Amazing Uses for Epsom Salt

What do pedicures, hair volumizers, tile cleaners and bath crystals have in common? They can all be created – at a low cost and in an eco-friendly manner – using Epsom salt. Comprised of the minerals magnesium and sulfate, Epsom salt is a natural exfoliant and anti-inflammation remedy that can be used to treat dry skin, sore muscles, small wounds and even to fight illness. It can also be added to any bath or foot soak to create a luxurious at-home spa experience. These budget-friendly, hassle-free tips from the Epsom Salt Council show how Epsom salt can keep you feeling healthy and beautiful in the comfort of your own home.

Hair volumizer

Adding Epsom salt to conditioner helps you to rid your hair of excess oil, which can weigh hair down and leave it looking flat. Create your own homemade volumizer by combining equal parts Epsom salt and conditioner. Apply and leave in for 20 minutes before rinsing. Repeat the treatment weekly.

Sunburn relief

Epsom salt’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a great tool for alleviating mild sunburn irritation. Take an empty spray bottle, mix two tablespoons of Epsom with one cup of water and spray on the affected area. Your days of dealing with messy aloe are over!

 

Dry lips

Always find yourself fumbling for lip balm? Try giving your lips a deeper treatment using Epsom salt. Combine a few tablespoons of salt with a teaspoon of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline), apply the solution to the lips, and gently rub it in. The solution helps remove dead and/or dry skin and will leave your lips looking fuller and healthier.

Bug bite relief

To help relieve common insect bites, just mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt with one cup of water, dip a cotton washcloth in the solution, and apply to the affected area.

Sore muscle soother

Epsom salt can help to relieve sore muscles after workouts. Create a muscle-relaxing “paste” by dissolving a teaspoon of Epsom salt into a cup of hot water and cooling the solution in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Make sure to clean the skin of the affected area and dry off before applying.

Pedicure

Treat your feet to even more fun with a low-cost, at-home Epsom salt pedicure. Mix one half a cup of Epsom salt with warm soap water and soak. Remove nail polish, cut and file toenails and then soak again for five minutes. Epsom salt’s natural exfoliating properties will help soften rough and callused skin, leaving your feet feeling spa-fresh.

Facial

Epsom salt’s natural exfoliating properties help give facial pores a deep clean. For an Epsom salt facial, add one half a teaspoon of Epsom salt to any face cleansing cream. Apply to skin, rinse with cold water, and dry.

 Post-shower spa treatment

Gentle exfoliation is a common treatment at many spas, and you can have the same experience for a fraction of the price at home. After a shower, gently massage wet skin with handfuls of Epsom salt. The salt’s coarse texture and rich nutrients help to cleanse and get rid of dead skin cells, leaving your skin silky smooth.