Nothing is more soothing than taking a long warm bath surrounded by beloved bubbles, especially in the winter. Bubble baths are great, but are these fragranced products the right pick for you?
In this article, we look at the safety of using bubble baths, some side effects, and what to avoid.
Are bubble baths considered safe?
There are different benefits of bubble baths, as they contain some essential ingredients like bath oils and bath salts, which are soothing for your skin.
With that in mind, know that the safety of bubble baths lies in choosing the right ingredients. The ideal bubble bath for women and men is a product that contains mostly natural ingredients.
Are bubble baths safe for your vagina?
Bubble baths are luxurious and have a soothing effect on your body and mind. However, the same cannot be said for vaginal health. Bubble baths can throw off the pH balance of the vagina, which could lead to some issues.
The vagina has a more acidic pH balance, which is the ideal environment for the numerous protective organisms there. Any product that negatively affects this delicate balance could result in vaginal misery, like itching, dryness, and infection.
These are some of the possible infections women end up being more susceptible to:
- Yeast Infection
- Vaginal irritation
- Urinary Tract Infection (bladder infection)
Even if you choose to go ahead with using a bubble bath or a bath bomb, there are some safety measures you should take. You should not stay in the bathtub for more than 10 minutes. Also, always rinse off with warm water after soaking.
Are bubble baths safe for men?
It is safe for men to take bubble baths, as there are few to no associated side effects. After a long workout at the gym or a stressful day at work, relaxing in a bubble bath and soothing those achy joints and tired back is a great feeling. Bubble baths also help to relieve stress and promote better sleep.
What are some possible side effects?
If you don't use natural bubble baths or you don't use the product as intended, then there could be some complications. These are some of the side effects that could occur when using bubble baths.
Dead skin sloughs off
It is without a doubt that exfoliation comes with a lot of benefits, like keeping your skin fresh and healthy. But, as you take that long warm soak, the dead skin sloughs off inside your bathtub, and do you really like that?
Research has shown that dead skin cells transfer to the water as you soak while bathing. So you should avoid staying in your bathtub for extended periods. Nobody wants to hang out with their dead skin cells.
Wounds May Take Longer To Heal
One of the most crucial tips after getting surgery or a tattoo is to say away from warm baths. The reason for this is simple. The scar from the surgery or the tattoo is a wound that needs time to heal (a needle piercing your skin is no joke).
This advice also applies to any type of wound. So, if you are nursing any abrasion or cut, it is best to avoid bubble baths until it heals fully. Having long warm baths will only lengthen the healing process.
Bubble Bath Ingredients to Avoid
There are some ingredients you need to look out for and ensure they are not on the ingredient list of your purchased product.
Artificial fragrances
Artificial fragrance is an ingredient to avoid because it could contain many different chemicals. A lot of people get irritated by products with artificial scents. These reactions could range from contact dermatitis, hives, rashes, and concentration issues to dizziness and sneezing.
So go for bubble baths that are scented using natural ingredients, including plant-based essential oils.
Phthalates
Some manufacturers use phthalates to bind ingredients together and also for the preservation of synthetic fragrances. While that might not sound too harmful, you should know that phthalates have been linked to various developmental and health concerns, such as:
- Male reproductive issues
- Early onset puberty
- Weight issues
- Behavioral disorders
- Child asthma
So, you are better off avoiding bubble baths that contain phthalates, whether you intend to use them for your child or yourself.
Sulfates
When it comes to products for personal care, sulfates are those cost-efficient detergents used in creating what is, supposedly, the perfect lather. What most people don't know is that there is a possibility that these ingredients in personal care products could harm the natural moisture present in the skin.
Furthermore, when the SLS concentration goes above 2 percent, it could lead to skin irritations, particularly in people with sensitive skin. The range for the SLS concentration in household cleaning products lies somewhere between 1 to 30 percent. These numbers could be higher for some personal care products.
Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers
It is normal to expect brands to leave out some known carcinogens from their formula. But, formaldehyde is used as an antibacterial ingredient and preservative. So, skip bubble products containing any of these:
- Methylene oxide
- Methylene glycol
- Methyl aldehyde
- Methanal
- Methanediol
- Formic aldehyde
- Formalin
Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. Even if you check the label and don't see any signs of formaldehyde, it doesn't necessarily mean the product is safe. Now, this is because various chemical combinations are known to release formaldehyde. So, it is better to stay away from products with the following constituents:
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- DMDM hydantoin
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Quaternium-15
How to safely use bubble baths?
Before you switch your soothing bubbles for bath salts or any other product, there are safe ways you can use bubble baths. These are the steps to follow to have a risk-free bubble bath.
- Keep the water at a comfortable temperature: Scalding-hot or freezing-cold water will ruin your bath experience. The recommended water temperature is around 112 F.
- Soak for about 15 minutes: You can enjoy a glass of wine or a good book. Do anything that keeps you entertained, but avoid staying in the water longer than 15 minutes.
- Less is Better: You are better off using a bit of basic bubble bath as it will still create enough bubbles to give you an enjoyable experience. Using a small quantity is recommended, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
- Be careful with sensitivities: People with skin that is sensitive to fragrances and dyes are also likely to have issues with bubble baths.
Conclusion
One of the best relaxing things after a long day is soaking in a tub full of bubbles. It can help you unwind, relieve stress, and escape from reality.
However, some bubble baths contain ingredients that are not recommended for people who want to avoid harsh chemicals or those with sensitive skin. So it is vital to check the label of body-care products you plan to purchase to be sure they contain no irritants that could cause a reaction.
If you want to shop for the best natural bubble baths, visit the Body and Earth website. Their products are made with natural ingredients and are fully tested.
FAQs
How long is it safe to stay in a bubble bath?
While enjoying your bath time with your bubble bath products, you should not stay too long. It's best to spend no more than 10 to 15 minutes bathing in bubbles, especially for those with sensitive skin.
How often is it safe for a woman to take a bubble bath?
It is safe for women to take bubble baths or use a bath bomb once per week. This is to maintain good vaginal health and reduce the likelihood of infections like yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and other related irritations. You should note that only the outer part of your vulva should be washed using mild soap or just water when bathing.
Going for a liquid bubble bath or bubble bar can also affect overall safety. Make sure to rinse off your entire body with plain water post-bath.
Can bubble baths give you thrush?
There are chances that bubble baths could increase the risk of vaginal irritation, including thrush. You are also more likely to develop thrush if you have damaged or irritated skin.
Is a bubble bath safe during pregnancy?
You can enjoy safe bubble baths during pregnancy, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Keep your body temperature under control, and don't spend more than 10 minutes in the bathtub. Take a cold shower if you feel overheated.
Are bubble baths bad for your pH balance?
Bathing products like soaps and bubble baths may alter the pH of the vagina, which could lead to itching, dryness, or infection in some cases.
Is bubble bath bad for eczema?
Most of the chemicals and synthetic fragrances in bubble baths can trigger a reaction in someone with eczema because eczema is sensitive to all soaps.
Is bubble bath bad for piles?
You should not use bubble baths for bathing if you have piles. However, you can try adding some salts to the bath water or using a sitz bath. A sitz bath allows you to sit in warm water that covers the hips and buttocks. You can sit in it for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Are bubble baths safe for the septic system?
Bathing products like fizzy bombs and bubble baths might not be the best bet for your septic system because they could contain ingredients that could pose problems. However, choosing the best bubble bath set and limiting the times you use it will pose no risk to your septic system.
Are bubble baths safe for babies & toddlers?
You can use a bath bomb or bubble bath for kids. However, ensure you go for bubble baths specifically formulated for children. A once-a-week bubble bath will not harm your baby or toddler.
