Epsom Salt Beauty & Health Hacks

So what makes Epsom salt so special? And how does this one inexpensive ingredient figure in all these beauty and health hacks?

Well, the secret is in its makeup. You see, this special “salt” is composed of different forms of magnesium sulfate (magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen together) with up to seven water molecules attached. This special salt derives its name from a bitter, salty spring in Surrey, England, where it is dried from spring water that arises from a geology of porous chalk and clay.

Today, we use Epsom salts as natural exfoliants and in anti-inflammatory remedies used to treat sore muscles, small wounds, dry skin, and even illness. In fact, the Epsom Salt Council has a long list of Epsom salt uses, and several of these include beauty and health tips.

While generally safe to use, the magnesium contained in the crystals can be absorbed into the body through the skin. So of course, be sure to consult with a health professional if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant.

Here are some amazing Epsom salt beauty and health hacks you can use today.

Hair Volumizer

Photo Credit: Care2

Does your hair ever feel oily and heavy after you use conditioner? You can use Epsom salt to make a homemade volumizer that will fix that problem.

What you Need:

• One Part Conditioner (please shop for Organic products)
• One Part Epsom Salt
• Small Bowl

Process:

• Mix the conditioner and Epsom salt together in a small bowl.
• Apply the conditioner like you usually do.
• Leave it in for 20 minutes before rinsing.
• Repeat the treatment weekly.

Sunburn Relief

Photo Credit: DoctorOz

Everyone gets a sunburn at least once in a blue moon. The pain can be excruciating. However, you can use Epsom salts to reduce sunburn irritation because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

What you Need:

• Empty Spray Bottle
• 2 Tablespoons Epsom Salt
• 1 Cup Water

Process:

• Mix the water and Epsom Salt together and pour in the spray bottle.
• Spray water and Epsom Salt mixture on the affected area as needed.

Dry Lip Treatment

Image Source

Do you struggle with constant dry lips? Epsom salt can be used to make your lips healthier and look fuller by removing dead and dry skin .

What you Need:

• 1 Teaspoon Epsom Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil and/or Cacao Butter (seek out Organic and Raw oils/butters)
• Small Bowl

Process:

• Combine the Epsom salt and oil/butter in a small bowl.
• Apply the combination to your lips.
• Gently rub it in.

Bug Bite Relief

Photo Credit: Everyday Health

Because of Epsom salt’s anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to treat bug bite irritation and infection.

What you Need:

• 2 Tablespoons Epsom Salt
• 1 Cup Water
• Washcloth
• Medium Bowl

Process:

• Mix the water and Epsom salt together in a medium sized bowl.
• Dip the washcloth in the solution.
• Apply to the affected area as needed.

Sore Muscle Relief

Photo Credit: PopSugar

This amazing mineral compound can ease sore muscles due to exercise because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

What you Need:

• 1 Teaspoon Epsom Salt
• 1 Cup Hot Water
• Medium Bowl

Process:

• Pour the hot water into a small bowl and dissolve the Epsom salt in it.
• Cool the solution in the freezer for 20 minutes. 
• Clean and dry the area you wish to treat.
• Apply the cold mixture to where you feel sore.

Pedicure

Photo Credit: Her Campus

Epsom salt’s exfoliating properties will soften the rough and callused skin on your feet and leave them feeling spa fresh. It is also inexpensive!

What you Need:

• ½ Cup Epsom Salt
• Warm Soapy Water (Dr. Bronner’s soap is recommended)
• Container to Put Solution Into

Process:

• Mix the Epsom salt and soapy water in a container big enough to hold your feet.
• Soak your feet for 10 minutes.
• Pull out and dry your feet. Remove any nail polish and cut or file toenails.
• Soak your feet again for 5 more minutes.
• Remove, dry, and feel the results.

Bee Sting Remedy

Photo Credit: Illinois Poison Center Blog

You can use Epsom salt to battle minor bee sting swelling thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, if you have severe swelling or trouble breathing following a bee sting, seek emergency medical attention immediately. All minor issues can be treated with the following:

What you Need:

• 2 Tablespoons Epsom Salt
• 1 Cup Cold Water
• Cotton Washcloth
• Medium Bowl

Process:

• Mix the water and Epsom salt together in a medium sized bowl.
• Soak the cotton washcloth in the mixture.
• Apply to the affected area.

Health Soak

Photo Credit: HealthTap

Soaking in a bath can help you feel rejuvenated, regardless. But adding in Epsom salts turns any bath into a nourishing experience. It will also keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

What you Need for a detox bath:

• Bath Full of Hot Water
• 2 Cups Epsom Salt
• Relaxing Atmosphere

Process:

• Fill your tub with hot water.
• Pour in 2 cups of Epsom salts and let it dissolve.
• Soak for at least 12 minutes.
• Repeat the process three times a week for best results.

