There are face sprays, toners, oils, tinctures, lotions, masks, butters, and so much more to improve the health of your skin. Sea salt and magnesium are two ingredients receiving a lot of attention in the beauty world. Although this is relatively new, sea salt and water have a long history of use in various skin and beauty therapies. It even has its own name: thalassotherapy, the therapeutic use of salt water. People with various skin types may benefit from using salt water. 

Skin Benefits Of Salt Water

Historically, people who use salt on their skin notice fewer breakouts, clearer complexion, and improved skin texture. Salt scrubs, Epsom salt baths, or salt baths are excellent methods to add to your skin care routine. Using a sea salt scrub on your skin can be a little rough for people with sensitive skin, though. Fortunately, the use of a gentle sea salt spray stays on the skin and helps to nourish it throughout the day. 

Why is salt water so great for the skin? Well, it is naturally antimicrobial and can help get rid of acne-causing bacteria. Sea salt is also rich in naturally occurring trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, but Epsom salt, which is in this spray recipe, contains other beneficial minerals. In general, though, salt can help boost collagen production and aid with the removal of blackheads. 

Salt Water For Different Skin Types

Unlike other ingredients, salt is not the perfect fit for everyone’s skin type. If you have dryness or certain skin conditions, you may find it irritating. That said, many people with eczema and psoriasis benefit from the healing minerals in Epsom salt. If you are unsure whether or not salt negatively affects your skin, try a patch test before rubbing it all over your face and body.

Now, some dermatologists discourage people from washing their face with salt water. Various cultures have used this practice for thousands of years, though. In fact, studies found that salt water benefits musculoskeletal issues like arthritis and skin problems like psoriasis. A 2005 clinical trial examined the benefits of bathing in the Dead Sea as a remedy for psoriasis. The authors behind the study reported a 76% improvement in psoriasis symptoms. A similar study from 2007 saw a 95% improvement in symptoms.

Other studies examined the effects of salt water on eczema. The studies noted that patients experienced less inflammation and skin cracking. Other people note that salt water is highly beneficial for reducing dandruff. Another study examined the use of salt water baths for EB, a rare and painful skin disorder that causes blisters. EB patients reported having 91% less pain and saw improvements in skin discharge and odor. Salt water may not have the ability to cure diseases, but it may be powerful enough to improve your skin. 

How To Use Salt Water For Skin

You don’t want to use too much salt water, especially if you have dry skin. Try to follow up the salt spray in this article with a moisturizer for extra hydration. Some sources recommend that you start with a salt water cleanser or toner a few times a week before using the following spray. Whatever you do, don’t forget to add Epsom salt or magnesium flakes to the salt spray. Either of these ingredients will complement the benefits of sea salt. 

DIY Sea Salt Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Epsom salt (or magnesium flakes)
• 2 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Pour the water, sea salt, and Epsom salt (or magnesium flakes) into a small saucepan over medium heat. You don’t want the water to boil; rather, you just want to heat and stir until everything is completely dissolved. 
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool. Stir in the essential oil, if using. 
• Pour into a glass spray bottle and store in a cool, dry place. 
• Shake well before each use. Spray on a cotton pad and use it as a toner, or you can lightly mist your skin with this spray.

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Exfoliating with a high-quality scrub is one of the best ways to pamper your skin. The skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells every 30 days or so, but dead skin cells don’t always shed properly. If that happens, you may notice dry, flaky patches or clogged pores. Exfoliating can prevent that by sloughing away dead skin cells and grime, allowing new skin cells to rise to the surface.

The American Academy of Dermatology states that exfoliating helps brighten your skin, and improve the effectiveness of topical skin care products. When you regularly exfoliate, you may experience fewer breakouts because your pores don’t clog. Additionally, long-term exfoliation may enhance collagen production. And if you want glowing, vibrant skin, collagen is the answer. This protein also promotes skin elasticity, which may minimize the appearance of fine lines. 

Why Should You Exfoliate With Salt?

