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.
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.
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.
Use after rinsing the body with tepid water to open the pores.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Use after splashing the face with tepid water to open the pores.
Ingredients:
Directions:
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.
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.
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.
These oils nourish and moisturize aging skin. Lavender, neroli, geranium, rose, rosemary.
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.
These oils normalize overactive oil glands and slow oil production. Lemongrass, ylang-ylang, eucalyptus, cedarwood, basil, cypress, spike lavender.
These oils are suitable for use on normal, healthy skin. Lavender, bergamot, geranium, rosewood and cedarwood.
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.