There's nothing quite like a bath to soothe your senses and your muscles after a tough workout or a hard day at work. We collected soaking secrets from spa directors around the country and here are their suggestions for recreating a soothing spa experience in your very own tub. For best results—and to prevent drying out your skin—be sure not to stay in the tub for longer than 30 minutes (although you may be tempted) and use lukewarm, rather than hot, water.

De-stressing Soak

Dim the lights, put on some soft music and sink into a bath sprinkled with anti-stress essential oils such as ylang-ylang, sandalwood and patchouli. Sit back, relax. Try: Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Mineral Bath Salts; Aura Cacia Tranquility; Crabtree & Evelyn Aromathology Bath Salts in "Relaxation"


After-sport Soak

Taking a salt bath directly after working out is a great way to relieve sore, fatigued muscles. Try: Epsom salts; Biolage Body Water Cure Therapeutic Mineral Bath; Phytomer Oligomer Lyophilise


Sleep-aid Soak

Sick of tossing and turning all night? A relaxing aromatic bath with neroli or marjoram 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the hay will help you sleep more soundly. Try: Nu Skin Epoch Herbal Bath Infusions in Relaxing; Better Botanicals Lavender Pure Essential Oil; Healing Hands Relaxation Sleep Therapy Bath Salts