Beer baths are bubbling up as the latest trend in wellness, offering a unique spa experience that’s as intriguing as it is unconventional.
Across the United States and beyond, spas are inviting customers to soak in tubs filled with beer ingredients like hops, barley, and brewer’s yeast, reported the New York Post.
These spas claim that the treatments are packed with skin-loving benefits, from reducing acne to enhancing elasticity. Though steeping in beer might seem quirky, advocates say it’s a “brew-tiful” way to relax and refresh.
One notable spot for this trend is Piva Beer Spa in Chicago, which opened its doors in 2019. Piva offers more than just beer baths; it also offers massages and salt rooms. Their beer soaks blend hops, barley, and yeast, which are said to be rich in antioxidants. These components are believed to help exfoliate and soften the skin while improving elasticity. Proponents also highlight the antibacterial properties of the soak, which can reportedly clear up acne. It’s a blend of relaxation and potential skincare benefits that has intrigued many adventurous spa-goers.
In Orlando, My Beer Spa has “hopped” on the trend since 2021, emphasizing the nutritional properties of its beer-inspired baths. Unlike traditional beer, their soaks use water infused with beer ingredients, ensuring guests aren’t marinating in actual alcohol. They tout benefits like softer, shinier hair and purified, moisturized skin, thanks to the mix of B vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
Whether or not these claims are scientifically robust, the experience promises an unusual twist on self-care for those who like to sip and soak.
Denver’s Oakwell Beer Spa takes the concept further with “beer bath hydrotherapy.” This spa blends its own herbal beer concoctions crafted by an in-house herbalist. The custom blends aim to maximize the soak’s benefits for skin and hair, combining hops and barley with other botanicals. Oakwell claims that the polyphenols found in hops can help combat aging and skin inflammation, while barley’s epidermal growth factors promote healing. This hop-infused therapy might be worth a dip for spa enthusiasts who want a natural remedy.
While the benefits sound appealing, dermatologists have mixed opinions about beer baths.
Some agree that ingredients like hops and brewer’s yeast contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help with skin health. However, they caution that soaking in these ingredients might not deliver the same results as applying them topically in more concentrated forms. Plus, the experience might be more irritating than rejuvenating for those with sensitive skin or yeast allergies. As with any wellness trend, knowing what you’re getting into before diving in is wise.
Despite skepticism, beer baths are gaining popularity for their novelty and sensory experience. The warm, aromatic soaks provide a unique way to unwind, combining the soothing effects of a bath with the pleasure of beer’s rich scents. Many spas even offer a pint of beer while you soak, making it a multisensory treat. The quirky concept has drawn attention from beer enthusiasts, wellness lovers, and those simply looking for an Instagram-worthy experience.