Over the years, we’ve posted a lot of DIY scrubs that use sugar as the exfoliant. Sugar tends to be great for most skin types because the granules are fine, so they don’t irritate the skin. However, a classic salt scrub is also a safe form of exfoliation. Salt scrubs can help remove dry, flaky skin and leave your skin feeling silky-smooth. By massaging a salt scrub into your skin, you encourage blood flow and circulation, giving your skin a youthful glow. The minerals in salt also help relieve muscle soreness. There are a few things to keep in mind when using a salt scrub, though. 

Use It A Couple Times Per Week

Anyone who uses a great scrub may want to exfoliate every single day. We do not encourage daily salt scrub exfoliation because too much exfoliation can dry out your skin. Even though the scrub in this article contains moisturizing ingredients, too much exfoliation can cause your skin to feel tight, which indicates dehydration from over-exfoliation. The more you dry out your skin, the more oil it will produce, which can increase the frequency of breakouts. If you exfoliate too often, you may accelerate the development of fine lines and wrinkles. As a general rule of thumb, exfoliate with a salt scrub once or twice a week. 

Don’t Be Too Rough

Don’t be too rough on your skin because it deserves a gentle touch, especially when using a salt scrub. If you massage the scrub in a rough way, especially if your skin is delicate, you may experience tearing or irritation because of tugging and roughness. Although salt particles are very fine, they can still do damage if you exfoliate too aggressively. Micro-tears in the skin can damage the skin barrier, making your skin more susceptible to damage. That can accelerate the aging process and cause age spots and wrinkles. 

Use It From Head To Toe

A salt scrub isn’t solely reserved for facial exfoliation. Dead skin can turn up all over your body, so don’t neglect those areas of the skin. Dermatologists recommend that you exfoliate where the skin folds, e.g. behind the knees and elbows. Exfoliating your neck, legs, and feet, especially the soles of the feet, can be very enjoyable. 

DIY Ginger Lime Salt Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce refined & deodorized cocoa butter
• 2.3 ounces refined coconut oil
• 3 ounces grapeseed oil
• 0.1 ounce ginger lime fragrance oil
• 11 ounces fine sea salt
• Pinch of bath-safe green pigment powder (optional for color)

Instructions:

• Place the cocoa butter and coconut oil in a glass measuring cup and warm in the microwave until fully melted. 
• In a separate glass measuring cup, add the grapeseed oil and ginger lime fragrance oil. Place in the microwave and warm until fully melted. 
• Add both of the melted mixtures to a large bowl and mix gently to combine. 
• Slowly pour the salt into the melted oils, stirring as you pour. You want everything to incorporate evenly. At this time, you can also whisk in the green pigment powder if you so desire. 
• Transfer the salt scrub into an eight-ounce container of your choice and allow it to cool completely before putting the lid on. Once you put the lid on, store it in a cool, dry place. 
• To use the salt scrub, lather your desired amount onto the areas of skin that require exfoliation. Massage it gently before rinsing with warm water. Upon exiting the shower, pat your skin dry with a towel.

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Is there a better feeling than sitting on the beach and feeling the warm sand between your toes? The ocean spray in the wind leaves speckles of salt on your skin. There’s something about this that revitalizes the skin. Could it be a subconscious feeling, or does a mild salty exfoliation actually enhance the appearance of your skin?

It’s a fact that there’s magic in the water, because sea salt has powerful exfoliation properties. You need more than sea salt to contribute to beautiful, soft, and radiant skin, though. That’s where the other ingredients in this ocean salt scrub recipe come in. Avocado butter, coconut oil, sea salt, and seaweed powder exhibit skin-enhancing benefits, and you can learn more about them below. 

Seaweed Powder

The healing properties of seaweed are far-reaching, as it is a rich source of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory anti-aging properties. This makes it especially beneficial for nourishing the skin and hair. Seaweed works to give the skin a deep cleanse, drawing out toxins, ridding the skin of blackheads, and stimulating the renewal of damaged cells. This contributes to clearer complexion, smoother tone, and overall better appearance of the skin. Seaweed also works to hydrate the skin as soon as you apply it, helping tighten skin cells and enhance the skin’s natural glow. 

