Dry, itchy skin can result from a variety of circumstances, including harsh weather and skin conditions such as psoriasis. According to MayoClinic.com, Epsom salts and sea salts can help relieve the itching. The grains of these salts slough away dead skin cells when rubbed against wet skin, restoring suppleness and reducing inflammation and irritation.
Identification
Both sea salt and Epsom salts have a place in spa treatments, cosmetics and moisturizers. The sea salt collection process involves channeling ocean water into large trays. The ocean water remains in these trays as the sun and wind naturally promote its evaporation, leaving only the salt behind. Princeton University explains that Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate crystals. These crystals are naturally occurring, mined from dried-up waterbeds.
Benefits
CareFair.com explains that a simple paste made from sea salt grains and water can remove itchy, dead skin cells when worked into the skin using circular motions. The result is polished skin and increased blood circulation in the affected area. One cup of Epsom salts added to bath water can yield similar results. Rubbing with salted bath water on the affected areas can also exfoliate the skin.
Types
Sea salt and Epsom salt grains vary. Coarse, medium and fine grain salts each produce different effects when applied to the skin. Coarse sea salt and Epsom salts work better for thick scales of dead, itchy skin. Medium grains of salt work best for less severe dry-itch problems, while fine salt grains work best for sensitive areas such as the face. In general, the coarser the salt grains, the more irritation that can result.
Warnings
Avoid adding salt grains to hot baths. Hot water is especially drying to skin and can exacerbate an itchy skin problem, according to Princeton University Health Services. Tepid water is best. Pat your skin dry with a soft, absorbent bath towel and apply a moisturizer after taking a salt bath or exfoliating with salt grains. It is also important to note that sea salt and Epsom salts are not for everyday use. Use once or twice a week is all that is necessary to reap their benefits.
Misconceptions
It is important to keep in mind that sea salt and table salts are not the same. While sea salt and table salts both contain the same amount of sodium chloride, the processing of each is really quite different. Both derive from underground salt deposits, but table salt goes through a heavy refining process that removes beneficial trace elements. In some cases, manufactures also add iodine and additives to prevent clumping, according to MayoClinic.com. Because it is refined to such a degree that trace minerals are lost, rubbing your skin with table salt grains may not yield the same benefits as using sea salts.
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