CBD Bath Bombs: Should You Go For Store-Bought or Handmade?

Bath bombs are the most peaceful underwater ‘explosives’ in the world. They may also have the potential to turn bathtime into your favourite pastime. But with great power comes great responsibility — particularly when it comes to ingredients, sustainability, and sourcing. This article will explore how CBD-infused bath bombs are making a splash in the world of cannabis and wellness, as well as how you can get your hands on one.

When was the last time you felt a sudden urge to wash? Perhaps it was after a strenuous gym session that left your clothes sticking to your skin. Or maybe you woke up feeling groggy, and in need of a refreshing start to the day. Regardless of the reason, you most likely chose to take a shower rather than a bath. While both are a suitable means of washing when done correctly, showers offer an instant and practical solution, while baths provide a longer, more recreational experience with a very different story.

Waters of the Past

While many of us in developed countries have the modern luxury of private bathing facilities, historical communities in Ancient Greece were among the first to install public baths for social purposes in 500 BC. These buildings were cultural hubs for beautifying and partaking in critical life events — as depicted in many antique pottery designs. The archaeological remains of religious public baths are present in Pakistan and Rome — some could host over 3,000 bathers on any given day.

With the industrial revolution and the rise of the personal hygiene movement in the 19th century, doctors first began to promote bathing as an efficient practice that could help prevent disease spread. No doubt, we have all been reminded of the importance of hand-washing in recent times. However, bathing is not just about rinsing the dirt away. It may also be a means of experiencing moments of ‘therapeutic’ and physical value.

Among medical professionals, the term ‘ balneotherapy’ describes the practice of preparing baths to help soothe physical ailments and injuries. Hydrotherapy also utilises water for its potentially beneficial properties — prescribing different temperatures, pressures, and motions to target specific issues. In most cases, we are not performing elaborate mobility tasks when we’re enjoying recreational baths.

However, when referenced loosely, a ‘therapeutic’ effect can also extend to matters of the mind, emotions, and our overall sense of wellbeing. Here, a hot bath may be of possible benefit.

Studies suggest that baths may potentially help to:

• Elevate your mood and possibly relieve some symptoms of depression
• Reduce symptoms of anxiety when combined with lavender
• Reduce symptoms of stress, tension and anger
• Relieve some symptoms of pain associated with tension

When was the last time you left the shower with ‘wrinkles’ on your fingertips? We can often linger in the bath for prolonged periods without even noticing. It can feel so good that we end up losing track of time. Thankfully, there may be reasons to believe that relaxing in the bath can provide us with more than just sensory pleasures. Excluding any of the additional possible benefits which may be offered by your chosen bath products, your body may just respond well to being comfortably submerged in hot water.

Research suggests that taking a bath may possibly impact physical wellbeing by:

• Improving your sleep and reducing symptoms of insomnia
• Promoting healthy circulation
• Having a positive impact on your breathing
• Assisting with the detoxification and hydration of your skin

Nowadays, sustainability is rising to the forefront of our concerns and water is not excluded. In some countries, domestic water supplies face mounting pressures to meet people’s practical daily needs. According to the United Nations (UN), up to 40% of the world’s population do not have access to necessary washing facilities, despite the expanding availability of drinking water. But does this mean that you should feel guilty about turning on the tap?

Do Baths Use More Water Than Showers?

For years, showering has been promoted as an eco-friendly habit, while some have dismissed bathing as a potential drain on valuable resources. However, filling an average 80-litre bath may require less water than taking a 10-minute shower. Interestingly, this information has not received much attention. The most environmentally-friendly washing option may be to have a rapid rinse in cold water (for those who are feeling extra committed). Efficient? Yes. Enjoyable and therapeutic? Perhaps not.

