Seven Easy and Surprising Ways to Use salt for Magnificent Skin, Hair, Teeth and Nails

Ever thought a basic yet staple ingredient of the kitchen like salt could give major beauty benefits? This natural ingredient salt is packed with minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium that can help to reduce inflammation, brighten, and even strengthen the skin. Adding sea salt to your beauty routine can help balance and enhance hydration levels, strengthen the protective barrier of your skin, and improve cell-to-cell signals that slow down with age.

One of the few major differences between sea salt and ordinary salt is the mineral content: Sea salt is loaded with minerals that are essential for our skin’s health, function, and cellular communication. Sea salt is also a good exfoliator and has antimicrobial properties.

• Aromatic mask

Honey has anti-inflammatory properties which calm out breakouts and irritation while adding salt will also help as it acts as an exfoliator. This mask retains hydration in the layers of skin where it’s needed the most.

Method: Add four teaspoons of raw honey to two teaspoons of sea salt to make a paste. Apply evenly to clean, dry skin and avoid the eye area. Rinse after keeping it for 10-15 minutes with a washcloth soaked in warm water. Wring out a bit and leave the cloth on your face for 30 seconds. Gently exfoliate using fingers in a circular motion while rinsing your skin thoroughly.

• Anti-dandruff scalp treatment

For anti-dandruff hair treatment, Epsom salt works the best. This magical ingredient absorbs excess oil and moisture to prevent fungal growth and inhibits the root of dandruff. Salt also loosens and removes flaky dead skin while stimulating circulation for a healthy scalp.

Method: Divide your hair into different partitions few times and sprinkle one to two teaspoons of Epsom salt on your scalp. Using wet fingers, massage your scalp gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash and condition your hair.

• Rejuvenating body scrub

Salt, being a natural exfoliant, sloughs off dead skin and helps to soften skin and restore hydration.

Method: Mix eight teaspoons of salt and ten teaspoons of olive oil or coconut oil into a thick paste. You can add a few drops of essential oil of your choice like lavender oil too. Use as a shower gel and scrub your skin in a circular motion. Since salt granules are coarse and abrasive so start with gentle scrubbing to see how your skin responds.

Note: Certain skin types might be allergic to some specific oils and so choose oils wisely according to your skin type.

• Teeth whitener

Salt, being naturally coarse works as a bonus for your teeth and gums. Both salt and baking soda are gentle abrasives that will help remove stains and brighten teeth.

Method: Add one teaspoon salt to two teaspoons baking soda. Damp the toothbrush a bit and dip it in the mixture, and brush teeth normally. Try putting a dab of toothpaste on the brush before dipping it in the mixture if the taste is too intense.

• Soothing salt bath

Salt’s extravagant mineral content helps restore the protective barrier in the skin and helps it hold hydration. Salt absorbs dirt, toxins and cleanses your skin’s pores deeply.

Method: Add two teaspoons of Epsom salt to a tub filled with warm water, and swish to dissolve the salt. Soak yourself in for 15 to 30 minutes.

• Refreshing mouthwash

Salt may act as a disinfectant to kill the bacteria that can cause bad breath and gingivitis.

Method: A half-teaspoon salt, a half-teaspoon baking soda, and two teaspoons of water mix together until the salt dissolves. Gently swish the solution around in the mouth and between teeth. Spit and then rinse the mouth.

• Nail brightening treatment

Salt acts as an agent that softens the cuticles and skin while strengthening the nails. The wonderful combination of baking soda and lemon works to reduce yellowing and stains for brighter, healthier-looking nails.

Method: Mix one teaspoon salt, one teaspoon baking soda, one teaspoon lemon juice, and half-cup warm water in a small bowl. Keep the nails soaked in the solution for 10 minutes, and then scrub with a soft brush. Rinse hands thoroughly as any lemon left could cause irritation in the sun, and moisturize.

Footnote

This is how you can make an average table salt a part of your beauty regimen. Try these simple and effective DIYs!