Avoid using iodized table salt, as much of the therapeutic benefit has been processed out of it. Look for a salt that has been finely ground, keeping in mind that coarse salts are often too intense for certain skin types and areas of skin.
Note: I wouldn't recommend using regular table salt as there is very little therapeutic benefit left in regular iodized table salt. Also aim to get salt that has been finely ground. Coarse sea salt can be a bit intense on the skin so reserve that for tougher areas of the body like the knees, elbows and feet.
Best For Dry Skin
And don't just take my word for it: "The larger sea salt granules are particularly effective for body exfoliation, especially on rougher areas like elbows, knees, and feet," explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD, FAAD.
Sea salt is very different from regular table salt because it contains numerous skin-healing minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, iodine, and sodium. These minerals have various roles in maintaining the health and function of your skin cells.
Salt also has antibacterial properties. A salt scrub may benefit people with skin conditions that worsen when bacteria become trapped in the skin's pores. However, coarse salt may be too abrasive for regular or sensitive skin.
The Benefits of Salt Scrubs
The sharp angles of sea salt granules make them a strong exfoliant (don't bother with table salt - the refining process removes its beneficial properties). Because it's more abrasive, choose salt for scrubbing notoriously dryer areas of your body - feet, elbows, knuckles and legs.
Mix 2 tbsp finely ground oatmeal with 1 tbsp honey and 1tbsp warm water to form a thick paste. Then, massage into your face (and/or body) and let it sit for 4 minutes to really absorb that oaty goodness before rinsing away with warm water. Use your scrub once or twice a week.
Unfortunately, this isn't the safest type of salt to use for a bath as iodine can lead to skin irritation. Iodised salt is very refined, it can easily dissolve in water and become absorbed by the skin along with iodine.
If you have dry skin, you should use a sugar scrub instead of a salt scrub. Salt scrubs are dehydrating by nature, and they can cause skin irritation for people who have sensitive skin. Although they detox and exfoliate, they also remove the top layer of skin.
For sensitive or dry skin, opt for a sugar scrub. If your skin is balanced or oily, a salt scrub can effectively exfoliate. For detoxifying and soothing tired muscles, a salt scrub with Epsom salts may be ideal.
Mix some salt to the toothpaste and apply the blend to your affected skin. You can use a soft toothbrush for applying the paste to your facial skin. Allow the blend to sit on your skin for at least ten minutes, and then scrub it lightly using a toothbrush.
Benefits of Iodized Salt to Your Health. Iodized salt is essential for your health, but you should have it in moderation. Iodine is a trace mineral common in dairy products, seafood, grains, and eggs. People combine iodine with table salt to reduce iodine deficiency.
Salt water contains so many healing minerals like zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium… many of which help to reduce the risk of breakouts by clearing potential bacteria and restoring the natural pH of your skin. Collectively, these minerals can also soothe redness and irritation.
While iodine is necessary for proper body function, consuming too much of it can have negative effects on the skin. When we eat foods that are high in iodine – like iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products – our body excretes the excess iodine through the pores on our skin.
Salt (sodium chloride) forces the liquid in cells to move out of the body when it comes in contact with them. If there is bacteria in the liquids, it is forced out too, helping to cleanse the skin. This is why salt water has been used since ancient times to treat cuts, wounds, sores, and skin irritations.
Key Takeaways
Social media users say that adding salt to drinking water can help boost hydration and replenish electrolytes. However, if you consume excess sodium from salt, your body will try to maintain homeostasis by retaining water, making it hard for your heart and blood vessels to work properly.
Epsom Bath Salts: Magnesium sulfate is the scientific name for Epsom salt. The magnesium in Epsom salt helps relieve stress and improves relaxation and sleep when used in baths. Stress can lead to reduced magnesium levels in the blood, resulting in the production of adrenalin.
These foot soakings a quite soothing. You can but it will not do much. There is a huge difference in sodium chloride (table salt) an magnesium sulfate (epsom salts). Epsom salt is a laxative and traditionally helps bring down swelling as a topical soak.
If you have sensitive skin or want to exfoliate gently, a sugar scrub may be the best option for you. A salt scrub may be a better option if you want deep exfoliation and have normal to oily skin. Finally, your skin type and preferences will determine the best exfoliant for your skin.