When done in excess, anything has the potential to be perceived as ‘wasteful’. While we don’t advise filling up your tub every night of the week, it may be reasonable to assume that bathing in moderation is no more ‘wasteful’ than other forms of washing. You may want to consider showering regularly and reserving long baths as a weekly or fortnightly indulgence. Scheduling your soaks more sparingly may also be the perfect excuse to invest in some premium toiletries to make these occasions feel even more special.

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your bath, you may want to try:

• Plugging the drain before you start running any water
• Changing the depth of your bath as you see fit
• Entering the water as soon as it’s comfortable to prevent heat loss
• Using natural and sustainable bath products

As a trending cannabis-derived extract, CBD has created a tidal wave in the natural beauty industry due to its possible botanical properties and rumoured potential as a relaxing self-care product. Before we appreciate the unique buzz around CBD bath bombs, let’s take a moment to explore the substance in its raw form.

What is CBD?

Formally known as cannabidiol, CBD is one of over a hundred chemical compounds native to the cannabis plant. While cannabis as a raw plant may have, at one time, been associated with bohemian lifestyles and rebellious attitudes, it has more recently attracted mainstream attention. In international research spheres, a growing assembly of analysts and wellbeing professionals are meticulously investigating its clinical and commercial potential.

Technically speaking, CBD comes from hemp — a subspecies of cannabis (cannabis Sativa, to be exact) with nutritious seeds, versatile oil, and strong fibres that people have cultivated for a variety of purposes. As a compound, it was first extracted in the 1940s by an American chemist named Robert Adams. CBD comes from the leaves, stems and flowers of the industrial hemp plant. It is an aromatic and oily substance. Since ‘like dissolves like’, developers typically combine the extract with other base-oils to create ‘CBD oil’. You can take CBD orally, inhale it by vaping, or apply it directly to your skin, depending on your personal and individual preferences.

This is often one of the first questions that comes to mind in discussions about CBD. Fortunately, this specific compound has a relatively ‘clean’ reputation. Researchers do not currently associate it with any psychotropic effects that could produce a “high”. Instead, academics have linked the mood-altering and habit-forming side-effects which may accompany some forms of cannabis use with the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) compound. Since hemp is a strain of cannabis characterised by low THC concentrations of 0.2% or less, regulation-compliant CBD extract is considered legal in the UK, USA, and many other places. Often categorised as a food supplement rather than a controlled substance, CBD is not psychotropic, but may potentially have a calming and positive effect.

Rather than defining relaxation in isolated terms, we often think of it as a state of calm marked by the comfortable absence of anxiety, stress, tension, and other common obstacles. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD might be a useful substance — potentially assisting us in managing various forms of unease. Popular narratives also entertain the idea of CBD having a positive impact on our bodies and minds. But what does the objective data say?

Research indicates that CBD may potentially lead to a perceived increase in relaxation by:

• Helping to diminish symptoms of excess inflammation in your nervous system
• Reducing some symptoms of anxiety
• Decreasing some symptoms of anxious behaviours and habits
• Improving your sleep and possibly reducing symptoms of insomnia

In a recent interview with the New York Times, researcher James MacKillop commented that CBD is considered safe by most experts, and therefore shows possible promise when it comes to certain therapeutic avenues. The general recognition of CBD as a low-risk substance is an encouraging place to start — especially given the serious health concerns raised by other so-called wellness trends.

There is currently a lack of definitive evidence regarding the potential benefits of CBD. However, an increasing number of contemporary studies suggest that it may be a possible asset to our wellbeing. Some researchers have promoted CBD as a substance that might have a positive effect on the skin, and potentially affect some symptoms of inflammation and pain.

CBD and Your Skin

According to Dermatology Times, the practice of applying CBD directly to your skin via products such as lotions or bath bombs is growing in popularity. On a scientific level, CBD may potentially be an enriching addition to your beauty rituals due to its possible ability to;

• Hydrate your skin
• Help to affect some symptoms associated with the formation of blemishes
• Positively impact symptoms of some skin struggles of an inflammatory nature (such as acne)
• Act as an antioxidant

CBD and Inflammation

Whether caused by a subtle internal trigger within our bodies, or an apparent physical injury, inflammation is generally an uncomfortable experience to endure. It is most commonly associated with swelling, reddening of the skin, and sensations of pressure and pain. Due to the chemical interactions that CBD is purported to potentially enable within our nervous system (particularly within the endocannabinoid system), it might help to reduce some inflammation symptoms.

