Sea salt, Earth’s natural ingredient, is the gift that keeps on giving; just when you think you know everything it can be used in, another surprise pops up. Aside from cooking, sea salt is a valued beauty ingredient that can be used for just about anything. Check out these 10 amazing uses of sea salt!
1. Bath Salts
Few things are more relaxing and calming after a hectic and chaotic day than a hot bath to soothe the mind and soul. Next time you decide to soak in the tub, try adding a cup of sea salt with a few drops of almond, coconut, or another essential oil into the running water. Adding sea salt to a bath allows for the body to absorb less water, reducing that annoying “pruning” on your hands and feet.
2. Body Scrub
After showering or bathing (while your skin is still wet), stand in the shower and sprinkle some sea salt onto your hand and gently begin massaging it into your skin in circular motions. Exfoliating your skin is an easy and effective way to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation, and one of the more favorable uses of sea salt. An added bonus: exfoliating also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, which is formed by the accumulation of old fat cells and toxins, most common in areas like the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms. For some added bliss, mix the salt with some honey, turmeric, aloe, or your favorite oil. Rinse the scrub off with warm water, and you’re good to go.
3. Facial Toner
Calling all oily and acne-prone girls: have you been looking for a natural product, free of harsh chemicals, to help battle the demons that have invaded your skin? Well, look no further: sea salt, when dissolved into distilled water, helps to soak up excess oils as well as assist in thwarting acne-causing bacteria and drying out acne. Simply dissolve 1.2 of a teaspoon of sea salt into 1.2 cups of distilled water, then pour into a spray bottle. For an extra bonus, add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or lavender essential oil. On a clean, dry face, mist onto the skin (making sure to avoid the eye area), let dry and apply moisturizer.
4. Balancing Face Mask
Face masks have taken over the world: whether it’s a sheet mask, mud mask, clay mask, or gel mask, everyone has their favorite! For those with acne prone and sensitive skin, we have the perfect DIY balancing face mask recipe for you! Mix 2 teaspoons of ground sea salt with 4 teaspoons of raw honey to create a paste. On clean, dry skin, apply the paste evenly, avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse! Both sea salt and honey contain anti-inflammatory properties that help to sooth skin and calm breakouts and irritation. They also help in balancing oil production and retaining hydration in the deeper layers of the skin. For a little extra TLC, soak a wash cloth in warm water and lay it on top of your face anywhere from 30 seconds to one minute, to help open pores and allow the ingredients to penetrate even deeper. This balancing face mask is another one of the beneficial uses of sea salt.
5. Lip Scrub
Lip scrubs are a Godsend for those of us who suffer from dry, peeling lips, and one of the more favorable uses of sea salt. And, chances are, you have all the ingredients right in your kitchen cabinet! All you need are two tablespoons of sea salt and one tablespoon of honey, mix together, and you’re good to go! When applying to the lips, move in gentle, circular motions, as the skin on your lips is delicate. For optimal results, use a moisturizing lip balm after you exfoliate- the lack of dead skin will allow your lips to soak up the ingredients and lock in moisture.
6. Whitening Toothpaste
Is there anyone out there who doesn’t strive to keep their pearly whites in tip top shape? While whitening treatments and over-the-counter products can be expensive and time-consuming, sea salt offers a natural solution that will deliver results without breaking the bank. Create your own whitening toothpaste by adding sea salt to a baking soda and water paste. The sea salt will assist in scraping food and stains from your teeth. It is important to note that this method can be irritating and rough on the teeth and gums if done too often, so be sure to leave a little bit of time in between treatments. As always, check with a doctor before using this method for recommendations and any comments or concerns. Just another one of the countless uses of sea salt!
7. Natural Mouth Wash
Few things are worse than having to have a conversation with someone in close proximity whose breath is less than minty fresh. While we cannot control other peoples oral hygiene habits, we can make sure that our breath is always pristine. Drugstore products are chock full of harsh chemicals and can often irritate your mouth and gums, causing pain and discomfort. Achieve those results on a less agonizing level by creating your own DIY mouthwash. Simply dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/4 cup of water. Add two drops of peppermint essential oil for a calmer mint flavor. Swish the solution around your mouth and between your teeth, spit, and rinse. Sea salt is a natural antiseptic that disinfects and kills the bacteria that causes bad breath and gingivitis.
8. Sea-Salt Spray
Is there anything more tantalizing than scrolling through your Instagram feed and coming across a model with the most perfect yet natural looking tousled waves? The answer: no. And while, yes, most of them have the luxury of being primped and pampered by a killer glam squad, it doesn’t mean you at home can’t achieve “just walked out of the ocean” waves. Another one of the amazing uses of sea salt? Creating the perfect beach waves! Start by warming 1 cup of water, then dissolving 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt into the water. Allow the mixture to cool down completely before pouring into a spray bottle. Finish by adding 1/4 teaspoon of liquid coconut oil. Shake well, mist onto damp hair, and voilà
9. Dandruff Remedy
Dandruff, the embarrassing and often uncomfortable thief of confidence that has been plaguing generations with dry, itchy scalps and unsightly skin flakes caught at the roots of our hair. While many treatments and solutions are available at the drugstore, some contain harsh chemicals that can often increase the problem. Sea salt helps loosen and remove the dandruff flakes on the scalp, while simultaneously disinfecting it. Sea salt also works to remove excess oil and dirt that contributes to dandruff. Start by dissolving 1 teaspoon of sea salt into 1 cup of water, and for an added bonus, mix in either 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel or 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or both!)! Using your fingers in a circular motion, work dry, crushed sea salt into the scalp before wetting your hair to loosen the flakes, then spray the mixture into your scalp and let sit for 20 minutes before you shower. Keep the mixture in a spray bottle in the fridge so you’ll always have it on hand!
10. Nail Treatment
There’s nothing we love more than a nice mani-pedi, but sometimes the constant painting and removal of the polish on your nails can weaken and ultimately wreak havoc on your natural nail. It’s always good to take a break every so often to let your nails “rejuvenate” and “regroup,” but you’re a lot less likely to do so when your nails are yellowing and stained. And here it comes- another one of the amazing uses of sea salt: a healthy nail treatment. Mix sea salt with water, baking soda, and lemon juice, and allow your nails to soak in the mixture for about ten minutes while scrubbing with a soft brush. The ingredients in the mixture will reduce any yellowing or stain, revealing healthier-looking nails.
Have any other ideas on how sea salt can be used? We’d love to hear how you use this valuable ingredient! Share with us how you use sea salt by tagging us on Faviana’s Instagram @Faviana, Snapchat @Faviana_NY, and Twitter @FavianaNY. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel for more fun vlogs!
XO,
The Faviana Team
