Wellness Thing of the Week: Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil
Too tense to sleep? Get your body on the fast-track to the land of Nod with this luxuriously soothing oil
Hands up, who needs a rest? After almost two years of a global pandemic, we’ve all earned a little me-time, right? And we've got the perfect indulgent treat to help you tune out and drop off: Aromatherapy Associates’ soothing Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil.
A scent with history
We love a product with a good backstory, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The Deep Relax range was created by Aromatherapy Associates' founder Geraldine Howard in the 1980s, when she was looking for ways to tackle her insomnia, a problem she’d had since her teen years. She actually blended the original Deep Relax scent in her kitchen, and it remains pretty much unchanged today.
The resulting bath and shower oil has been a bedtime hero for decades, winning numerous accolades, including Best Bath Product at the 2020 Marie Claire Skin Awards and a Tatler Beauty Award in the same year. Praise, indeed!
But how can an aroma help me sleep better?
Good question. The theory behind aromatherapy is that aromatic molecules travel to the top of the nose where they come into contact with our olfactory nerve cells, triggering emotional and even physical responses.
The three main essential aromatic ingredients in the bath and shower oil are vetivert, wild camomile and sandalwood. Vetivert calms overactive minds to create a feeling of tranquillity, camomile relaxes while easing muscular tension and sandalwood helps soothe skin with its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. And if all that doesn’t promote deep and restful sleep, we don’t know what will…
Do I need gallons of it?
No, a little goes a very long way. Pour a tiny cap full into your hands to warm the oil and slowly inhale the aromas, then massage gently over your body before stepping into a warm bath or shower. A 100ml bottle should last for around 40 baths/showers.
Remember that when it comes to getting a better night's sleep, establishing a regular night-time routine like this is key to catching those essential Zzzs (read our article on How to sleep better). Indulge and sleep well.
Please note this product is not suitable for use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.