Research indicates that CBD may have the potential to impact how we experience inflammation by:

• Potentially helping to suppress symptoms of some overactive immune functions
• Possibly regulating some symptoms of inflammation

How CBD May Impact Pain Symptoms

While CBD is by no means a ‘pain killer’ or comparable to mainstream medicines, it may potentially influence how we perceive and experience symptoms of pain triggered by inflammation. Swelling is often an effective means of protecting the body’s more vulnerable parts. However, it often results in applying uncommon pressure to the surrounding nerves in the heat of the moment.

Several studies have shown that CBD may potentially:

• Improve self-perceived comfort levels with its possible analgesic effect
• Assist with managing some symptoms of chronic pain

More often than not, CBD can be used safely, with minimal risk of unwanted side-effects. There is a chance that it might cause some irritation when applied topically — particularly if you have sensitive skin. However, we can assume that adding any new skin product to your routine might have the potential to trigger a mild reaction, regardless of CBD content. It is always advisable to do a patch test before applying any topical products to your body.

Current findings connect CBD consumption with the following potential side-effects:

• Digestive discomfort
• Tiredness
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Potentially impacting some medications

If you notice any of these symptoms, you may wish to adjust your CBD dosage or consult your doctor.

So far, we’ve learned that taking a bath is widely regarded as a positive wellbeing practice that may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. In doing so, bathing could result in a perceived improvement to your overall mood and disposition. On top of this, some studies indicate that the physical process of soaking in warm water might potentially be of particular benefit to your skin and circulation.

Similarly, researchers investigating the potential value of CBD have suggested that it too may possibly facilitate a state of relaxation and perceived improvements in wellbeing. Could the purported benefits of bathing and CBD merge to create the ultimate calming ritual? Below are some key reasons why you may want to consider using a CBD bath bomb.

• You can easily incorporate CBD as part of a process-led relaxation ritual (AKA, a bath).
• You can avoid the ‘earthy’ taste of CBD — which some people dislike.
• It is a ‘green’ beauty product with potentially calming applications.
• Soaking in CBD-infused bathwater may promote better skin absorption.
• CBD may potentially increase the stress-relieving and feel-good potential of your bath.

Like soluble aspirin tablets, bath bombs are dry solids that react dramatically upon contact with water. They first appeared in the late 1980s, when they were created in the United Kingdom by ‘mother of bath bombs’, Margaret Constantine. As bath time treats, they rely on a combination of mild acidic ingredients and bicarbonate ingredients in terms of chemistry. When submerged, they produce a playful ‘fizzing’ effect, which may last for a few minutes until the bath bomb has fully dissolved in water.

Beyond these reactive components, cosmetologists often infuse bath bombs with fragrant and nourishing ingredients, such as perfumes, salts, and moisturising elements. Most commonly, they are shaped like orbs and can vary in size. Over the past few years, bath bombs have become a bathtime must-have synonymous with relaxation — especially among female audiences.

Bath Bombs vs Bath Salts

As popular bathroom toiletries, both salts and bombs begin as solid structures that dissolve when introduced to water. However, bath salts have a much more extensive history, and people have used them for centuries. They are crushed minerals that discreetly sink to the bottom of the water without any visible reaction. On the other hand, bath bombs ‘fizz’ ceremoniously at the surface for several minutes, and can offer experimental blends of smells and ingredients.

