AROMATIC BATHS affect both the olfactory and nervous systems. Many of the oils are either stimulating or relaxing and most people opt for a stimulating bath in the morning and a relaxing one in the evening 'Among the relaxing essences are camomile, lavender, orange blossom and rose, with others like basil, cardamom, peppermint and rosemary being tonic and stimulating. The simplest method of deriving satisfaction from an aromatic bath is to sprinkle a few drops (five or six are often sufficient) of the oil into the bath. Then step in, at the same time swishing the water so that the oil forms a film on the surface. The essence penetrates the skin in much the same way as it does during an aromatherapy massage.

If your skin is dry it's a good idea to mix the essential oil with a little vegetable oil (about 5 – 6 drops of essential oil) and add that to the bath water. Alternatively, you could apply the mix of essence and nourishing oil to specific dry spots like elbows and heels, before you step in. Warm the oil in the palms of your hands and it will go further. The oil treatment enters its second phase once you lie down to soak, when the miniscule droplets rise to the water surface ready to clothe you in goodness as you re-emerge from the bath.

To spring-clean skin which is looking dingy and dull, why not try a mock Turkish Bath? For best results, choose an evening when you have at least an hour and a half free to pamper yourself.

Assemble your equipment - Epsom salts, soap, loofah or bath mitt, nail brush, pumice stone and large bath towel. Fill the bath with hot water and add two good handfuls of Epsom salts. Step in to the bath and soak for about 10 minutes. You are going to tackle every bit of your body, rubbing and scrubbing to stimulate the circulation and slough off the dead cells which mal your skin look dull and grey. First thoroughly scrub your fingernails with the nailbrush, and then go to work on hands, lower and upper arms, and elbows with the loofah or mitt, resorting to the pumice stone if necessary, where there are patches of hard skin. Tackle toenails, feet, ankles, calves, knees and thighs in the same way. Then slide lower in the bath, bending your knees and massage your tummy with loofah or mitt, rubbing in a clockwise direction. Sensitive tummies may need a sponge rub instead. Sit up again and repeat the tummy massage. Lastly, rub shoulders and back until they feel tingling clean.

Step out of the bath; wrap the towel around you and lie down for half an hour, until you feel cooler. Then take a second bath, soaping yourself well, and concentrate on the areas which are particularly prone to dull, rough skin - the back of your neck, elbows and backs of arms, heels and the backs of legs. Rinse off the soapy water, with a shower if you have one, then rub yourself dry with the towel.

Just minutes before you turn on the tap you can assemble the ingredients for an HERB BATH.

Choose herbs for their stimulating or relaxing qualities in much the same way as you would essences. The secret is to use dried herbs and infuse them in a muslin bag, and then tie it to the hot tap so the water runs through the bag. An herbal bath should include flowers as well as leaves; it soothes the nervous system and nourishes the skin.

When tackling the' problem of dingy post- winter skin, don't overlook OATMEAL. CORNMEAL or BARLEY. Any of these, dampened down with water, make a slightly abrasive paste which can he smeared on the trouble spots. After five minutes, rinse off well. Alternatively, oatmeal can be sewn into a muslin bag and used a dozen times over in the bath.

Try a MILK BATH, easily prepared by knotting together, in a handkerchief, 15 ml (1 tbsp) of dried skimmed milk, 15 ml (1 tbsp) of laundry starch and 15 ml (1 tbsp) oatmeal. When the handkerchief is swished around in the bath the water becomes milky white.

NATURAL LIGHTENERS can do a lot for an unhealthy skin tone. To a tubful of water, add lemon juice – ½ lemon to every 5 litres (1 gallon) of water.

After a bath, towel yourself dry, using patting movements if you're feeling relaxed and sleepy, more vigorous friction if you've enjoyed a tonic additive. You may prefer to dry off naturally, Over 100 years ago, Kneipp, the famous herbalist and innovator of bath treatments, decreed that there's no harm done - in fact, it's positively a good thing - if after a bath you slip on a towelling robe or moisture-absorbent garment and walk round or exercise until the body returns to normal temperature. As a final precaution, a dusting of talcum powder takes care of dampness in any crevices. Talc pads are a good idea. If need be, you can make your own.