Salt has been used for centuries as a powerful element in beauty rituals, offering a range of benefits from skin nourishment to deep relaxation. They are a beautiful natural ingredient with so many benefits. Different types of salts, sourced from ancient seas, underground deposits, and mineral-rich lakes, contain unique properties that enhance well-being.
1. Epsom Salt
Origin: Named after the town of Epsom in England, Epsom salt is not technically a salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium sulfate.
How It’s Extracted: Harvested from natural underground springs, Epsom salt is extracted through a process of boiling mineral-rich water and allowing it to crystallize.
Benefits:
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Relaxes sore muscles and reduces inflammation
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Helps detoxify the body by drawing out toxins
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Soothes skin irritations like eczema and psoriasis
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Supports magnesium absorption for stress relief
Best Uses:
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Bath soak for muscle relaxation
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Foot soak to reduce swelling and odor
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Scrubs to exfoliate and detoxify the skin
Best for: Full-body baths, foot soaks, and exfoliating scrubs.
2. Dead Sea Salt
Origin: Harvested from the Dead Sea, located between Jordan and Israel, this salt is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide.
How It’s Extracted: Water from the Dead Sea is evaporated, leaving behind highly concentrated mineral salts that are then processed and purified.
Benefits:
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Deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin
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Helps alleviate conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne
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Improves circulation and reduces inflammation
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Relaxes the nervous system and promotes better sleep
Best Uses:
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Bath soaks for skin rejuvenation
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Body wraps for detoxification
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Facial scrubs for deep cleansing
Best for: Sensitive and problematic skin, relaxation, and skin hydration.
3. Himalayan Pink Salt
Origin: Mined from ancient sea beds in the Himalayan mountains of Pakistan, this salt is rich in over 80 trace minerals, including iron, which gives it its pink hue.
How It’s Extracted: Extracted from salt mines, Himalayan salt is carefully hand-mined, washed, and sun-dried to preserve its purity.
Benefits:
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Detoxifies the skin by balancing pH levels
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Improves respiratory health when used in salt inhalers
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Stimulates circulation and boosts energy
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Enhances skin’s hydration and elasticity
Best Uses:
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Bath salts for detoxification
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Salt scrubs for exfoliation and skin renewal
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Salt lamps and inhalers for air purification
Best for: Full-body treatments, scrubs, and detox baths.
4. Australian Sea Salt (Coarse & Fine)
Origin: Harvested from the pristine coastal waters of Australia, this salt is rich in natural minerals.
How It’s Extracted: Seawater is collected and naturally evaporated under the sun, leaving behind pure sea salt crystals.
Benefits:
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Gently exfoliates and detoxifies the skin
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Helps improve skin texture and softness
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Contains naturally occurring electrolytes for hydration
Best Uses:
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Body scrubs for smooth, glowing skin
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Soothing bath soaks for relaxation
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Foot scrubs to soften calluses
Best for: Gentle exfoliation and revitalization.
5. Black Lava Salt
Origin: Sourced from volcanic regions, including Hawaii and Cyprus, this salt is infused with activated charcoal.
How It’s Extracted: Sea salt is harvested and mixed with activated charcoal from coconut shells or volcanic lava.
Benefits:
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Detoxifies the skin by drawing out impurities
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Provides gentle exfoliation for a radiant glow
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Balances oily and acne-prone skin
Best Uses:
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Face and body scrubs for deep cleansing
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Detox bath soaks
Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin, deep detoxification.
What Parts of the Body Can You Use Salt On?
Safe for: Body, hands, feet, and scalp (for exfoliation and detoxification).
Avoid: Open wounds, irritated or freshly shaved skin, and sensitive areas like the face (unless using a finely ground salt like Dead Sea salt).
Incorporating Salts Into Your Beauty Routine
1. Bath Soaks: Add a handful of salts to warm bathwater to soothe muscles and detoxify the skin.
2. Body Scrubs: Mix salt with carrier oils like coconut or jojoba oil for a luxurious exfoliating treatment.
3. Foot Soaks: Soak tired feet in warm water with Epsom or Dead Sea salt to reduce swelling and refresh skin.
4. Salt Inhalation: Use Himalayan salt inhalers to clear sinuses and improve respiratory health.
Learn More with Sensoriam’s Natural Perfume & Wellness Experiences
At Sensoriam, our founder, Jessica Kiely, runs immersive natural perfume workshops in Bondi in Sydney’s East, helping people explore the power of nature’s ingredients, including salts, essential oils, and botanical extracts. These hands-on experiences allow you to create your own natural beauty and wellness products while learning about the art of scent and self-care.
Salt has been treasured throughout history for its healing, spiritual, and preservative properties. Here are some fascinating ancient uses of salt:
1. Preservation & Mummification
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Ancient Egyptians used natron, a naturally occurring salt mixture, to preserve bodies in the mummification process. Salt’s drying properties helped prevent decomposition.
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Many cultures, including the Romans and Chinese, used salt to preserve food long before refrigeration.
2. Spiritual & Purification Rituals
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In Ancient Rome and Greece, salt was used in purification rituals and offered to deities.
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Hindu and Buddhist traditions used salt to ward off negative energies. Even today, salt is used in cleansing ceremonies.
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In Shintoism (Japan), salt is sprinkled at the entrance of sumo wrestling rings to purify the space.
3. Healing & Medicine
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Hippocrates (Greek physician) recommended salt water for disinfecting wounds, treating respiratory issues, and easing sore throats.
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In Ayurveda (India), salt is used in neti pots to cleanse the sinuses and in body scrubs to remove toxins.
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The Romans and Egyptians bathed in saltwater (like the Dead Sea) for its therapeutic benefits.
4. Currency & Trade
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Salt was so valuable in Ancient Rome that soldiers were sometimes paid in salt, giving rise to the word "salary" (from Latin salarium).
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In Africa, salt was traded for gold, making it one of the most sought-after commodities.
5. Protective & Good Luck Symbol
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In European folklore, throwing salt over your left shoulder was believed to ward off bad luck.
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In many cultures, placing salt at doorways or in corners of a home was said to protect against evil spirits.
Salt's significance spans across cultures and centuries, and we still use many of these practices today!
Harnessing the power of natural salts in your beauty routine can transform not just your skin but also your overall well-being. From detoxification to deep relaxation, these mineral-rich gifts from the earth help us reconnect with nature’s healing touch. Which salt will you be incorporating into your next self-care ritual?
