7 surprising ways salt can restore your skin and body

Salt is loaded with minerals, including iodine and sodium, all of which play a key role in our skin’s health, function, and cellular communication. When the skin’s mineral balance is not nomral, symptoms such as dryness, dullness, irritation, and blotchiness ensue, especially as the colder, dryer weather in Pakistan sets in. Bringing salt from the kitchen into your beauty routine can help balance and improve hydration, strengthen the protective barrier of our skin, reduce bloating and kick-start the cell-to-cell communication signals that slow down with age. As compiled by Today News, Huffington Post and realsimple.com, use this kitchen staple to its full capacity.

Balancing Mask



Both salt and honey have anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin and calm breakouts and irritation. They also help to balance oil production and retain hydration in the layers of skin where it’s needed most.

Try it: Mix two teaspoons of salt (preferably iodised) with four teaspoons raw honey to create a spreadable paste. Apply evenly to clean, dry skin, avoiding eye area. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Before rinsing, soak a washcloth in very warm water, and gently wring out. Lay the warm washcloth on your face for 30 seconds. Use your fingers to gently exfoliate in a circular motion while rinsing your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with your usual skin-care routine.

Softening Body Scrub



Salt is a gentle natural exfoliate that sloughs off dead skin cells. It also has minerals to soften skin and restore hydration and moisture.

Try it: Mix a quarter-cup of salt and a half-cup of olive oil into a thick paste. If desired, add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. Apply in the shower with a washcloth, loofah, or the palms of your hands, gently scrubbing your skin in a circular motion. Your skin will instantly feel baby soft and smooth.

Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment



Salt helps loosen and remove existing flakes while stimulating blood circulation for a healthy scalp. The ingredient also absorbs excess oil or sebum and moisture to prevent fungal growth and inhibit the root of dandruff.

Try it: Part your hair a few times, and sprinkle one to two teaspoons of salt on your scalp. Using wet fingers, massage your scalp gently and thoroughly for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash and condition your hair with your regular products. The results will be immediate and very satisfying.

Teeth Whitener



Salt and baking soda are both gentle abrasives that will help remove hard stains and brighten teeth almost instantly. Salt also contains a natural source of fluoride, which is a bonus for your teeth and gums.

Try it: Mix one teaspoon of salt and two teaspoons of baking powder. Dip a damp toothbrush in the mixture, and brush teeth normally. If the taste is too intense for you, try putting a dab of toothpaste on the brush before dipping it in the mixture.

Natural Mouth Wash



Salt acts as a natural disinfectant to kill the bacteria and plaque that builds up between teeth and also is the main cause of bad breath and gingivitis.

Try it: Mix together a half-teaspoon of salt, a half-teaspoon of baking soda, and a quarter-cup warm water until the salt dissolves in it completely. Swish the solution around in your mouth for two minutes and between teeth. Spit, then rinse.

Nail brightening treatment



Salt softens cuticles and skin plus strengthens nails. Baking soda and lemon work to reduce yellowing and stains for brighter, healthier-looking nails.

Try it: Mix one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and a half-cup warm water in a small bowl. Soak nails in the solution for 10 minutes, and then scrub with an unused soft tooth brush. Rinse hands, and moisturize.

Relaxing bath



Salt absorbs dirt, grime, and toxins and cleanses your skin’s pores deeply. Salt’s mineral content helps restore the protective barrier in skin and helps it hold hydration. You may notice that your skin won’t wrinkle or prune after a good, long soak in salted water, which is evidence that a salt bath helps the skin retain its moisture. The naturally occurring minerals in salt may also help reduce water retention or bloating in the body.

Try it: Add one-third cup of salt to a tub filled with warm water, and make sure to dissolve the salt. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd,  2014.

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