Sea Salt Body Scrub

A sea salt body scrub utilizes the exfoliating power of sea salt to slough away dead skin cells and reveal new, healthy layers of skin. Sea salt is beneficial for the skin because of its unique mineral composition. It contains up to 92 different minerals, which are believed to directly improve various skin conditions. Unlike table salt, which is refined and doesn't contain many of its original minerals, sea salt leaves the skin glowing, moisturized and refreshed. Because sea salts contain the minerals present in the area they formed, some types are better suited to body scrubs than others. Most highly regarded is Dead Sea salt, which contains a much higher mineral content than salts from other areas.

Sea salt is widely used in bath and body products due to its healing properties. A gentle exfoliating substance, sea salt can unclog pores, improve circulation, get rid of dry, dead skin, moisturize the skin and increase its ability to remain hydrated. Although a Dead Sea salt scrub may be most beneficial, as salt from the Dead Sea contains more minerals than normal sea salt, any type may be used as an exfoliant and moisturizer with success. Several scientific studies have proven the efficacy of sea salt for treating psoriasis and dry skin, while anecdotal evidence supports its use for treating acne, wrinkles, sun spots and aging skin. Regardless of your skin type or condition, you will see improvement with regular use of sea salt body scrubs.

Making your own sea salt body scrub requires little investment and you can customize to suit your particular skin type. Listed below are several recipes for salt-based body scrubs you can make at home. Sea salt is typically available in your local grocery or natural health store, but make sure you purchase a pure, unbleached and unrefined product for the best results. If you can't find it locally, order sea salt in bulk online. I can get 10 pounds for around $25 and it lasts more than a year, even when I use it regularly.

Basic Sea Salt Body Scrub
This simple body scrub will calm your senses and soothe your skin. Omit the essential oil if desired, though it adds a fragrant, healing touch.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fine sea salt
• ¼ cup olive or canola oil
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 10 drops essential oil of choice (see suggestions below), optional

Directions:

1. Combine the sea salt, olive or canola oil and baking soda in a small mixing bowl.
2. Add the essential oil of your choice and blend well.
3. To use, moisten your skin and then rub small handfuls of the mixture over your body using a circular motion.
4. Wait a few minutes and then rinse clean.
5. Follow with a shower using a gentle cleanser, then apply a moisturizing lotion or cream to towel-dried skin.

Revitalizing Sugar and Sea Salt Body Scrub
This body scrub revitalizes the skin and moisturizes dry skin. This recipe yields enough for several applications. Store any excess in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup sea salt
• ¼ cup olive oil or grape seed oil
• 4 to 8 drops essential oil of choice (see suggestions below), optional

Directions:

1. Combine the sugar and see salt in a small mixing bowl.
2. Add the olive or grape seed oil and mix well, blending into a paste.
3. Lastly, add the essential oil and stir to combine.
4. To use, massage onto wet skin and then rinse clean.
5. Follow with a shower using a gentle cleanser, then apply a moisturizing lotion or cream to towel-dried skin.

Cherry Sea Salt Body Scrub
This treatment makes an excellent salt glow for the entire body. Cherries contain malic acid, which expedites cell renewal while getting rid of dead skin cells. Purchase cherry juice concentrate at your local natural health store or order online.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup cherry juice concentrate
• ¼ cup sea salt

Directions:

1. Combine the cherry juice concentrate with the sea salt and mix well.
2. To use, moisten your skin and then massage small handfuls of the mixture over your body using a circular motion.
3. Wait a few minutes, then rinse clean.
4. Follow with a shower using a gentle cleanser, then apply a moisturizing lotion or cream to towel-dried skin.

Using Essential Oil in Sea Salt Body Scrubs
When making your own body salt scrub, you can use essential oils to add further healing benefits for the skin and a pleasing fragrance. For the best results, use an essential oil that corresponds to your particular skin type. Purchase essential oils at natural health stores, craft and hobby shops or online, but make sure you're getting 100 percent pure essential oils and not fragrance oils, which have no benefit for the skin.

• Dry Skin – Rosemary, Lavender, Geranium, Sandalwood, Patchouli.
• Normal Skin – German Chamomile, Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Jasmine.
• Oily Skin – Juniper, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Cypress, Ylang-Ylang.
• Problem Skin – Parsley, Geranium, Cypress, German Chamomile.

If you don't want to make your own body scrub, you can still enjoy the benefits of sea salt by purchasing a pre-made product. Numerous brands and types exist, though some are better than others. Listed below are a few of the sea salt body scrubs I have personally used and found to be effective. I highly recommend making your own scrub so you can control and customize the ingredients, but if this isn't practical for you, try one of the products below.

• Alba Botanical Sea Salt Body Scrub – Alba Organics makes a fantastic sea salt scrub and the best part is, it's available at the natural foods store in my area. I live in a pretty rural place, so I would assume this product could be found most every where. It has a light, citrus scent and leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized. Highly recommended.
• Village Naturals Salt Scrub – This is a dead sea salt scrub that works wonders for dry skin and psoriasis. It does the job, leaving your skin soft, silky and hydrated. Plus, it smells great and is widely available. The light fragrance is relaxing and it doesn't feel too greasy, which can be a problem with some scented body scrubs.
• Adovia Mineral Sea Salt Body Scrub with Dead Sea Salt and Lavender – I absolutely love this product, because I love lavender. The scent is just right (not too strong) and I find it's very healing to dry skin. I like to use this product in the winter when my skin (and the air) is very dry. It leaves you feeling refreshed and moisturized. I've used other Adovia products and they're all top-notch. If you can find any of their salt scrubs, I'd highly recommend them, particularly for dry skin.

• Avoid using salt scrubs on broken, irritated or freshly shaved skin, as the salt will sting.
• Always apply to skin moistened with warm or tepid water, as this opens the pores and allows the healing ingredients to penetrate the skin more deeply.
• If you make your own sea salt scrub, store any excess in a glass, airtight container to keep the oils from evaporating. Don't carry in a suitcase, as the oil may leak and damage clothing. If you must carry a pre-made scrub with you, place the container in a sealed plastic bag.
• Never used iodized table salt for making body scrubs, as it has been refined and has little benefit for the skin.
• Make a simple sea salt scrub by combining sea salt with lotion or baby oil if desired, though using high-quality vegetable oil works best.