Beauty

For years Epsom Salts have been a trusted cure for aches and pains. Now, thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and Elle Macpherson, of whom are raving about this natural elixir, Epsom Salts are fast becoming a beauty staple.

I’ve been using Epsom Salts for as long as I can remember. Years of gymnastics when I was young and playing sports pretty much seven days a week has caused scar tissue and nerve damage in my back, neck and arms like you wouldn’t believe. Basically by the end of the day my neck and back feels like concrete (knots like you’d not believe) and in turn, for me this means migraines! I have to take care of myself by regularly stretching, drinking plenty of water to ensure I’m keeping the toxins at bay and staying hydrated, and of course – when I have the time, I have a bath with Epsom Salts to break down all the muscle tension. What a lot of people don’t realise though, is that there really is so much more that Epsom Salts can do for you and your body; and it would seem celebrities are now sitting up and taking notice, which of course means, hopefully so will everyone else.

Costing a fraction of the price of designer potions – you can pick up a tub for just a couple of dollars from your local chemist, health store, etc. Being hailed as a miracle fix for everything from greasy hair to a bloated stomach and lacklustre skin. The salts’ healing properties were discovered in the early 17th century when a farmer living near Epsom, Surrey, discovered a spring rich in magnesium sulphate.

When you have an ‘Epsom Salts bath’, magnesium and sulphate are absorbed through the skin. Because our skin is porous, reverse osmosis takes place, which means toxins and excess fluids are drawn out of the skin as the goodness goes in. It breaks down the muscle tension and in turn, no more tension headaches or migraines! But there’s plenty of other fabulous uses for Epsom Salts…

BLOAT BEATER: Bathing in Epsom Salts helps to reduce water retention and tummy bloating. Bathing three times a week in a dilution of two cups of Epsom salts per bath will see you strutting with a flatter tummy in no time (no wonder celebrities are starting to take note).

HANGOVER CURE: Bathing in Epsom Salts after a night of over-indulgence is a great way to beat the hangover blues. Hangovers are caused by the toxicity of the alcohol breaking down in the body. The byproducts of this – and dehydration – trigger a throbbing headache, fatigue and nausea. The sulphates in Epsom Salt help flush out toxins and ease muscle pain.

FOOT SOAK: Got tired, hot feet? Not only will Epsom Salts soothe aches and pains after a day in heels, they are an anti-inflammatory and will also help to reduce swelling and puffiness. Add half a cup of Epsom Salts to a large bowl of warm water and soak your feet for ten to 20 minutes. The salt will remove odours and soften dry skin, which can then be removed easily with a pumice stone or foot file.

PERFECT PINS: For even-toned, summer-ready legs, you can lessen the appearance of bruises by applying an Epsom salts compress. Soak a facecloth in a cupful of cold water mixed with 2 tbsp Epsom salts and apply directly to the skin.

INSTANT FACIAL: Exfoliate and deep cleanse the skin by mixing ½ tsp Epsom salts with your usual cleanser. Massage on to the skin, then rinse with cool water and dry. This will boost your skins magnesium level. Epsom salts are a natural cleanser as well. They rejuvenate and rehydrate skin as well as removing toxins. Because the minerals are being absorbed through the skin, you can’t overdose on it.

BOUNCY HAIR: Epsom salts will soak up excess oil from the hair. Just add a handful when you shampoo and wash as normal. The Epsom Salt Council recommends making a volumising mask by mixing one part hair conditioner with one part Epsom salts. Warm this mixture in a pan and work it through the hair. Leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse. Hair will look fuller and feel softer, and the minerals will help to repair and strengthen heat-damaged ends. It’s particularly good for smoothing frizz out of curls.

JET-LAG CURE: Soaking in an Epsom salts bath after a long-haul flight has a sedative effect on the body. The minerals help muscles and joints to relax and this leads to a more restful sleep, giving the body a chance to re-energise. Magnesium sulphate activates the body’s healing mechanisms and many athletes take a soak the night before a race. A long soak will also help with aches, stiffness, tightness and soreness after exercise.

So, do you think you’ll give Epsom Salts a go? Will it be a new ‘beauty staple’ for you? Or, are you already using Epsom Salts and know of some other fabulous uses? I’d love to hear about them, so leave me a comment below and share your tips and tricks.

Wishing you a relaxing week…

Ange x
Gurlinterrupted
A Girl Interrupted By Fashion, Beauty & Anything Pretty That Catches My Eye