Would you like to learn how to make a bath bomb? In a recent conversation with Live Science, American chemist and self-care enthusiast Frankie Wood-Black explains that they are actually relatively straightforward to make. For those of us who have the time to experiment, and the tolerance for messy tasks, bath bombs can begin in your pantry. To make a plain-and-simple bath bomb, you can combine popular baking ingredients, such as bicarbonate of soda, citric acid, and cornflour. The general idea is to mix the dry ingredients first and add a minimal amount of water to achieve a slightly damp texture — at which point, the mixture can be pressed into a mould and left to set.

Are All Bath Bombs Equal?

While the standard soda-acid-cornflour combination is chemically required to produce the signature ‘fizz’ that characterises every bath bomb, not all products are equal. Dermatologists have speculated that acidic ingredients, such as bicarbonate of soda in particular, may be potentially beneficial for cleansing the skin. However, rudimentary bath bombs may be a bit ‘empty’ in their potential capacity to enrich your bathwater.

Deluxe bath bombs typically use the standard recipe as a base, and elaborate upon it with the addition of indulgent moisturisers, aromatic ingredients, and potentially uplifting botanicals. Rather than being limited to the items found in your pantry, these luxuries feature diverse components from premium and often natural sources. CBD bath bombs may offer a rich and holistic upgrade from the standard soda-acid-cornflour experience.

A cannabis-inspired twist on the classic bathtime must-have, CBD bath bombs may be a perfect opportunity to warm up and unwind — just add water! As the name suggests, these products contain CBD oil: a moisturising botanical substance which may offer a wide array of potential wellbeing benefits, as we’ve already discussed. To use one, we recommend filling your bathtub to the desired level, dropping the product in, and enjoying the entertainment as it ‘fizzes’ around. Once it has dissolved, your bath bomb will supplement the water with CBD, and any of the other ingredients it contains.

CBD and Essential Oils: A Winning Combination

Communities worldwide have cultivated lavender for centuries as an ornamental garden plant, fragrant herb, folk remedy, and edible delicacy. Within aromatherapy — the field that uses botanical extracts to support mind, body, and spirit — lavender oil is recognised as a versatile resource that may possibly offer some potent wellbeing properties. These properties may resonate with the alleged potential of CBD.

Current research suggests that, like CBD, lavender may possibly help to:

• Improve your sleep
• Reduce some symptoms of pain
• Relieve some symptoms of anxiety
• Impact some symptoms of depression

Attempting to make your own CBD bath bomb is likely to involve some trial and error, along with a mess that may prove to be the opposite of relaxing. You’ll have to assemble ingredients, browse for recipes, and then embrace the unknown. Furthermore, your DIY efforts might even risk wasting your CBD oil — which represents a valuable investment. We’d recommend carefully sourcing your CBD bath bomb from a reputable brand with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This way, you can skip past the preparation and focus on the results.

Unwind With VAAY: CBD Lavender Bath Bomb

Too many options can be stressful. Here at VAAY, we make the choices simple with quality ingredients, empowered research, and chic designs. Drifting into relaxation may come naturally with our bespoke VAAY CBD Lavender Bath Bomb — a deliciously-fragranced and botanically amplified product. Inspired by nature, each bath bomb contains a sumptuous blend of:

• 100 mg of CBD
• Linalool (an oily plant compound or ‘terpene’)
• Shea and cocoa butter
• Hemp seed, coconut, and lavender oils
• Lavender flowers

Bathing is an essential self-care practice that has been ritualised throughout history. It can potentially offer us a chance to experience feelings of pronounced relaxation as well as physical cleanliness. CBD represents a more recent plant-based trend, and may possibly provide some potential wellbeing benefits similar to those we might hope to sample from a good bath. These potential merits might include reduced symptoms of anxiety, muscle tension, and an overall possible feel-good sensation. As products that combine CBD with millennial bathing habits, CBD bath bombs may be a fun and convenient addition to your de-stressing routine. Our VAAY bath bombs feature ethically sourced ingredients and mindful blends for the ultimate bathing experience.

Originally published at https://uk.vaay.com.