Facial

Photo Credit: India Times

The natural exfoliating properties of salt gives a boost to any face cleanser.

What you Need:

• ½ Teaspoon Epsom Salt
• Face Cleansing Cream (Use a normal amount. Be sure to select Organic products)
• Small Bowl

Process:

• Mix the face cream and Epsom salt together in a small bowl.
• Apply to skin and rub gently.
• Rinse with cold water.
• Dry and feel the results.

Bath Crystals

Photo Credit: SCD Lifestyle

You can make your own bath crystals from Epsom salts. They are only a fraction of the cost and better for you, too. Here’s just one recipe.

What you Need:

• 2 Cups Epsom Salt
• 1 Cup Pink Himalayan Salt
• 30-40 Drops of Essential Oils (Frankincense, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, etc.)
• Small Jar
• Medium Bowl

Process:

• Mix the salts and essential oils together in a medium sized bowl.
• Transfer mixture to a small jar.
• Pour these bath crystals into your bath whenever you want.

Splinter Treatment

Photo Credit: Babycenter

You can use Epsom salt after small splinter removal to reduce swelling and irritation.

What you Need:

• 2 Tablespoons Epsom Salt
• 1 Cup Cold Water
• Cotton Washcloth
• Medium Bowl

Process:

• Mix together Epsom salt and cold water in the medium sized bowl.
• Soak the cotton washcloth in the mixture.
• Apply washcloth to the affected area.

Post-Shower Spa Treatment

Photo Credit: Gypset

You can gently exfoliate your skin after a shower with Epsom salts. The process is very simple, and the results are the same as going to a spa. The salt’s coarse texture and nutrients help to cleanse the skin and get rid of dead skin cells. This will leave your skin silky smooth.

Process:

• After your shower, take handful of Epsom salt.
• Gently massage your wet skin with the Epsom salt.
• Repeat until you feel exfoliated.
• Rinse off and enjoy the results.

Deep Exfoliation

Photo Credit: Humans Are Free

Not only can Epsom salts help clean your skin, but these salts can also promote deep exfoliation. The following solution works well on rough or extra-dry patches of skin. But be careful not to use use on broken or irritated skin.

What you Need:

• 2 Cups Epsom Salt
• ¼ Cup Coconut Oil and/or Cacao Butter (Raw, Organic)
• 3 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
• Medium Bowl

Process:

• In a medium bowl combine Epsom salt, Oil/Butter, and the essential oil
• Rub solution gently into rough or dry patches of skin.

Poison Ivy Relief

Photo Credit: Yale News

If you enjoy the outdoors, you will more than likely run into some poison ivy. Literally. So try some Epsom salt to relieve any irritation or swelling that may come from poison ivy exposure.

What you Need:

• 2 Tablespoons Epsom Salt
• 1 Cup Cold Water
• Cotton Washcloth
• Medium Bowl

Process:

• Mix Epsom salt and cold water together in a medium sized bowl.
• Soak the cotton washcloth in the solution.
• Apply to the affected area as needed.

Ice Bath

Photo Credit: The Mars Reel

Athletes use ice baths to fight inflammation. Since Epsom salt also has anti-inflammatory properties, adding it to an ice bath will help promote healing.

Process:

• Add 3-4 Cups of Epsom Salts to your ice bath.
• Jump in, Endure, and Enjoy the Benefits!

Sleep Aid

Photo Credit: DoctorOz

Epsom salt soothes skin and relaxes muscle. Thus, it can contribute to a good night’s rest.

Process:

• Add a couple handfuls of Epsom salts to a hot bath before you go to sleep.
• Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

Foot Problems

Photo Credit: Active

There are many foot problems that can be treated with Epsom salts. Joint pain, swollen feet, foot and toe fungus, and foot odor can all be improved with a warm Epsom salt foot soak

What you Need:

• Large Container of Warm-Hot Water (Big Enough for Your Feet)
• 1 Cup Epsom Salt

Process:

• Pour the Epsom salt into the container of warm-hot water and let it dissolve.
• Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Repeat daily until the foot problem is under control.

Skin Protection

Photo Credit: DoctorOz

When you tan or burn, dead skin build-up can make it difficult to apply sunscreen effectively. You can use this Epsom salt exfoliation scrub to help clear away the dead skin so that sunscreen goes on smoothly. More important, though, the skin will be better able to convert sunlight to Vitamin D — an important skin-protecting nutrient.

What you Need:

• 2 Ounces Epsom Salt
• 2 Ounces of Sea Salt
• 4 Ounces Coffee Grounds
• 1 Teaspoon Eucalyptus Oil
• Sesame Oil
• Medium Bowl

Process:

• Mix Epsom salt, sea salt, coffee grounds, and eucalyptus oil in a bowl.
• Add sesame oil until you can form a paste with the mixture.
• Rub into the areas of your body where you have a tan.
• Rinse off in the shower.