Epsom Salt: The Unexpected Beauty Aid

"In Grandma's day, Epsom Salt was largely used as a laxative. That's no longer the case," says Jim Hill, a member of the Epsom Salt Council. "Epsom Salt, a pure, time-tested mineral compound, is actually Magnesium Sulfate, which absorbs easily through the skin and boasts a whole host of modern-day uses, from beauty to health."

Epsom Salt occurs naturally, although most of what we buy in the stores has been manufactured. Even still, the Epsom Salt still retains its pure, natural and healing characteristics.

To take advantage of the health and beauty related functions of Epsom Salt, the Epsom Salt Council suggests the following tips:

To exfoliate: Mix together two cups of Epsom Salt and ¼ cup of petroleum jelly. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a pleasant fragrance. Apply the mixture to gently scrub away old cells and encourage a healthier-looking complexion.

For a facial: Mix ½ teaspoon of Epsom Salt into a deep cleansing cream so you can reap the benefits of this mineral deep inside your skin. Massage the mixture onto your skin and then rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

To accompany a pedicure: Before you go to the trouble of painting your nails, soften your feet by soaking them in a bathtub or plastic basin with warm water and Epsom Salt for at least 10 to 15 minutes. The salt will help to smoothen your feet, giving them a relaxed and refreshed feel.

Relaxing bath crystals: Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of a delightful fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. To dress up your bath crystals, add a few drops of food coloring or ½ teaspoon of glycerin. Store the crystals in an airtight container.

Soothing spa treatment: After showering, the Epsom Salt Council recommends massaging handfuls of Epsom Salt over wet skin to exfoliate the body. "It's the same treatment many upscale spas use, without the upscale price!"

For a tranquil soak: Fill your bathtub with water at a comfortable temperature that you enjoy. As you're filling the tub, add two cups of Epsom Salt to the water (if it is a standard-sized bathtub - make adjustments for larger tubs). Soak for at least 12 minutes, three times a week for best results. As an extra treat, the Epsom Salt Council recommends adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil for an invigorating aroma.