Expert Session

The Real Benefits of a Bathing Ritual, According to Julia Barna

April 23, 2025
Photos by: Bliss Kaufman

At Oak, we believe a bath is more than just a luxury. It’s a wellness ritual—and one that's even more powerful when our new Dream Bath Soak is in the mix. To dive deeper into the benefits of bathing, we sat down with Oak's Global Skincare Ambassador, Julia Barna. Julia takes a holistic approach to her LA-based practice, treating skincare as a meaningful step in whole-body wellness. Keep reading as she tells us about the restorative power of taking a bath, what makes Dream Bath Soak's formula so special, and how to create a deeply healing practice from the comfort of your bathtub.

How do you view the ritual of bathing? 

I like to think of taking a bath as a return to a tradition as ancient as our early ancestors. Bathing is a cultural cornerstone of communities around the globe—ceremonies of pleasure, relaxation, and transformation have been well-documented for over 5,000 years. There’s something healing on a spiritual level about participating in that tradition. For me, taking a bath is a personal prayer or meditation. It’s a chance to drop into my body in a somatic ritual that’s as simple as noticing my senses—listening to the soft moving drops of the water, breathing in the aromas of herbs, resins, and blossoms, feeling the warmth on my skin, and noticing the unwinding of tension in my muscles and tissues. A bath is a simple indulgence, an attainable luxury, and an excuse to be in peaceful solitude. 

What are some of the benefits of taking a bath? 

A good bath is thought to be a profound healer on many levels. The act of slowing down when we bathe restores balance to the nervous system. The intentional breathing and warmth of the water soothes the spirit while optimizing circulation, which naturally promotes lymphatic drainage and vitality to all of our organs. The ingredients we choose to soak in can also be deeply impactful. Oils and essences soften the skin, delivering hydration to the tissues and lubrication to the joints. Magnesium helps decreases inflammation and tension, optimizing our body's ability to restore after a strenuous workout or a long day at a desk. Aromatherapeutic benefits can elevate our spirits or prepare us for a restful night’s sleep—whatever it is we may need.  

What’s unique about Dream Bath Soak's formulation? How do the ingredients support the body? 

People travel the world in search of the healing properties found in volcanic hot springs, artesian wells, and other “sacred” pools. Dream Bath Soak’s formula is like bringing those healing waters home. The Magnesium from the Dead Sea and the European Sea Salt act as tonics for soreness, inflammation, and emotional tension. The carefully chosen aromatics of Lavender, Chamomile, and Geranium encourage deep relaxation. And on top of its lovely smell, Copaiba Balsam is known to diminish pain and relax the mind. Together, these ingredients help soften and hydrate the skin while delivering truly therapeutic benefits. 

Julia's Checklist for an Intentional Bathing Ritual
  • Light a candle or incense and play soothing sounds. I love listening to solfeggio frequencies to relax and heal, specifically 528 Hz which is the “miracle frequency”. 
  • Sometimes I’ll apply a mask to my face for a real at-home spa moment, but at the very least, I keep a bottle of face mist nearby to refresh myself while I soak. 
  • While I’m soaking, it’s truly me-time. I close my eyes and breathe, noticing sounds and smells and sensations. It’s a time to experience appreciation for everything my body does for me.  
  • As my skin softens, I use a soft washcloth to gently exfoliate my skin. 
  • Since my circulation has been optimized by the warmth, this is a perfect time to dry brush to encourage the movement of any stagnation in my legs or arms, as well as work through stubborn dense fascia.  
  • I apply oil, lotion, or balm depending on my skin’s needs. A bath beautifully prepares the skin to receive the nutritive benefits of hydrating products.  
  • I dress myself in comfortable, natural fiber sleepwear and prepare myself for a good night’s sleep with a warm cup of herbal tea. 
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