Asking what is so great about a bubble bath is like asking what is so great about a breeze on a crisp spring day or the smell of fresh laundry right off the clothesline. These are all visceral experiences which give us a momentary lift from our ordinary experiences. For many of us, our earliest childhood memories circle around that mysterious powder which turned routine bathing into an exciting bubble bath. The thought of generating all that foam and creating our own private seascape was a thrill in itself.
As adults, we tend to see showering and bathing as perfunctory. We don't ease into a bubble bath at the end of the day. Instead, we 'run' or 'hop' into the bathroom for a quick shower. Every once in a while we might opt for a slower bath, but bathing in general has become more of a personal hygiene chore than a soothing reward. The prospect of a good bubble bath can help re-establish our earlier sense of relaxation around bath time.
For parents, a bubble bath can provide enough incentive for children to bathe regularly. A shower may be far too complicated for small children, while a regular bath may not sound very appealing. With the addition of soap bubble bath powder and a few toys, however, the act of cleaning oneself may become habitual. Parents can also be assured that the soapy foam of a bubble bath will remove surface dirt without harsh detergents or skin irritants.
Bubble bath soaps designed for adults often contain a tantalizing blend of herbal essences, oils and natural fragrances. Combined with the stress-reducing heat of the bath water, these bubble bath soaps can reinvigorate the skin and provide a form of aromatherapy. The cleansing foam also allows bathers to be more passive -- a good bubble bath doesn't have to involve scrub brushes and exfoliating cloths. Sometimes a good long soak in a bubble bath restores piece of mind faster than the frenetic energy of a shower.
For a nostalgic escape from the stressful adult world, try tossing a cup of Mr. Bubble in your next bath. While you're at it, create a foam beard or a floating island. No one will know.