Epsom salt or magnesium sulphate are crystals used largely in alternative, therapeutic and skincare treatments. Most of us may be unaware of the umpteen usage of Epsom salt in our day-to-day regimen. It is mainly used as a key element in bath salt mixtures, foot soaks, body washes, body lotions and oils. This salt compound confers amazing health incentives such as easing stress, and muscle soreness, and keeps you calm and relaxed after a tiring day. It is popularly famed as the star ingredient of the spa for its incredible potential to optimise overall skin health and beauty.
Explore this article to know in detail about the many benefits and uses of Epsom salt.
For Supple, And Radiant Skin, Shop From Our Fabulous Range Of Skincare Essentials, Right Here!
What Is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is chemically termed magnesium sulphate, which breaks down in the water to give magnesium and sulphate ions acting as a calming agent and diffusing via the dense layers of skin. As the salt encounters the skin, the ions travel through several dermal layers and reach the bloodstream without any involvement of the GI tract. This transdermal movement of magnesium makes Epsom salt an essential medicine for treating hypomagnesemia.
Skin Healing Benefits of Epsom Salt
Combats Acne
The high solubility value of Epsom salt supports the quick absorption of magnesium. It assists in easing swelling of the skin, soothing rashes and lowering inflammation. Blend 3 teaspoons of Epsom salt with water to lower the redness caused by pimples and diminish scars and blemishes. Aside from these, it also works as an instant treatment for pimples and body acne, just dab a thick solution on the top of the spots or use it as a face mask.
Also Read: Simple And Effective Skincare Regimen To Combat Acne - Infographic
Eliminates Dead Skin Cells
The skin needs proper exfoliation care to get rid of dead skin cells, blackheads, whiteheads, and other impurities from the surface. The coarse texture of Epsom salt makes it the best natural exfoliant for the skin. Mix Epsom salt and any carrier oil of your choice and use it as a scrub to remove the dead skin cells and dirt from the skin. Massage the scrub gently for a few minutes to unclog the pores.
Treats Skin Infection
Potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions of Epsom salt aid in the treatment of yeast and fungal infections. It eases fungal infection, itchiness, and swollen skin around toenails. Soaking the affected region in the solution of Epsom salt increases the magnesium content inside the system, thus helping in combatting bacterial attacks caused by injuries or allergies.
Slows Down Ageing
Epsom salt scrub immensely helps in fading away wrinkles and fine lines. The presence of beneficial compounds combats free radical damage that results in premature ageing. Smearing a blend of coconut oil or olive oil with Epsom salt on the facial skin aids in removing dead skin cells and restoring the suppleness and radiance of the skin. Furthermore, it locks the moisture and hydrates the skin resulting in youthful glass glowing skin.
Scalp Health
Epsom salt bestowed with strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions aids in mitigating inflammation and infections of all types. Excess oil or any damage due to external triggers to the hair makes the scalp itchy incessantly which results in scalp infections. Epsom salt works wonders in relieving itchiness and calms the scalp thereby reducing itchiness and inflammation. Mix Epsom salt with coconut oil and gently massage the scalp for the best results.
Treats Hair Dryness
Epsom salt blended with any natural oil and hair conditioner supports moisturizing hair. It conditions the mane and leaves them feeling shiner and frizz-free. Apart from this, it adds extra bounce, and volume and strengthens the strands of the hair from the roots.
Precautions
Topical use of Epsom salt is considered safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, Epsom salt can leave a drying uncomfortable residue on the skin, if not washed or rinsed off well. Some people may be allergic to Epsom salt, if you experience an adverse reaction like hives, rashes or swelling of the lips or tongue then seek immediate medical care.