Avocado Butter

Certain foods, vitamins, and minerals may contribute to healthy skin, but avocado butter may be the key to unlocking beautiful, radiant skin. Avocado butter contains natural extract of avocado, which is rich in vitamins A, D, & E, and unsaturated fatty acids, all of which are essential for skin care. Many natural beauty enthusiasts use avocado butter to soothe skin irritation because it’s rich in anti-inflammatory agents. It may also reduce redness from acne without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. Lastly, avocado butter may improve the skin’s elasticity, which may contribute to younger-looking skin.

Sea Salt

Sea salt has natural exfoliation properties and it works to slough away dead skin cells. The process of exfoliation encourages the production of new, healthy skin cells, which helps to improve the appearance of the skin. The minerals in sea salt enhance the exfoliation process by opening pores for a deep clean. Opening the pores encourages blood flow and allows the skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers. While going to the beach can aid this process, you can invite that ocean feeling into your home by using a sea salt scrub.

Ocean Salt Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup avocado butter
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 6 drops lemon essential oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops spearmint essential oil
• 1 cup fine sea salt
• 1/4 cup coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon seaweed powder

Instructions:

• Add the avocado butter and coconut oil to a heat-safe glass measuring cup or bowl. 
• Using a double boiler method, melt the butter and oil. In order to do this, add one inch of water to a heavy-bottomed pot. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat and then add the heat-safe glass measuring cup with the butter and oil to the pot. 
• Stir occasionally until both ingredients are melted. Once completely melted, remove from heat. 
• Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before adding in the essential oils. Stir well and then add the fine sea salt, coarse sea salt, and seaweed powder.
• Stir quickly because the mixture will start to thicken after you add the dry ingredients. Once fully mixed, scoop the scrub into a jar and store in a cool, dry place. 
• When ready to use, scoop a small amount into your hands and gently massage into the skin in circular motions. Rinse well and pat dry. 

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When it comes to exfoliating the skin, sugar scrubs flood the DIY skin care market. Haven’t you had enough of sugar scrubs, though? It’s time to get a new exfoliation go-to that sloughs off dead skin cells and bacteria in no time. The best way to do that is with a few simple ingredients, one of the best ones being Himalayan pink salt. 

What Is Himalayan Pink Salt?

Himalayan pink salt contains up to 98% sodium chloride, making it chemically similar to table salt. What makes it different from table salt is the fact that is consists of trace minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals, in addition to iron oxide, give the salt its signature pink hue. It is extracted from the Khewra Salt Mine, located in the Himalayas in Pakistan. It’s one of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world. In fact, experts believe that the salt in this mine was formed millions of years ago as a result from the evaporation of ancient bodies of water. 

What Makes Salt Different?

The natural harvesting process of Himalayan salt allows it to retain as many trace minerals and elements as possible. In fact, some people estimate that Himalayan pink salt contains over 84 different minerals and trace elements. The processing of table salt eliminates these minerals and trace elements, making it an unhealthier version. 

This article isn’t focused on the consumption of salt; rather, it’s about using salt to enhance the health of the skin. Below, you’ll find a few surprising ways that Himalayan pink salt helps to restore your skin and body. 

Exfoliating

Exfoliating the skin is the most efficient way to remove dead skin cells. Himalayan pink salt is a gentle exfoliate and the mineral content helps to restore and hydrate the skin. It’s as though you get a two-for-one deal when you exfoliate with Himalayan pink salt. As you remove dead skin and bacteria, the mineral content nourishes new skin cells. 

Improves Glow

Everyone wants to look younger, but how do you do that without plaguing the skin with harmful ingredients? Himalayan salt has anti-inflammatory properties and it works to help balance the skin’s pH levels, both of which help to brighten the skin’s complexion. Additionally, the actual exfoliation helps to improve glow as well. Sloughing away dead skin cells gives your skin that beautiful shine you want. It also helps to keep acne at bay and allows the skin to breathe freely, revealing smoother skin.

Cellulite Reduction

One of the best ways to get rid of the bumps that are indicative of cellulite is to increase circulation to the skin’s surface. Exfoliation helps to remove clogged pores and dead skin cells, allowing the skin to breath. Additionally, massaging the skin with a salt scrub helps to break up the fat underneath the skin, helping to reduce those cellulite dimples.

