If you love a relaxing spa-night or consider yourself a wellness guru, odds are you probably have a pack of bath salts hiding in a drawer somewhere. With a number of different types claiming a huge array of benefits, bath salts are seemingly the answer to every problem.
Need to relax? Lavender bath salts will provide some soothing effects akin to aromatherapy. Irritated skin? Himalayan bath salts are said to help. Sore muscles? The magnesium in Epsom bath salts might be the answer.
All of this sounds great in theory, but what about those of us who don’t have a bathtub to use to reap all of these benefits? Especially if you live in a city environment, it’s not so uncommon to rely solely on a shower. Some people just hate the idea of lying in their own bathwater; to each his own.
Never fear, however, whether you don’t have a tub or just hate the concept, you can still use bath salts — you’ll just have to use them a little differently.
How to Use Bath Salts in a Shower
Sprinkle Them
One way to use bath salts in a shower is to simply sprinkle them along the bottom and showering as you normally would. As you shower, the salts will dissolve, creating soothing steam. This method is best for bath salts with a strong aroma, as the scent will release creating the same effect.
Make a Scrub
Making a scrub out of your bath salts is another way to use them without using a bath. Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it sounds. All you need to do is mix your desired bath salt with an oil of your choice to create a thick scrub that you can use on your body while showering. Healthline recommends ⅓ cup of oil for each cup of bath salts. Depending on what you prefer, almond, olive, and coconut oil are all great options.
Create a Soak
If you don’t have a bathtub, but still want to benefit from the relaxing properties of a soak, making a foot or hand soak is a great way to go. You don’t necessarily need to do this in the shower, but it can help you from getting wet footprints around the house. It’s exactly what it sounds like: Just dissolve the bath salts in warm water in a container or bowl big enough to fit your feet (or hands). Then soak. This method is best if you’re looking to release sore muscles in your feet or hands.