How bath salts work and how to use them in spa treatments

If do you like to take a bath, there's a pretty good chance you've ever taken bath salts. crystal-like salts usually come in pretty jars and are designed to make your bathing experience luxurious and spa-like. Some also tout the benefits of skin smoothing or muscle relaxation, but do they really work? To find out, we spoke to two skincare entrepreneurs. Tim Hollinger, co-founder of Bathing Culture и Hellen Yuan, founder of HELLEN. 

How do bath salts *really* work?

“When salt is added to the bath, the body absorbs the trace minerals magnesium and sulfate, which are known to relax muscles and reduce body aches,” Yuan says. Hollinger also notes that salt baths are great for relieving stress, cramps, and recuperating after a workout.

What are the skin benefits of bath salts?

According to Hollinger, bath salts help cleanse your pores of dirt and impurities and help strengthen your skin's barrier function. “People with eczema often find that the right mix of salts can help alleviate a flare-up,” he adds.

According to Yuan, different types of salts provide different benefits. “Sea salt helps cleanse the body of toxins by absorbing trace elements. Epsom salt baths are known to help reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and improve relaxation.” 

How to use bath salts

Bath salts can be used either immediately after a shower or immediately after taking a bath. Use hot (but not scalding) water, add salt and let the water soak it up. After you have added bath salts to the water, soak in the water for twenty to thirty minutes and let your body soak and relax. 

We recommend to try Bathing Culture Big Dipper Mineral Soak, which contains Epsom salt, California Pacific salt, Himalayan pink salt and organic cypress, cedar and vetiver oils. To enjoy the aroma, select HELLEN Bath beer at the center of your heart. This formula contains a blend of medicated oils such as lavender and rose, as well as gemstones and rose petals.

So… Should You Use Bath Salts?

As Hollinger puts it so beautifully, “It’s 2020 and we’re all stressed out. A good soak can offer a wonderful respite from everything.”

Whether or not you're enjoying the benefits listed on the package, bath salts may just be the "pampering" product we need.