The therapeutic powers of sea salt are well-documented and salt has been used by our ancestors for thousands of years for skin healing and to enhance wellbeing.
Our skin absorbs the products we use and in the case of bathing, this is called dermal absorption. Here are ten reasons why regular bathing in sea salt will improve your skin and wellbeing ...
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Relax and de-stress - There are huge benefits of stillness when bathing so 30 mins of relaxation can greatly affect our stress levels.
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Mineral-rich - Sea salt is full of minerals that are important for our health – calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc. Our skin absorbs these minerals through dermal absorption.
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Detoxify - We are exposed to countless toxins on a daily basis – from our food, the air, our water and the skin care and household products we use. Bathing in sea salt draws out these toxins through a process of reverse osmosis.
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Ease your aches and pains - Saline has been proven to reduce inflammation and relieve muscle pain.
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Sleep like a baby - Our body’s temperature naturally drops a couple of hours before we go to sleep. Soaking in a hot bath raises our body temperature which leads to a rapid cool-down immediately afterwards which will help you to relax and prepare your body for sleep.
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Deep clean your skin - Salt has antibacterial and antiseptic properties which makes it particularly beneficial for those with skin disorders such as acne, eczema and also ingrown hairs!
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Stimulates circulation - A warm salt bath causes your arteries and veins to expand allowing greater blood flow. This is useful if you suffer from poor circulation or cellulite.
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Clear your sinuses - Inhaling the healing steam vapours from a warm salt bath will help clear sinus infections, a blocked nose, allergies or a chesty cough. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for extra relief.
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Combats bloating - Sea salt baths combat water retention and bloating by drawing water and toxins out of the body.
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Soothes skin irritations - Sea salt baths will soothe insect bites, blisters, cuts and ingrown hairs due to the antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to have a sea salt bath
You can use any type of sea salt – Epsom, Dead Sea or Himalayan Salt all contain health-enhancing minerals and therapeutic properties.
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Add two cups of salt to a warm bath (99 – 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
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Soak for at least 12 minutes but preferably 20-30 minutes.
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Do not use soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts and do not rinse your skin afterwards.
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Drink plenty of water during and after your soak.
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Try to rest for about two hours afterwards.
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If desired, try adding 3 to 5 drops of essential oils to your bath:
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To cleanse: Grapefruit or Eucalyptus oils
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To soothe and relax: Lavender oil
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To energise: Spearmint or Rosemary oil
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