Bath salt refers mainly to mineral and salt deposits extracted from or obtained from the Dead Sea, a large inland sea located in Israel. The composition of the material from the sea is quite different from that of oceanic sea salt.
Dead Sea salt has a very rich mineral composition, which includes calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, and sodium. Some sea salt is known to have higher concentrations of copper, zinc, chromium, and sulfur.
It should be noted that the concentration levels of the minerals contained in sea salt vary from season to season, depending on weather conditions, sun exposure, rainfall, and other factors. This variation of mineral content makes it important for most skincare products to include Dead Sea salt in their ingredients.
The effectiveness of many skincare products containing Dead Sea salt is often referred to as "essence." This is because sea salt has an "essence" of its own, as it can be extracted and used without changing the basic composition. Because sea salt is so versatile, it makes a natural moisturizer, exfoliant, sunscreen and de-aging agent.
Most skincare products that contain bath salt from Dead Sea salt also contain vitamin E, which is effective in moisturizing and soothing dry, rough, or flaky skin. The addition of vitamin E also helps prevent irritation and skin breakdown caused by environmental irritants.
It's common knowledge that Dead Sea salt is a good source of protein, which can help maintain the health of connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. This is important for skincare products that contain this type of ingredient.
Dead Sea salt also contains essential fatty acids, which are important to the body's health. They are also important for preventing skin inflammation and repairing damage caused by exposure to the sun.
Other ingredients that are sometimes included in skincare products that contain sea salt include lavender oil, glycerin, and natural Vitamin E. Other beneficial plant oils include olive oil, grape seed oil, macadamia oil and Shea butter.
Aromatherapy products containing sea salt have also become popular in recent years. These products are believed to have healing benefits for skin related problems such as dryness and itching and may stimulate skin cells to produce collagen.
Some sea salts are used in salves and ointments that are applied directly to dry skin. Others are used as an additive in cosmetics and are added to bathwater for a refreshing, cooling sensation.
Sea salt also has been found useful as a skin whitening ingredient. In research studies, this salt has been shown to increase the absorption of hemoglobin in the blood, which is one of the main causes of dark spots on the face.
A study by scientists at the University of Michigan Health System found that the effects of sea salt on skin pigmentation were more than twice as strong as that of Vitamin C. This effect was noted after only six days of application. Other scientific studies have shown that it also helps protect the eyes against free radicals, which are a leading cause of wrinkles.
While this type of sea salt may not work as well as commercial skin whitening ingredients, it's still worth considering for those who have sensitive skin and are looking for a safe, natural way to make their skin look younger. The inclusion of sea salt in skincare products makes them less irritating to the skin.
Using sea salt in your skincare products is also good for your overall well being. You may be surprised to learn that sea salt can help reduce some common health risks. For example, it can help relieve joint pain and arthritis, relieve muscle spasms, promote digestion, and prevent the development of certain cancers.