Salt soaks are an affordable and simple method of improving your health and well-being, especially when it comes to injuries, aches, and pains. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) has a long history of use in spas across the country, but it’s also an easy item to find in your own home or in the pharmacy next door to your house. Here are 9 proven benefits of epsom salt soaks that you should try out if you haven’t already! 9 Benefits of Epsom Salt Soaks
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1) Treats sore muscles
Sore, tired muscles are no fun. Our bodies often suffer from sore muscles after a long day on our feet at work or after an intense workout. Luckily, there’s an easy way to relieve pain—epsom salt soaks! When you soak your body in epsom salt, it triggers a reaction in your body that relaxes both your mind and body. And as if that wasn’t enough, there are several other ways that epsom salt soaks can benefit your health. 9 Benefits of Epsom Salt Soaks
2) Rebalances magnesium levels
When magnesium levels are low, it can lead to cravings for carbs. Consuming too much salt and not enough magnesium may also lead to constipation, headaches, and other health issues that can complicate your weight-loss goals. An epsom salt soak works because it replenishes both at once. By soaking in an epsom salt bath, you’ll be able to rehydrate as well as relax muscles with significantly less pain and effort than trying to do so using other methods.
3) Relieves back pain
Adding epsom salt to a warm bath can help relieve back pain. Add four cups of Epsom salt to a hot bath, and soak for at least twenty minutes before bathing. This helps relieve stress on sore muscles in your back, as well as tiredness from stressful days.
4) Cleanses toxins from your body
An Epsom salt soak provides magnesium, a mineral your body needs to rid itself of toxins. Magnesium is also important for muscles and bones, helping you stay strong and preventing cramps and other muscle problems. To improve your health, add one cup of Epsom salt to a warm bath, soak for 30 minutes and then bathe as usual with soap and water afterward.
5) Helps with acne
epsom salt is a popular ingredient in many acne treatments. The magnesium and sulfate in epsom salt helps remove excess sebum, dirt, and toxins from pores. By removing these things, skin can be less irritated and have fewer breakouts. Studies show that when combined with other acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, epsom salt can reduce acne even more effectively. It can also help reduce inflammation and redness caused by breakouts. (Source)
6) Removes dead skin cells
Dead skin cells can clog pores and contribute to breakouts, but regular soaks with epsom salt will slough them away. The magnesium in epsom salt helps rejuvenate your skin and reduce inflammation, which is why it’s a key ingredient in lots of anti-aging products. Just be sure to follow up with a moisturizer—especially if you have sensitive skin. Or you could also try adding some of your favorite face mask to your bath for an extra boost!
7) Improves your mood
People who soak in a bathtub full of warm water and epsom salt may feel less stressed, according to WebMD. Although no scientific studies have yet proven that epsom salt baths have any effect on stress, it’s still worth a try!
8) Reduces cellulite
It is a good idea to detox your body using epsom salt. According to Medical News Today, it can also reduce cellulite. In fact, adding epsom salt to your bath water several times a week can help improve circulation, which gets rid of toxins that contribute to cellulite buildup in some cases. For best results, sprinkle 2 cups of epsom salt into warm bath water and soak for 15 minutes at least three times per week.
9) Fights infections
Bacteria don’t like an alkaline environment, so taking epsom salt baths may help fight infections. This can be particularly useful for people with bronchitis, who may not want to use medication on their lungs. Research has also shown that epsom salt baths are helpful in treating acne and athlete’s foot. Some studies have even found that soaking in an epsom salt bath can reduce symptoms of gout.
Is Epsom salt scientifically proven?
Not yet. According to a University of Maryland Medical Center review on epsom salt, it does not have good scientific evidence for its efficacy. However, we do know that epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfate ions, which are both found in some laxatives and enemas used to treat constipation. This means that whether or not there’s any real difference between an actual epsom salt bath vs. a regular bathtub soak is still up for debate.
Does soaking in Epsom salt do anything?
Doctors are still not sure whether a warm bath with Epsom salt can actually provide any health benefits. But it certainly feels good, says Tim Sheldon, MD, chair of family medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. For me personally, he says, taking a hot bath for an hour makes you feel better and relaxes you.
Is Epsom salt absorbed through the skin?
When you add a capful of epsom salt to your bath, or use it as a foot soak, it is completely safe and unlikely to be absorbed into your body. You should never drink an epsom salt bath, but if you were to drink water that contained epsom salt after using it in a foot soak or as part of a DIY beauty treatment like homemade face masks, there would not be any ill effects.
Does Epsom salt remove toxins?
First, it’s an easy way to help bring your body back into balance.
Should I rinse off after Epsom salt bath?
After you’ve soaked in your bathtub full of epsom salt, are you supposed to rinse off? People have different feelings about rinsing off, but it really depends on your preference. Some people like to let their skin air dry after getting out, and then apply some body lotion or moisturizer. Others prefer to rinse off because they don’t want to deal with a sticky feeling after coming out of a long soak. Ultimately it is up to you!
Can you put too much Epsom salt in a bath?
Though some people use Epsom salt baths to help with their circulation, there is no hard evidence to support these claims. However, there is some risk in using too much of it. If you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet, you should talk to your doctor before adding Epsom salt to your bathwater. In addition, if you have severe kidney problems or are experiencing fluid retention for any reason, epsom salt soaks might not be a good idea.
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