Why you need to add salt baths to your regular self love regimen
Sea salt baths are known for their therapeutic and healing properties, but did you know that they also have the ability to ease stress and boost your overall health?
Read on to find out why salt baths should be apart of your self love regimen.
Before you turn on the faucet and jump in, take note of these tips first:
- types of sea salt
- benefits
- precautions
- steps to taking a sea salt bath
Sea salt is a type of salt that comes from the evaporation of seawater. The taste, texture, and processing are what makes sea salt different from table salt.
Sea salt is typically not processed or minimally processed since it comes directly through the evaporation of seawater, according to the American Heart Association.
Because of minimal processing, sea salt has various 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.
Benefits of a sea salt bath
Adding sea salts is said to extend the benefits to your skin, muscles, and joints.
Good for the skin
Your skin, your body’s largest organ, will thank you for indulging in a sea salt bath.
“Board-certified dermatologists are recommending sea salt baths for patients with psoriasis, eczema, and other dry skin conditions,” explains Dr. Sapna Palep, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology.
Since sea salt baths can help calm the symptoms of certain skin conditions, this isn't that surprising.
“Salt baths can help remove scales and decrease the bothersome itching caused by psoriasis,” explains board-certified dermatopathologist, Dr. Gretchen Frieling.
She also points out that sea salts may help people dealing with acne and atopic dermatitis.
Horrible menstrual cramps? Take a salt bath.
Other benefits of taking a sea salt bath are said to include:
- stimulating circulation
- easing muscle cramps
- helping to relieve stiffness in joints
- soothing achy, overworked legs and feet
For the perfect blend of calming essential oils and relaxing salts, we suggest the Egyptian Lavender Bath Salts.
How to take a sea salt bath
When taking a sea salt bath for relaxation, we recommend the following steps:
- Add 1/4 cup of sea salt to a standard size bathtub filled to your comfort
- Aim for a water temperature of two degrees warmer than your body temperature to experience the healing benefits of the sea salt bath
- Soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes
- When you finish your bath, dry off and apply a moisturizer, like Cashmere Moon's Whipped Body Cream or Glow Oil to your skin
If 1/4 cup is not enough, depending on a person’s body size and skin condition, a healthy adult can add up to 2 cups of sea salt to warm water in a standard size tub
Is sea salt safe for everyone?
Warm water and sea salt are generally safe for most people. However, there are some precautions and things to consider before you take a soak in the tub.
If you use a sea salt bath and have an allergic reaction like a rash or hives, or you have a skin infection, avoid using sea salts in your bath. You should also avoid taking a sea salt bath if you have an open wound. It would be extremely painful!
Additionally, talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking a sea salt bath if you have a skin condition such as psoriasis, acne, or atopic dermatitis.
It’s especially important if the condition is severe or chronic. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if a salt bath is best for your skin condition.
