An ancient tradition in Eastern Europe, beer baths, are now gaining popularity globally. People of Eastern Europe have been bathing in oak hot tubs, full of beer, as they claim that the practice relieves stress and cleanses the skin. It is also said to release toxins from the body. Many also claim that this is the perfect example of DetoxToRetox! But is it so? Let's find out.

What is beer bathing?

The first ever beer bath was witnessed years back in 921 AD. King Wenceslas, the Duke of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) had his servants prepare him cold brewery baths with wort from the nearby abbeys. And the tradition is alive even today! In Hungarian capital Budapest, the Thermal Beer Spa offers a similar treatment. It is led by a "Bath Master." Hops, malt, yeast and a beer salt are added to a wooden bathtub filled with 36°C hot medicinal water.

Drinking beer is part of the treatment. Many scientific studies have suggested that ingesting small amounts of beer can be good for your gut and immunity as they stimulate microbiota diversity.

Is it actually beneficial or just another wellness fad?

The ingredients present in beer - such as yeast and barley - are believed to have health benefits. One of the beliefs is that bathing in such soothing ingredients can release toxins and moisturize your skin.

Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist from Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, while speaking to media said, "Hops, a primary component of beer, contain antioxidants that can help combat free radicals, potentially improving skin health. Yeast, another key ingredient, contains B vitamins and can help maintain skin’s moisture levels, which might be beneficial for dry skin conditions."

She further added, "Some proponents also claim that the acids in beer can help to exfoliate the skin, potentially aiding in the management of acne or eczema."

More about beer baths

While customers are able to sip on pints as they soak, there remains a common misconception that they will be bathing in alcohol. That is not the case! Though these baths contain most of the ingredients that produce beer, they are not brewed to complete the beer making process. This wellness trend is an unorthodox approach that adds a unique texture to the bath water.

The main aim is to help the person feel refreshed, rejuvenated and replenished after a soak. The aromatherapy and hydrotherapy is what further helps you to reap the best out of it.