Magnesium and salt water for skin

I’m a big fan of natural sea salt and magnesium. In addition to being an important ingredient in food, salt water is becoming increasingly popular in skincare products. This recipe uses a combination of magnesium and a saltwater mixture to create a skin nourishing sea salt spray.

Sea Salt and salt water have a long history of use in various beauty recipes and skin therapies. Even its name is thalassotherapy, which means the therapeutic use salt water. If you have sensitive, acne-prone or dry skin, using salt water on your skin can be beneficial.

Salt Water Benefits for Skin

After using salt, many people report less acne, improved skin texture, and a more clear complexion. Some popular ways to incorporate this into your skincare routine are salt scrubs and a bath in salt. This sea salt spray stays on your skin, nourishing it.

What makes ocean water so good for your skin? Because saltwater is antimicrobial, it can be used to fight acne-causing bacteria. It’s also a rich source of naturally occurring trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. And if we’re talking about salt from the Dead Sea, that has a much higher proportion of various chloride and bromide salts and other minerals.

I mentioned before that salt scrubs are one popular way to get sea salt’s skin benefits. These can be used to exfoliate dead skin, boost collagen, or help with blackheads. Salt scrubs tend to be too harsh for your face so I prefer to use them on my body. A saltwater spray can offer many of these same benefits.

Salt Water For Different Skin Types

Salt water may be trending when it comes to skincare but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. You may find that it is irritating if you have dry skin or other skin conditions. Many people though find that the salt’s healing minerals help with irritated skin. If you’re unsure you could try a test patch before rubbing it all over your face.

Some dermatologists recommend against washing your face with salt water, but I think that’s throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Since thousands of years, cultures have used saltwater as a therapeutic tool. Studies have examined it’s benefits for musculoskeletal issues like arthritis and skin problems like psoriasis.

In 2005, a clinical trial examined the effects of bathing in Dead Sea water on psoriasis. Researchers reported that psoriasis lesions improved by 76%. In a 2007 study, psoriasis sufferers saw a 95% improvement of symptoms. The results were even more impressive because they lasted about 23 weeks and the positive effects lingered for approximately 33 weeks.

Saltwater has also been studied in other studies. These studies show that eczema is treated with less inflammation and skin cracking.

Some people report good success in treating dandruff, and also reducing the buildup of scalp.

In another study, saltwater baths were used to treat EB. EB is a rare skin disorder that causes painful blisters. The EB patients who took the saltwater baths reported 91% reduction in pain, and improvements to skin odor and discharge. While most of us won’t have to deal with this disease, it just goes to show how powerful saltwater for skin can be!

Saltwater Treatment for Oily Skin

Saltwater washes are popular for oily or acne-prone skin. Acne and pimples can be caused by excessive oil production in the skin. It is ideal for oily types of skin because saltwater heals and dries. Plus it’s antimicrobial to fight pathogenic bacteria on the skin.

How to Use Salt Water on Skin

You don’t want to use too much saltwater though, especially if you have normal to dry skin types. For extra hydration, follow up your saltwater spray by applying a moisturizing lotion. Some sources suggest using a toner or saltwater cleanser only a few days a week.

Some people mix table salt and tap water to make a DIY version. It’s not the same thing as bathing in salt water! I don’t eat table salt and it’s not my first choice for a salt spray either. This spray contains a mixture of mineral-rich Himalayan and sea salt, filtered or distilled water or herbal tea. Something that’s finely ground dissolves more easily.

Don’t Forget the Magnesium

Add Epsom salts, or magnesium flakes, to your salt spray. Both of these are excellent sources of magnesium for the skin. Sea salt has trace amounts magnesium but adding magnesium to the mix will boost its skin benefits.

In addition to its beauty benefits this sea spray also leaves your skin feeling fresh and light. It can be used to nourish the skin or as a facial spray. If you’ve never tried salt on the skin, I’d encourage you to try this simple and inexpensive recipe!

Sea Salt Spray to Healthy Skin

Ancient practices of using salt water on the skin date back to ancient times. This nourishing skin spray contains magnesium and mineral-rich sea water.

Yield

Instructions

• In a small saucepan, add some salt and Epsom or magnesium flakes. Stir and heat gently until all the salt has dissolved.

• Add essential oils to the mixture after cooling.

• Keep in a glass bottle and store in a cool area.

Notes

Use: Shake well, spray onto a cotton pad as a skin toner or mist lightly. This is also great to use after swimming.

You can add more herbal benefits to your spray

Calendula and lavender are great additions. You can strain the tea and add salt. This will keep in the refrigerator for approximately 1-2 weeks. Add some hydrosols to make it shelf stable. After the mixture has cooled, add 1/4 cup of the hydrosol to the 3/4 cup water.

Use salt water to treat your skin? Share your experiences below!