Recipes, health benefits and tips

Dead Sea Salt

By : WILLOW SIDHE

Dead Sea Salt Scrub: Benefits and Recipes

The Dead Sea contains so much salt, no living creature can survive within it. This sea is unique, as its water contains 27 percent salt compared to the 3 percent found in other seas. The sea’s salt is also different from other sea salts. Only about 10 to 15 percent is made up of sodium chloride, while normal sea salt contains about 80 percent sodium chloride. The components of salt from the Dead Sea include magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromines and chloride.

Willow Sidhe is a nature enthusiast with over a decade of experience creating natural health and beauty products for herself and her family.

heals the human body and is therefore used in many medicines

The Benefits of Dead Sea Salt for Skin

Although the sea itself may be unwelcoming, its salts have been harvested and used for thousands of years. Over 2,000 years ago, the Roman historian Flavius wrote that Dead Sea salt “heals the human body and is therefore used in many medicines.” Often referred to as a “salt glow,” a salt scrub stimulates the skin, muscles and nerves, cleanses the pores and improves the texture of dull, bumpy and tired skin. Extensive scientific research has been performed to prove the efficacy of Dead Sea salt for treating skin problems such as dry skin and psoriasis.

Dead Sea Salt for Skin
Dry Skin

A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2005 found that bathing in the water from the Dead Sea improved the function of the skin barrier, reduced roughness and redness of the skin, and enhanced skin hydration. Participants in the study suffered from atopic dry skin and after bathing in a solution made of 5 percent dead sea salt for 15 minutes a day for six weeks, experienced significant improvement. Researchers believe the healing benefits of Dead Sea salt for the skin are directly related to its high magnesium content.

Psoriasis

Another study, published in a 2008 edition of the International Journal of Dermatology, examined 50 patients between the ages of 14 and 77, all of whom suffered from psoriasis. The patients were given 3 to 4 baths made with Dead Sea Salts per week for four weeks. After this period, 70 percent of the patients were completely cleared. Gender, skin type, psychological state nor family history affected the rate of success. Numerous other studies confirm these results. Even The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends the use of Dead Sea salt for the treatment of psoriasis.

Other Benefits

In addition to treating dry skin and psoriasis, natural health practitioners recommend the use of Dead Sea salt for a variety of other skin ailments. Although scientific research is lacking, there exists strong anecdotal evidence that suggests the salt is effective in treating acne, wrinkles and even sun damage. A dead sea salt scrub will benefit just about every skin type and skin disorder, even if it’s just indirectly. By cleansing the pores, reducing inflammation and increasing circulation, it’s almost impossible not to experience improved skin with regular use.

How to Make a Dead Sea Salt Scrub

Making a dead sea salt scrub is relatively easy and inexpensive, and you can use ingredients probably already on hand. If you don’t live in an area where Dead Sea salt is readily available, noting that having salts from Dead Sea in jordan is absalutly for free, you may have to order online. I recommend buying in bulk, as you can get 20 pounds for around $25. I use these treatments only occasionally, so this lasts almost all year for me. If you were treating psoriasis, however, you may need to buy more frequently.

Both of these recipes can be used on the face or body, though I prefer to use fewer ingredients when making a face scrub. When I’m applying a dead sea salt body scrub, however, I like to prepare an elaborate mixture. You can even use these recipes as a basis for your own. As long as your skin is being exposed to the salts, you’ll experience a benefit with regular use.

Body Scrub

Use after rinsing the body with tepid water to open the pores.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup dead sea salt
  • 1/4 cup ground oats
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, warmed
  • 10 drops of essential oil (see suggestions below), optional

Directions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
  • To use, apply the scrub over the entire body using circular motions with your fingertips or a loofah sponge.
  • Follow with a shower and an application of moisturizing lotion for the best results.

Face Scrub

Use after splashing the face with tepid water to open the pores.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup dead sea salt
  • Vegetable glycerin
  • 5 drops of essential oil (see suggestions below), optional

Directions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
  • To use, apply the scrub to the entire face using circular motions with your fingertips. Rinse clean.
  • Follow with a gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Dead Sea salt different from regular sea salt?
Dead Sea salt is rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and potassium, which are beneficial for skin health. It has a lower sodium content compared to regular sea salt, making it more therapeutic and hydrating.

2. What are the benefits of using Dead Sea salt for the skin?
Dead Sea salt is known to improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation, promote circulation, and detoxify the skin. It helps alleviate conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne, while also promoting relaxation.

3. Can Dead Sea salt help with joint pain or arthritis?
Yes, Dead Sea salt baths are often used for therapeutic purposes to relieve muscle tension, reduce joint inflammation, and ease the symptoms of arthritis due to its high mineral content, especially magnesium.

4. How should I use Dead Sea salt in a bath?
Add 1-2 cups of Dead Sea salt to warm bathwater and soak for about 20 minutes. This allows the minerals to be absorbed by the skin, providing relaxation and rejuvenation benefits.

5. Is Dead Sea salt safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, Dead Sea salt is generally safe for sensitive skin, but it’s always advisable to do a patch test before using it extensively. Its minerals can help soothe irritation, but those with very sensitive skin should consult with a dermatologist if unsure.

Essential Oils for Use With Dead Sea Salt Scrubs

When making your own dead sea salt scrub for body or face, you can use essential oils to further improve your skin and add a pleasing fragrance. This is optional, but if you do want to use them, choose oils that compliment your skin type.

Dry Skin

These oils balance the production of skin oil, reduce puffiness and encourage new cell growth. Lavender, jasmine, peppermint, geranium, neroli, rosemary, chamomile, sandalwood, frankincense, rosewood.

Aging Skin

These oils nourish and moisturize aging skin. Lavender, neroli, geranium, rose, rosemary.

Problem Skin

These oils are antiseptic and slightly drying, which benefits problem skin. Do not use on dry skin, however. Sage, clary sage, juniper, tea tree, eucalyptus.

Oily Skin

These oils normalize overactive oil glands and slow oil production. Lemongrass, ylang-ylang, eucalyptus, cedarwood, basil, cypress, spike lavender.

Normal Skin

These oils are suitable for use on normal, healthy skin. Lavender, bergamot, geranium, rosewood and cedarwood.

Dead Sea Salt - Jordan
By: Kimbry Parker

How to Make a Dead Sea Salt Face Exfoliant for Dry Skin

When your face is starting to flake, peel or look downright dry, skip the store-bought exfoliant and make one at home using Dead Sea salt. Extracted from the Dead Sea in the Jordan Valley, this salt is high in mineral content, making it exceptionally moisturizing for your skin — it also exfoliates the flakes of skin and deep cleans your pores. So when your face is craving moisture and you can’t bear to look at those scaly patches another day, throw together a quick, facial-exfoliating scrub using this healthful salt.

Step 1: Pour 1 cup of Dead Sea salt into a clean jar. Add five to ten drops of your favorite essential oil. Orange, jasmine, tea tree, lavender and peppermint are all good choices for a scrub. Screw the lid on the jar and shake well.

Step 2: Unscrew the lid and add 1/2 cup of sweet almond, olive or jojoba oil to the mixture. Use a spoon to stir up the salt and oil well.

Step 3: Screw the lid back on the jar and leave closed until use.

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