The Art of Intentional Bathing: How Hydrotherapy and Botanicals Restore Skin and Senses
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bath at the end of the day — but beyond comfort, science shows that hydrotherapy can have a profound effect on the body, skin, and mind.
At Susanne Kaufmann, our bathing rituals are rooted in the healing traditions of the Alps, where natural remedies and mindful self-care have been passed down through generations. As part of our A Moment for the Senses campaign, we explore how heat and water — when combined with the power of Alpine botanicals — can renew the skin and spirit alike.
“Bathing rituals have always been an essential part of my personal home spa moments. An evening bath creates an atmosphere of calm, helping the mind to unwind and the body to regenerate. It is a holistic practice that nurtures both skin and spirit, connecting us to nature, restoring balance, and inviting stillness into everyday life.” Susanne Kaufmann, Founder
What Does Hydrotherapy Do for Skin, Circulation and Sleep?
Immersing the body in warm water gently dilates blood vessels, improving circulation and encouraging oxygen and nutrient flow to the muscles and skin. This can reduce tension, soothe aching limbs, and contribute to visibly healthier, more radiant skin. At the same time, hydrotherapy helps lower stress hormones like cortisol and activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s "rest and repair" mode.
What Is the Most Overlooked Aspect of Bathing?
Often, people focus only on the water itself, but the atmosphere surrounding the bath is just as important. Lighting should be kept soft and warm to guide the body into a restful state. Distractions, especially phones, should be put away to create space for true mindfulness. Temperature also matters: overly hot water can overstimulate, while gently warm water deeply soothes.
Incorporating a sensorial soak like Bath for the Senses can elevate this ritual further. Infused with calming essential oils such as lavender, ylang ylang, and patchouli, and finished with a hand-picked sprig of rosemary from our home in Bezau, this aromatic bath helps reset both body and mind — transforming an ordinary moment into a deeply restorative experience.
How to Prepare the Body for a Restorative Bath
To fully reap the benefits of a bath, it helps to prepare the body both physically and mentally. A gentle stretch, a walk in nature, or a moment of stillness can begin the process of unwinding. In the Susanne Kaufmann philosophy, dry brushing or using an exfoliating treatment like the Refining Scalp & Body Scrub before bathing is highly recommended — it awakens the skin, encourages lymphatic flow, and helps the active ingredients in your bath soak work more deeply.
Another wellness tradition rooted in Susanne’s hometown of Bezau is the cool rinse post-bath. This age-old Alpine practice stimulates circulation and awakens the skin, leaving you both revitalised and calm.
When Is the Best Time to Take a Bath?
Although a warm bath is beneficial at any time of day, evening soaks align best with the body's natural circadian rhythm. As your core temperature drops before sleep, a warm bath gently enhances this process — encouraging deeper, more restorative rest. Morning baths, when infused with invigorating herbs, can also be uplifting — but Susanne’s preference remains an evening ritual, when the home is quiet, the lights are low, and the bath becomes a bridge between the demands of the day and the calm of the night.
The Ideal Bath Temperature and Duration
For a truly therapeutic soak, water should be close to body temperature, ideally between 37–38°C. This ensures your body relaxes without becoming overstimulated. A 20-minute soak is considered optimal: long enough to encourage circulation and ease muscle tension, without overtaxing the cardiovascular system. Cooler water can support a longer soak, while hotter baths should be shorter and more mindful.
How to Treat the Body After Bathing
Immediately after bathing, the skin is primed to absorb hydration. Applying a body oil, such as the Pomegranate Body Oil, onto damp skin helps seal in moisture, support skin elasticity, and leave behind a silken glow. For an even more nourishing treatment, blend a few drops into our Body Butter or Body Butter for the Senses — the rich texture enhances absorption, deeply replenishing the skin and extending the benefits of your bathing ritual. This final step turns a simple soak into a full-body ritual.
Traditional Ingredients to Enhance the Bathing Experience
While bath salts and oils are the most familiar companions to warm water, traditional Alpine remedies elevate the practice further. Try infusing your bath with a muslin bag filled with hayflowers, chamomile, or rosemary sprigs to soothe skin and enhance the sensory experience. Ingredients like goat’s milk or oat powder deeply nourish and soften skin without irritation.
Tailored Baths for Your Needs
How to create the ideal bathing ritual based on your mood or wellness goals:
- For sore muscles: Look for arnica, rosemary, or juniper.
- For stress: Lavender, chamomile, and frankincense calm both mind and body.
- For better sleep: Ylang-ylang and sandalwood encourage deeper rest.
- For an energy boost: Peppermint and pine refresh and invigorate.
- For detox: Ginger, birch, and sage stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage.
- For hangovers: Citrus oils, peppermint, and rosemary revive the senses, while magnesium-rich salts restore essential minerals.
What Should You Avoid in the Bath
Certain ingredients, even natural ones, can be too harsh for the skin or its delicate microbiome. Avoid using citrus juices, vinegar, or synthetic bubble baths, which can disrupt the skin barrier and cause sensitivity. Instead, opt for pH-balanced, botanical-based products with no synthetic surfactants or overpowering essential oils.
A Moment for the Senses
Bathing is more than hygiene — it is a time-honoured ritual of renewal, one that has been passed down in Susanne Kaufmann’s family for generations in the Bregenzerwald region. By combining heat, water, and botanical wisdom, we reconnect with our senses, our surroundings, and ourselves — one calm, intentional soak at a time.
