffusing Essential Oils In Your Shower Routine

Overview

The shower is a daily sanctuary where we cleanse both our bodies and minds. It's a moment of respite from the world, and with the right techniques, it can become a rejuvenating spa-like experience.

One way to elevate your shower routine is by incorporating essential oils. Essential oils are natural extracts derived from plants known for their various properties that promote overall health and wellness. 

Adding essential oils to your shower routine will help you enjoy the benefits of this oil without taking too much time out from your busy routine. A shower helps open your pores and makes the absorption of oil very easy.

It is believed that too much water can strip your skin of its natural oils and damage its protective layer, which causes dryness, itchiness, and irritation. 

The study states that essential oils have moisturizing and hydrating properties that help deeply nourish your skin. Essential oil can also help reduce itchiness, dryness, and skin irritation.

There are many different essential oils that have different benefits and properties. You can choose from this wide range of oils depending on your needs and requirements. 

In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed the art of using essential oils in the shower to unlock the benefits of essential oils for your overall well-being.

Learn how to use essential oil in the shower.

How to Use Essential Oils in the Shower: Getting Started

Before we dive into the various methods of using essential oils in the shower, it's crucial to understand the basics:

1. Understanding Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts obtained from various parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, roots, and stems. They contain the essence and fragrance of the plant and have been used for centuries for their various benefits and properties.

2. Selecting High-Quality Essential Oils

To fully enjoy the benefits of essential oils, it's essential to choose high-quality, pure oils. Look for reputable brands that provide detailed information about their sourcing and extraction methods, and always go for pure essential oils. 

3. Safety Precautions

While essential oils offer numerous benefits, they are potent and should be used with care. Always perform a patch test before applying any oil to your skin, and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you're pregnant or have specific medical conditions.

Now that we have the fundamentals in place let's explore the different ways you can integrate essential oils into your shower routine.

1. The Aromatherapy Shower Diffuser: Infuse Your Shower with Aromas

One of the simplest and most effective ways to use essential oils in the shower is by using a shower diffuser. This method allows the aromatic molecules of the oils to disperse in the shower's steam, enveloping you in a fragrant cloud of relaxation.

Setting Up the Shower Diffuser

1. Purchase a shower diffuser or create your own by attaching an essential oil holder to your showerhead.
2. Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the diffuser before showering.

Recommended Essential Oils for Shower Diffusers

• Eucalyptus essential oil: Eucalyptus oil in the shower helps to clear congestion, has a refreshing scent, helps improve mood and is energizing in nature, which helps turn your shower into one of the best things to kick start your day. 
• Lavender essential oil: The study states that lavender essential oil is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It is one of the popular essential oils that will make your shower feel refreshing and bloom as a flower. 
• Peppermint essential oil: It is one of the traditional essential oils that energizes and uplifts the mood instantly. This essential oil can help take away stress after a hectic day.

2. Pre-Shower Essential Oil Body Massage: Soothe and Nourish

One of the ways to add essential oils to your shower routine is a pre-shower body massage. Body massage is also one of the uses for essential oils. A pre-shower body massage with essential oils not only nourishes your skin but also allows the oils to penetrate deeply, enhancing their therapeutic effects.

Always ensure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your body. This is one of the effective ways to include essential oils into your routine.

How to Perform a Pre-Shower Body Massage

1. Choose a carrier oil such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil to dilute the essential oil.
2. Mix 5-7 drops of your chosen essential oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil.
3. Massage the oil blend into your skin using gentle, circular motions.
4. Allow the oils to absorb for a few minutes before stepping into the shower.

Recommended Essential Oil Blends for Pre-Shower Massage

• Frankincense and Myrrh: These natural essential oils promote skin rejuvenation and spiritual grounding.
• Chamomile and Ylang-Ylang: It helps soothe the senses and relax the mind. These are common essential oils for relaxation. 

3. Shower Steamers: Fizzy Aromatherapy

Shower steamers also known as shower bombs, bath bombs, and shower melts are small, fizzy tablets that dissolve in the shower, releasing essential oil-infused vapours. This is one of the best ways to use aroma of the essential oils in shower. Shower melts release essential oils molecules slowly in your surrounding. 

Using Shower Steamers

1. Place a shower steamer on the floor of the shower, away from direct water flow.
2. As the steamer dissolves, it releases aromatic steam, creating a spa-like atmosphere.

DIY Shower Steamer Recipe

Make shower melts using the below ingredients and instructions: 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 15-20 drops of your favourite essential oil (e.g., citrus oils for an invigorating shower or chamomile for a calming experience)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add water while stirring until the mixture reaches a sand-like texture.
3. Add the essential oil drops and stir thoroughly.
4. Press the mixture into silicone moulds and let it dry for at least 24 hours.
5. Store the shower steamers in an airtight container until use.

