We are so used to being told to hold the salt because it is bad for our health, that is exactly what we do.
But, stop, maybe it isn’t as evil as we have been led to believe. While we agree that adding too much salt to our food can be lead to things like high cholesterol, poor heart health, and obesity as well as dehydration, it does actually come with some pretty funky natural superpowers that could just be good for you. It is antiseptic and cleansing, detoxifying and healing and while salt dries things out, it can also hold moisture in too, which all in all makes it a winner in our book.
Let’s look at how salt could work for you.
A Hollywood smile
Many people will gargle saltwater if they have a sore throat or are suffering from a mouth ulcer, but things can go further than this. If you want a smile that sparkles, go for a toothpaste that contains gently abrasive salt as this will help to deal with staining from coffee and red wine as well as helping to strengthen the enamel without the need to reach for harsh chemicals. Salt also comes with a natural source of fluoride, which is an added bonus for your teeth and gums and it can also be mixed with warm water and used a natural mouthwash too!
Keep BO at bay
Even when the colder temperatures come, bad-smelling body odour can still be an issue if you are wrapping up in many layers and dealing with central heating. Using a mineral salt based deodorant works because they prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria on the skin. Pop it on when you get out of the bath or shower and before you get sweaty, as these really work best if they are applied before bacteria gets to work.
Beach babe hair
If you love those soft, textured waves you get on the beach, thanks to the salt in the water and air, you can create this at home, however land-locked you are. Using a salt spray product will give you that beach babe vibe and if you go for one with added aloe vera, coconut water, or sea kelp, it can help deal with dryness, flaking and itching too.
Ease those muscles
If you have over done it in the gym, or gone all out in on the gardening, relaxing in a salt bath is just the job to make things better. Epsom Salts are a good one to go for as they are packed with the magnesium sulphate which helps regulate and rebalance our bodies and are particularly good at helping overworked muscles. If you want more of a spa feel to your bath, add a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil to the water and light a seaside candle and then drift away somewhere totally exotic.
Scrub away the past
Using a sea salt scrub is a great way to exfoliate away dull dead skin cells and improve circulation. After taking a shower or bath, take a small handful of sea salt and rub it gently into your damp arms and legs, then wash away and pat dry your limbs and they will be left soft and glowing.
Natural nail brightener
Our nails really do take a battering every day, but salt can help get them back into good condition between salon visits. Mix together one teaspoon of salt, baking soda, and lemon juice and gently apply the paste to your nails and cuticles and leave it on for around five minutes. Before washing off the mixture, buff away any stains and when you dry your nails you will notice they will be brighter and cleaner and your cuticles will be softer, too.
Got a salt trick you love, let us know about it and share the love.
Team Pure Beauty
Last updated on 25/09/2018.