Almost every person uses salt in order to season food. But not many of us actually know the real benefits of the common salt for improving skin, nails, hair, and teeth. For centuries, women have used it as a secret weapon. Salt has a healing effect on the skin and with its help, you can get rid of a lot of skin imperfections. It is an ingredient in many cosmetic products but it can also be used at home for creating your own personal care products. Our ancestors left us a large number of beauty recipes that still work today.
Useful qualities of salt
Salt has a lot of beneficial properties that help us take care of our bodies. It has an irritating effect and it helps to speed up blood circulation. Salt is also used as a scrub because it cleans dead cells, making your skin look healthier. In addition, salt is an eco-friendly product that doesn’t pollute the environment.
There are two elements in natural salt, chlorine and sodium. Chlorine acts as a cleanser because it fights harmful microbes and prevents the appearance of new inflammations on the skin. And sodium acts as a rejuvenating component, it can be found in almost all skincare products for older women. Therefore, the skin will become clean and will breathe more freely. In addition, other nutrients will penetrate deeper into the epidermis because the skin is clean and more susceptible to them.
But sea salt has much more benefits because it contains more components:
- Iodine
- Potassium
- Iron
- Magnesium
It is quite an impressive list of useful elements for such a simple product. Sea salt helps to cope with skin dryness, cleanses the skin and protects it from negative external influences. If you have skin problems and want to get rid of them, we recommend that you give this product a try. Sea salt will become your best friend if you have oily skin that is prone to acne, wrinkles, and if your skin has lost its freshness.
But there are some contraindications. To stay on the safe side, it is better not to use salt if you have very dry and sensitive skin, wounds or ulcers, and growths such as papillomas and moles. In this article, you will find eight unusual ways to use salt in body care.
1. Body scrub to soften the skin
Salt can be used as a body scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells. It also contains minerals that help to restore hydration and soften the skin.
How to use it? Blend one part of salt with two parts of coconut or olive oil to make a dense paste. You can also add a few drops of essential oil. But you should know that some essential oils (for example, lavender) are able to irritate very sensitive skin and it is better to add oils that you have used before. You can apply this body scrub in the shower with the help of loofah, washcloth, or your own palms. At first, try to make gentle circular movements and press a bit more if you feel that everything is okay.
2. Face mask to calm skin
Honey and salt are able to soothe irritated skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties. They can also help maintain hydration in the dry layers of the skin.
How to use it? Take a teaspoon of finely ground sea salt and mix it with two teaspoons of honey. Use a special brush or your fingers to apply the paste to dry and clean skin. Leave it for 10 or 15 minutes. Before washing it off, moisten the washcloth in warm water, squeeze and put it on your face for approximately 30 seconds. Gently exfoliate the skin with your fingers in a circular motion and then thoroughly rinse your face with cool water.
3. Salt bath to relax
Salt perfectly absorbs dirt and toxins and deeply cleanses the pores of your skin. Sea salt contains minerals that help to maintain hydration and are able to restore the protective barrier in the skin.
How to use it? Take one-third cup of Epsom salts and add it into a bathtub with very warm water and mix to diffuse the salt. Soak in this solution for 15-30 minutes.
4. Toothpaste for teeth whitening
Both baking soda and salt have significant teeth whitening properties. Their abrasive structure helps to eliminate stains and makes your teeth whiter. Fluoride which is also very beneficial for our teeth and gums is also found in salt.
How to use it? Take one part of salt and mix it with two teaspoons of baking soda. Dip a wet toothbrush into the mixture and brush your teeth as usual. The taste may be unpleasant, so you can apply a little toothpaste to the toothbrush before using the mixture.
5. Salt massage for dandruff treatment
Salt can stimulate blood circulation and help you to get rid of dandruff flakes. It can also eliminate excess oil to prevent the further development of dandruff and fungal growth.
How to use it? Comb your hair several times and sprinkle some salt on your scalp. Moisturize your fingers and gently massage the skin for 10-15 minutes. Then wash your hair and use your regular care products.
6. Solution for beautiful hair texture
You can create a hair texture as if you were diving in the ocean a few minutes ago by making a sea salt solution.
How to use it? Add one tablespoon of sea salt to one cup of warm water and mix them together. Then mix one tablespoon of leave-in hair conditioner with one tablespoon of melted coconut oil. Blend these two mixtures together and use the spray on wet hair.
7. Salty water against eye puffiness
The anti-inflammatory properties of salt are able to soak up excess fluid and soothe swollen eyes.
How to use it? Take a half cup of warm water, add a quarter tablespoon of salt and mix them together. Take two halves of cotton round and soak them into the mixture. Apply them on the places you feel excess puffiness.
8. Solution for nail brightness
Salt tends to strengthen nails and soften cuticles. Lemon and baking soda together are able to reduce nail yellowing and stains.
How to use it? Pour a half-cup of warm water into a small bowl. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of baking soda and mix the solution well. Immerse your fingers in the solution for 8-10 and exfoliate with the help of a nail brush. Wash your hands and apply moisturizer.