4. Essential Oils on Loofah or Washcloth

Take a washcloth or loofah and wet it first without rinsing it, add 2-3 drops of essential oil to it and then wash yourself using the loofah. You can increase or decrease the number of drops of essential oil based on your experience related to skin irritation. 

One of the major benefit of using essential oils in this manner is that it helps easily penetrate essential oils and its benefits deeply into the unclogged pores of your skin. This method also helps in evenly applying essential oils throughout your body. 

5. Essential Oils in the Bathtub

This is one of the common uses of essential oils. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil along with some Epsom salt in a warm water-filled bathtub. Stir it with the help of your hand to make sure the essential oil is spread properly. Immerse yourself in the bathtub and enjoy the benefits. 

7. Essential Oils in Shampoo, Conditioner, or Hair Mask

You can also mix essential oils for your haircare products to enjoy its benefits. Essential oils have moisturizing properties that will help nourish your hair and scalp. It also contains antibacterial, and antifungal properties that helps in reducing dandruff, or other scalp conditions. 

8. Essential Oils on Shower Curtain

You can also apply or spray few drops of essential oils on your shower curtain. The heat and steam in the shower will help evaporate the oils and will fill your bathroom with the scent of oils. 

9. Essential Oil Showers for Specific Purposes

Different essential oils cater to various needs, whether it's stress relief, congestion relief, or muscle relaxation.

Easing Stress and Anxiety

• Bergamot: This is one of the best essential oils that help uplift the mood and reduce anxiety.
• Clary Sage: Use clary sage essential oil in the shower to promote relaxation and clarity of mind.
• Vetiver: Use in shower spray for grounding and calming effects.

Relieving Congestion

• Tea Tree essential oil: One of the most commonly used essential oil that also helps in clearing nasal passages and supports easy breathing.
• Rosemary: The study states that this oil help alleviate respiratory issues. You can use it in the form of a shower steamer and can keep it on the shower floor.
• Peppermint: Refresh and decongests. You can use this oil in your own customized shower bombs and enjoy its benefits. This essential oil has a refreshing scent.

Muscle Relaxation and Soothing 

• Ginger: This essential oil has a warming effect that helps soothe sore muscles. Add a few drops of essential oil to a shower diffuser and place it in your shower to enjoy its benefits.
• Marjoram: Relax muscles and ease tension. Add a few drops to the shower head, and you are good to go.
• Eucalyptus: This is one of the natural oils that help soothe muscular discomfort.

10. Making Essential Oil Shower Gels: Personalize Your Shower Experience

Creating your own essential oil shower gel allows you to tailor the fragrance and properties to your preferences.

DIY Essential Oil Shower Gel

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unscented shower gel or castile soap
• 20-25 drops of your chosen essential oil(s)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional for added skin nourishment)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the unscented shower gel or castile soap with the essential oils.
2. Add the vitamin E oil if desired and stir well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a clean, empty shower gel bottle.
4. Use the personalized shower gel during your showers to enjoy the benefits of the selected essential oils.

Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects

Although essential oils offer numerous benefits, some individuals may experience allergies or sensitivities. It's essential to be aware of potential side effects.

Safety Tips:

• Always dilute the essential oil with any carrier oil, lotion, moisturizer, shower gel, etc., for topical application.
• Always perform a patch test before using any new essential oil.
• Store essential oils in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency.
• Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid using essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects:

• Skin irritation or rash
• Skin inflammation
• Redness
• Phototoxicity (increased sensitivity to sunlight)

If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the art of using essential oils in the shower opens a world of possibilities for enhancing our bathing experience and overall well-being. By understanding the potency of these natural extracts and their vast therapeutic benefits, we can harness their power in various ways.

• Whether through the gentle release of aromatic molecules in a shower diffuser or the indulgence of a pre-shower massage, just a few drops of essential oil can transform an ordinary shower into a soothing session of aromatherapy.
• DIY shower melts, crafted with different oils, allow us to create personalized blends that cater to our specific needs, whether it's relaxation, invigoration, or sinus relief.
• Keeping essential oils in a handy shower caddy ensures we never miss a chance to infuse our showers with the captivating scent of these precious extracts.
• The use of essential oil diffusers and shower steamers lets us effortlessly bask in the aroma of essential oils while we wash away the day's worries.
• So, rise and shine, and make showering an invigorating experience by using oil to keep your mornings fresh and energetic. And in the evenings, let the soothing scent of essential oils accompany you to unwind and relax.
• With the knowledge of how to use essential oils in the shower, we unlock the gateway to a daily sanctuary of self-care and renewal.
• Embrace the transformative power of essential oils as well as the joy they bring to each shower, and let the healing aromatherapy embrace your senses every time you get in the shower in the morning or any time of the day.