If you are also looking for how to use bath salts, then this article is for you. Bath salts have become a popular trend. No doubt we absolutely love flavoured bath salts to soak our fatigue in.
But do you know about the amazing benefits of salt baths? You must be wondering what is so special about tiny granular rocks? Well bath soaks or popularly known as salt bath soaks happen to draw out harmful toxins from the body using reverse osmosis.
The practice of soaking yourself in mineral rich saltwater can be more than therapeutic for your body nourishment. Eager to learn more about the benefits of salt baths.
Let's find out!
Benefits of Salt Bath
1. Improves Skin Barrier
I cannot help but stress enough on the benefits of salt baths for your skin. From deep exfoliation to decreasing inflammation and a complete maintenance of your skin barrier, salt bath is a must have for your skin routine. You might be confused on how few salt grains can help your skin? Well let me break it down to you in much simpler chunks;
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Deep Exfoliation
Salts have been traditionally known as a powerful exfoliant to take off any flaky dull skin. Our cell buildup can cause dry irritated skin, and the best way to get rid of dead skin is to gently yet deeply scrub with an all natural scrub. But who has the time and energy for a DIY scrub? In that case, Salt baths and salt soaks are an amazing alternative to harsh and processed textured skin scrubs. A quick soak in the tub allows fresh skin cells to surface and form a healthy barrier. All you have to do is fill your tub with warm water, add two tbsp of any skin-friendly bath salt and enjoy the soak for 15 minutes.
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Detoxes
Another benefit of salt bath is how it pulls out the impurities through our skin. Bath salts remove excess oil and pull out skin toxins from our epidermal layers. Inevitably, removal of toxins from skin, allows skin to breathe better and work through skin healing. The restorative properties of bath salts make it the most ideal form of body detoxification.
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Moisturises
Bath salts are also great for skin nourishment. Contrary to popular belief, bath salts do not rip off skin’s essential oils and moisture but rather helps in restoring it. Here is how.
The amazing minerals of bath salts become the food for skin nourishment. As bath salts balance the pH, a healthy barrier is maintained. Due to the perfect skin barrier, there is very less loss of moisturiser. And of course if you are a skincare lover, you must know the importance of a well- moisturised skin. It prevents aging, pigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles and dark spots on your skin.
2. Decreases Stress
A warm soak is a mind soothing experience itself. But bath salts are more than simply a relaxing soak. Bath salts provide a healthy circulation that in return relaxes and rejuvenates our internal systems. Magnesium has been found in destressing muscles. Unfortunately studies show that 57% of adults are deficient in magnesium intake which is why bath salt can benefit in maintaining good concentration of magnesium. Further, multiple studies having magnesium as the main component of a bath soak has aided in managing physical and mental stressors. A good salty soak can also help with mental rejuvenation.
3. Helps Insomnia
We all love to relax after a long hard day at work, and somehow bath salts soaks are the first relaxation choice that pops up in our mind. Now why is that? Bath salts are believed to encourage relaxing sleep. A rich absorption of magnesium through bath salts unwinds the body for relaxation and helps in a good night's sleep.
4. Soothes Muscle Sores
Magnesium has been extensively studied for its healing properties when it comes to treating muscle aches and sores. Apart from the nutritional value of a bath salt, another added benefit of salt bath is its ability to take weight off your joints.
The detoxifying effect of bath salts and the suspension in water, can heal muscle soreness faster. Similarly a warm bath soak can aid in relieving menstrual cramp pain and muscle tightness.
5. Boosts Immunity
Using the right concentration of bath salts promotes a healthy blood circulation in the body. The circulation in return helps in releasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. Bath soaks are also believed to have antibacterial properties. When we take frequent salt baths, we expose our body to highly absorptive minerals that will result in immune boosting body response. Warm baths are essential for increasing the body's vitality to fight illnesses.
6. Balances Energy
One of the main reasons our body goes into fatigue mode is due to the inefficiency of mineral absorption. Bath salt benefits in absorbing more minerals through warm water as well as restoring muscular energy levels. A good soak after a tired day can restore your energy levels and set you up for the next day.
7. Manages Alkalinity
Acidity has become a global issue. No, I am not being far fetched with it. But looking at the fad, processed diets and gastric disorders on the rise, having an alkaline environment for your gut health has become extremely important. Another one of bath salt benefits has been its role in providing the perfect alkaline environment for your body.
During the absorption process, the baking soda in our bath salts provides an alkaline effect that neutralises the acidic environment in our muscular tissues. As a result there is better oxidation for muscular activity.
8. Relieves Chronic Pain
Dead sea salts have been studied specifically for its role in arthritis and lower back pain. While there is no solid evidence that supports bath salts' role in relieving chronic pain, sea salt has been highlighted in many traditional practices as well as scientific research. Needless to say, using bath salts may not completely heal any acute nature of pain, but it can surely help in lessening it.
9. Deals with Congestion
Allergies and common cold can lead to mucus buildup that often results in muscular tension and headaches. Bath salts can help prevent such buildups. Its antibacterial properties help in immunity boost as well as regulating the temperature of the body. The salt absorption also balances the internal body fluid that as a result helps in releasing liquid tension in the body.
10. Helps Hard Water
Adding salts to slimy hard water can help the quality of water immensely!
A good concentration of potassium, sodium and calcium can balance out the ions present in hard water.
11. Other Healing Properties
Benefits of bath salts are not simply confined to muscle relaxation or as a mood booster. It also helps with cardiovascular activity, blood regulation and nerve function. I am sure when you pair your bath salts with a bit more of aromatherapy for enhanced relaxation effect it can further aid your overall health.
Now that we are through salt water bath benefits, let's explore our options on how to use bath salt and maximize your very own spa luxury experience.
Types of Bath Salts
There are many good bath salts to choose from in the market. You should always pick the one that suits your skin and body the best. However, in my personal preference I always look for an all natural salt harvest. I also like to mix salts based on my mood and bodily needs. Some of my top picks from Coach soaks are;
- Energizing Citrus - When I feel my skin is super irritated and inflamed from a long tiring day.
- Eucalyptus Tea Tree - I always go for this one after a good sweaty workout.
- Cooling Peppermint - When I experience uncontrollable muscle soreness and menstrual cramps.
- Calming Peppermint - Best for as a mood booster and body relaxer.
How to use Bath Salt?
In The BathTub
Run warm water and add 2 full cups of bath salt in your tub. Soak your body in the tub and enjoy the relaxation effect for upto 30 minutes for best results.
In the Shower
You can still use bath salts and enjoy some of the benefits they provide even if you don’t have a bathtub. Simply mix, half cup of bath salt with ⅓ cup of light oils like almond, peach or jojoba oil. If you have dry skin you can use coconut or avocado oil instead. Mix and create a thick paste and rub over damp skin for 5 minutes. Make sure to keep your hand movement circular throughout the massaging process.
As a Foot Soak
Fill a large basin for the washing tub with warm water. Add a few drops of any essential oils of your choice, add half cup of bath salt and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
Some commonly asked questions when using bath salts for the first time are;
How much bath salt to use?
There is no set limit for using bath salts. However it is recommended to opt for salt bath soak once a week and use it as a scrub in shower 2-3 times a week.
Can I use bath salt without a tub or in shower?
Yes you Can! In Fact you can come up with some amazing DIY body scrubs for summers!
