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Bathing with sea salt has countless benefits. It can soothe cramps and muscle aches, as well as ease insomnia and skin troubles. There are many different types of sea salt, but all offer similar benefits. The most notable difference is the grain size, which determines how quickly the salt will dissolve in your bathwater. Some sea salts contain additional minerals, such as calcium. It is also possible to buy colored or scented sea salt as well.[1]
Steps
Give yourself enough time to take a 15 to 20-minute bath. Baths are not like showers, which are often rushed. Instead, they are meant to take longer, so that the body and mind can relax. To get the most benefit from your bath, plan on spending 15 to 20 minutes in the water.- Take a salt bath in the evening if you want to treat insomnia. Many people find that they rest better after a warm salt bath.[2]
- Taking a bath in the morning will help purge your body from toxins. Your body releases a lot of toxins while you sleep, pushing them towards the surface of the skin. A morning bath will get rid of these toxins the fastest.[3]
Start filling your bathtub. Choose a temperature that is most comfortable for you. If you are using the salt bath to heal a skin condition, consider making the water no more than two degrees warmer than your body temperature. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the minerals from the salt bath.Advertisement
Add the sea salt while the tap is still running. Holding the salt under the running water will help it dissolve better. If your sea salt came scented, you might even notice a slight fragrance. If the bath salt is colored, you'll notice a slight color change in the water.- If you are using the bath for relaxation or for a treat, you'll need about two handfuls, or one-quarter cup (70 grams).
- If you are using the bath for healing purposes, such as psoriasis, consider using up to 2 pounds (840 grams).
Turn off the tap when the tub is as full as you like it, and agitate the water with your hand. Some salts will dissolve easier than others. In general, the larger the grain size, the longer it will take for it to dissolve.- Don't worry if the salt does not dissolve all the way. This could help scrub away dead skin cells.
Get into your tub and enjoy the water for 10 to 20 minutes. Lean your head back and close your eyes. If you want, you can even turn on some relaxing music or light a few candles. You can use soap or shower gel to cleanse your body, but sea salt is very cleansing in itself.[4]
Drain the tub when you are done, and rinse the saltwater off with fresh water. The easiest way to do this is to simply step into the shower and let the water rinse the salt residue off your skin.- Sea salt can leave behind residue on the sides of your tub. After you get out, but before you drain the water, wipe the sides of your tub down using a scrubby sponge.
Combine a sea salt bath with aromatherapy. Fill your tub with warm water. Add 1 cup (280 grams) of sea salt and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Agitate the water with your hand, then climb into the tub. Rest in the tub for 20 minutes before getting out.[5]
Make a sea salt bath potpourri by adding some dried flowers. In a large bowl, combine 2½ cups (700 grams) sea salt with 1 teaspoon of a soap fragrance oil (such as orange blossom) and ½ teaspoon of essential oil (such as lavender). Add 9 tablespoons of dried flowers, such as rose petals, lavender, or calendula. You can use all one type of flower, or a combination. Mix until everything is even, and store the salt in glass mason jars.[6]- Use this sea salt in your bath as usual. It is good for a few baths.
Make a salt scrub. In a jar, combine 1 cup (280 grams) of sea salt, ½ cup (120 milliliters) of almond oil or jojoba oil, and 10 drops of essential oil. Seal the jar tightly until you are ready to use the scrub. This makes enough scrub for 3 uses.[7]- To use the scrub: get into the bath or shower first, then massage a handful of the scrub onto your damp skin. Rinse the scrub off when you are done.
- Salt scrubs help buff away dead skin cells. They leave your skin feeling soft and nourished. Do not use a sea salt scrub on your face, as it might be too harsh to the sensitive skin of the area.
- You can use any essential oil you like, but lavender, eucalyptus, or mint will go best with salt.
Use sea salt in a foot soak. Fill a small, plastic tub with warm water. Add a handful of sea salt, and swish the water with your hand. Sit down someplace comfortable, then lower your feet into the tub. Let them soak for a couple of minutes.[8]- Consider massaging your feet to loosen dead skin cells and relieve aches.
Make a sea salt facial. Combine 1 part sea salt with 1 part olive oil. Splash your face with warm water, then massage the scrub into your skin. Take care to avoid the eye area. After a few minutes of massaging, rinse the scrub off using warm water. Finish off by splashing your face with cool water; this will help seal and tighten your pores.[9]
Community Q&A
- QuestionCan I use normal table salt?
Community AnswerYou could, but, as table salt is iodized, you would not get the same results. - QuestionIf I am not able to take baths, how can I use sea salt in the shower for a good result?Community AnswerYou could use it as a scrub, but it can be a bit harsh on your skin - so be careful.
- QuestionIs sea salt good for healing acne?
Fruity RumpusCommunity AnswerYes! Sea salt with exfoliate the skin and clear the pores, leaving your skin fresh and clean.
Tips
- If you are using the bath for medicinal purposes, such as psoriasis treatment, plan on repeating the bath 3 to 4 times a week. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the results you need.[10]Thanks
- Consider using a sea salt bath if you have: rheumatoid arthritis, muscle cramps, psoriasis, and osteoarthritis.[11]Thanks
- Sea salt does not expire, but colors or scents may fade over time.Thanks
Warnings
- Always ask your physician before using sea salt baths to treat medical problems, such as psoriasis.[12]Thanks
- If you are pregnant, ask your doctor first before taking a sea salt bath.[13]Thanks
- It is uncommon for someone to be allergic to sea salt baths. If you are concerned about this, fill a small bowl with warm water and sea salt. Dip your finger, toe, foot, or hand into the bowl. If you see an allergic reaction, don't take a sea salt bath.[14]Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Bathtub
- Sea salt
- Bathrobe (optional)
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about skin care, check out our in-depth interview with Joanna Kula.
References
- ↑ http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/bath-salt-guide.asp#.VsIgeOZaCXQ
- ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-sea-salt.html
- ↑ http://healingnaturallybybee.com/sea-salt-baths/
- ↑ http://www.sfsalt.com/frequently-asked-questions
- ↑ http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6878/Why-You-Should-Take-a-Salt-Bath-This-Week.html
- ↑ http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/soothing-floral-bath-salt-tutorial/
- ↑ http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6878/Why-You-Should-Take-a-Salt-Bath-This-Week.html
- ↑ http://www.sfsalt.com/dead-sea-salt-usages
- ↑ http://www.sfsalt.com/dead-sea-salt-usages
About This Article
If you want to bathe with sea salt, start by drawing a bath and adding 1/4 cup of sea salt while the water is still running so it dissolves. Then, soak in the tub for 10-20 minutes. When you're done, remember to wipe down the sides of the bath, since sea salt can leave residue if you don't clean it off. Additionally, try taking sea salt baths at night if you want to sleep better, or take them in the morning to help rid your body of toxins. For tips on how to combine your sea salt bath with aromatherapy, read on!
Reader Success Stories
"I was in severe pain in my muscles and joints. I did the baking soda and sea salt bath with more hot than cold water. Soaked for 20 minutes. Took a quick shower to rinse off. OMG, it was wonderful! My muscles and bones were thanking me, and I slept well!"..." more
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