Sea salt baths are known for their therapeutic and healing properties, as well as their ability to ease stress and boost your overall health.
But before you turn on the faucet and jump in, take note of these expert tips on:
- types of sea salt
- benefits
- precautions
- steps to taking a sea salt bath
What is sea salt?
Sea salt is salt obtained from the evaporation of sea water. What differentiates sea salt from table salt is the taste, texture and processing.
According to a reliable American Heart Association source, sea salt is often left unprocessed or minimally processed because it comes directly from the evaporation of seawater.
Because of minimal processing, sea salt has various trace minerals such as:
- magnesium
- calcium
- zinc
- iron
- potassium
Since table salt is used in recipes and on food, it undergoes processing to give it a fine texture. When this happens, you lose the minerals that are present in sea salt.
Types of sea salt
There are many types of sea salts available on the market.
Dead Sea salt, which is sourced directly from the Dead Sea, comes in a variety of grains including:
- fine
- coarse
- extra coarse
Some products also contain scents like:
- lavender
- vanilla
- rosemary
Westlab, another popular brand for sea salts, sells:
- Dead Sea salt
- Epsom bathing salt
- Himalayan bathing salt
- magnesium flakes
The company’s website says it only sources the highest quality of genuine Dead Sea salt that’s naturally rich in:
- magnesium
- calcium
- potassium
According to Westlab, a sea salt’s place of origin can make a difference in terms of the benefits it provides.
For example, Dead Sea salt is said to be of the highest quality and is best for therapeutic use such as:
- relaxation
- easing sore muscles
- providing relief for certain skin conditions
- Regular sea salt from ocean water is most commonly used in culinary settings.
Benefits of sea salt baths
If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress, soothe sore muscles, and heal irritated skin, you can take a sea salt bath.
While bathing is often a good way to pamper yourself after a busy day, adding sea salt also adds to the benefits for your skin, muscles and joints.
Useful for rheumatic diseases
According to a systematic review published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism Seminars, sea salt baths have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatic conditions, including:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- knee osteoarthritis
Good for your skin
Your skin, your body’s largest organ, will thank you for a sea salt bath.
Board Certified Dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology, Dr. “Certified dermatologists recommend sea salt baths for patients with psoriasis, eczema and other dry skin conditions,” explains Sapna Palep.
This is not surprising, especially considering that sea salt baths can relieve the symptoms of some skin diseases.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. “Salt baths can help remove flakes and reduce the uncomfortable itching caused by psoriasis,” explains Gretchen Freeling.
She also notes that sea salt can help people with acne and atopic dermatitis.
Relieves muscle pain and stimulates blood circulation
Other benefits of taking a sea salt bath include:
- circulation stimulator
- relieve muscle spasms
- Helps relieve joint stiffness
- soothing pain, cramped legs and feet
How to take a sea salt bath
Medical esthetician Holly Cutler recommends the following steps when taking a relaxing sea salt bath:
- Add 1/4 cup of sea salt to a standard-sized bathtub filled to a comfortable level.
- To experience the healing properties of a sea salt bath, aim for a water temperature two degrees above your body temperature.
- Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes or as long as you like.
- After bathing, dry your face and apply moisturizer to your skin.
If 1/4 cup isn’t enough, Freeling says, depending on the person’s body size and skin condition, a healthy adult can add 2 cups of sea salt to heat water in a standard-sized bathtub.
How to make a sea salt exfoliation scrub
While recipes vary based on people’s needs, Freeling says a salt cleanse can include:
- sea salt
- essential oils
- coconut oil
- Honey
- oats
“The exfoliation provided by a fine-grained skin scrub can help remove dead skin and accelerate cell renewal, helping to detoxify the body and unclog pores, leaving the skin smooth,” she says.
According to Cutler, a sea salt scrub exfoliates dead skin cells, allowing new cells to regenerate. They also increase natural circulation flow.
DIY salt scrub recipe
Here’s Cutler’s recipe for an easy sea salt scrub:
- Use 1/2 cup olive or almond oil as the base.
- Mix the oil with 1 cup of fine sea salt.
- Add a few drops of essential oil (of your choice) for fragrance.
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Massage your skin and leave it for a few minutes.
- Hand wash with a soft cloth.
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