DIY Himalayan Salt Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup Himalayan pink salt
• 5-10 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil to a heat-safe vessel and melt it in either a microwave or double boiler. If your coconut oil is already melted, you can skip that step.
• In the same vessel in which you melted the coconut oil, add the Himalayan salt and essential oil and mix well. 
• Spoon the scrub into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. 
• Use weekly by massaging a small amount on the skin after a shower. Make sure to rinse the skin after a couple minutes and pat dry so you don’t wipe away the coconut oil.

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Right now, at this very second, you probably have the necessary ingredients in your home to make the perfect body scrub. These ingredients may be hiding in your pantry, fridge, or cupboard, but they can’t wait to come out and exfoliate your skin.

The great thing about body scrubs is that they help exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation contributes to healthier looking skin that appears more youthful. The American Academy of Dermatology says that exfoliation stimulates collagen production, helping to keep the skin tight and glowing. Additionally, exfoliating your skin removes bacteria and dead skin cells.

The Perfect DIY Scrub Formula

A sugar scrub is simple to make, especially when you have the perfect ratio for your ingredients. All you need to do is prep for five minutes, place your scrub in a container, and use the scrub. The basic homemade body scrub recipe is as follows:

• 1 cup exfoliant
• ½ cup liquid
• 2-3 tablespoons of fun add-ins

Place the exfoliant in a bowl and slowly mix in the liquid. You don’t want a runny mixture, and you don’t want a mixture that is too firm. The consistency should be somewhat thick, kind of like a smoothie. Mix in the add-ins and then store the scrub in a cool dark place. You’ll find excellent ingredients for your DIY scrubs below.

Exfoliants

Coffee Grounds

The grounds do not dissolve in water, making them excellent for scrubbing away dead skin cells. A 2013 study found that the caffeic acid (an antioxidant) in coffee works to boost collagen levels and reduce the amount of premature aging cells. The antimicrobial properties of caffeic acid also protect the skin from bacteria.

Oats

Is your skin sensitive? If you answered “yes” to this question, then you’ll want to use oats in your DIY body scrub. While oats reason help to scrub away dead skin cells, they are gentle enough that your skin won’t get irritated. Additionally, people add oats to baths to soothe irritated or itchy skin, making it excellent for sensitive skin.

Sugar

Sugar is great for mechanical exfoliation, meaning it removes the top layer of skin cells, along with dirt, bacteria, and excess oils. In the process of removing dead skin cells, sugar helps to create a more radiant complexion. The soft small granules of sugar actually melt onto your skin during exfoliation, making it less abrasive than other harsher exfoliants.

Salt

People who have dry patches of skin should exfoliate with salt. Epsom salt, sea salt, or Kosher salt help to create a barrier on the skin that reduces skin inflammation. Many people like to soak in baths with salts because of the mineral content. Since the skin is the largest organ in the body, it can absorb these minerals and use them to benefit the whole body.

Liquids

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most popular ingredients in homemade scrubs, primarily because of the moisturizing and exfoliating properties. It is rich in lauric acid, which works to keep the skin supple by creating a protective layer. Additionally, coconut oil can remove oily residue from the skin and unclog pores.

Olive Oil

The primary benefit of olive oil is that it moisturizes the skin by reducing water loss. It actually increases the water content in the skin, which works to improve overall appearance. Olive oil also protects against environmental damage and inflammation, which helps to reduce premature signs of aging, irritation, or redness.

Jojoba Oil

Because jojoba oil is closely matched to human sebum, the skin naturally and easily absorbs it. This means that you won’t feel greasy after applying it, which makes it great to use on your face. When your body can better absorb the oil, you have a lesser chance of your skin getting irritated. Jojoba is great if you are prone to acne.

Add-Ins

Essential Oils

It can be difficult to decide on the right essential oil to use, especially since there are so many. Do not skimp on quality when it comes to essential oils. Many brands produce essential oils that are not 100% pure, and they contain other oils or ingredients. Only get pure essential oils! Additionally, make sure to do patch tests of the scrubs that contain essential oils because some people are very sensitive to them. Great essential oils to use include peppermint, tea tree, vanilla, lavender, grapefruit, geranium, and eucalyptus.

Fruit

If you feel like eating half of a papaya and using the other half in a scrub, you can do that! Different fruits contain powerful antioxidants that encourage healthy skin cell production. For instance, mangos are rich in vitamin A, which works to remove dead skin cells and promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells. The vitamin C in lemons and pineapple works to clear up the skin and promote collagen production.

Herbs & Spice

Herbs and spices can do no wrong. They add depth of flavor to your meals, but they also benefit internal and external bodily health. Many civilizations have used herbs and spices for skin and beauty needs. Many herbs have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, all of which are great for boosting the health of your skin.

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The changing of seasons can make your skin do some weird things. You may look down and be appalled by cracked, red, or dry hands or skin patches on the body. Dry skin is not only unpleasant to look at, but it can make you feel self-conscious. Listen, nobody is perfect and everybody has that one item in his or her skin care routine that contributes to flawless-looking skin. This Himalayan pink salt scrub could be that item for you.

You may be thinking, “Isn’t Himalayan pink salt meant for seasoning food? Isn’t that what those hipster salt lamps are made of?” You are correct on both accounts, but it is actually incredibly beneficial for your skin. Mined in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, primarily in Pakistan, Himalayan pink salt is one of the purest forms of salt. Ancient oceans deposited these salts in the Himalayas over 250 million years ago, and the salt beds were covered by lava, ice, and snow for millions of years. This makes Himalayan pink salt free of modern-day pollutants. Isn’t that cool?

Benefits Of Himalayan Salt

Rich In Magnesium

Magnesium is necessary for many chemical reactions in the body, but the primary functions include muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation. Himalayan salt has trace amounts of magnesium and a scientific review found that magnesium can possibly enter the lymphatic system via the skin. While you should obtain magnesium via dietary sources, you can also increase your magnesium intake with a scrub containing Himalayan salt.

Powerful Exfoliator

In general, salt is a natural exfoliator that works to remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin. The essential trace minerals in Himalayan salt work to soften the skin and restore hydration as it scrubs away the dead cells, so you aren’t left with dry or raw skin.

Great For Acne, Eczema, And Psoriasis

The antimicrobial properties of Himalayan salt have been known to be beneficial for clearing up blemishes on the skin. You can apply the salt to the skin via a scrub, like the one in this article, or you can add it to a bath and soak in it. That’s especially beneficial if you have acne on your back. Mineral baths have also shown to be beneficial for people with eczema or psoriasis. The salt helps to reduce the redness, scaling, and irritation that is commonly associated with these conditions.

DIY Pink Himalayan Salt Coconut Oil Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups ground pink Himalayan salt
• 1/3 cup virgin unrefined coconut oil

Instructions:

• Combine the Himalayan salt and coconut oil in a large bowl and mix well with a spoon or your hands. Make sure that both ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Spoon this mixture into a glass jar and screw on the lid for optimal storage. You are now ready to use it!
• You can apply this scrub several times a week to help reduce dryness and combat other skin conditions.  

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Did you know that you can make healthy beauty products with the ingredients in your kitchen? You don’t have to spend tons of money on hair products, skin moisturizers, facial cleansers, body scrubs, acne creams, or anything else you choose to put on your body. These commercial beauty products can contaminate your body because they contain toxic chemicals that seep through your pores.

To avoid contaminating your skin and reduce your risk of chronic illness, start making your own all-natural beauty products. Head to your pantry and make the following recipes. Let us know how they work out for you in the comments below.

Rosemary Sea Salt Scrub

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 tablespoon almond oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Rub this onto your skin, rinse with warm water, and pat dry after rinsing. This works great on dry skin areas.

Cilantro Celery Toner

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ¾ cup boiling water

Instructions:

• Place all three ingredients in a bowl and let the mixture sit for 40 minutes. Strain the liquid into another bowl and use this as a toner on your neck, upper body, and face.

Coconut Avocado Conditioner

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• ½ cup full fat coconut milk, plus more if needed
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

• Whisk the avocado, coconut milk, and mint, if you are using it, until you get a smooth and thick consistency. Comb this mixture through your hair and leave it in for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

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