When it comes to exfoliating the skin, sugar scrubs flood the DIY skin care market. Haven’t you had enough of sugar scrubs, though? It’s time to get a new exfoliation go-to that sloughs off dead skin cells and bacteria in no time. The best way to do that is with a few simple ingredients, one of the best ones being Himalayan pink salt.
What Is Himalayan Pink Salt?
Himalayan pink salt contains up to 98% sodium chloride, making it chemically similar to table salt. What makes it different from table salt is the fact that is consists of trace minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals, in addition to iron oxide, give the salt its signature pink hue. It is extracted from the Khewra Salt Mine, located in the Himalayas in Pakistan. It’s one of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world. In fact, experts believe that the salt in this mine was formed millions of years ago as a result from the evaporation of ancient bodies of water.
What Makes Salt Different?
The natural harvesting process of Himalayan salt allows it to retain as many trace minerals and elements as possible. In fact, some people estimate that Himalayan pink salt contains over 84 different minerals and trace elements. The processing of table salt eliminates these minerals and trace elements, making it an unhealthier version.
This article isn’t focused on the consumption of salt; rather, it’s about using salt to enhance the health of the skin. Below, you’ll find a few surprising ways that Himalayan pink salt helps to restore your skin and body.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating the skin is the most efficient way to remove dead skin cells. Himalayan pink salt is a gentle exfoliate and the mineral content helps to restore and hydrate the skin. It’s as though you get a two-for-one deal when you exfoliate with Himalayan pink salt. As you remove dead skin and bacteria, the mineral content nourishes new skin cells.
Improves Glow
Everyone wants to look younger, but how do you do that without plaguing the skin with harmful ingredients? Himalayan salt has anti-inflammatory properties and it works to help balance the skin’s pH levels, both of which help to brighten the skin’s complexion. Additionally, the actual exfoliation helps to improve glow as well. Sloughing away dead skin cells gives your skin that beautiful shine you want. It also helps to keep acne at bay and allows the skin to breathe freely, revealing smoother skin.
Cellulite Reduction
One of the best ways to get rid of the bumps that are indicative of cellulite is to increase circulation to the skin’s surface. Exfoliation helps to remove clogged pores and dead skin cells, allowing the skin to breath. Additionally, massaging the skin with a salt scrub helps to break up the fat underneath the skin, helping to reduce those cellulite dimples.
DIY Himalayan Salt Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- 1 cup Himalayan pink salt
- 5-10 drops frankincense essential oil
Instructions:
- Add the coconut oil to a heat-safe vessel and melt it in either a microwave or double boiler. If your coconut oil is already melted, you can skip that step.
- In the same vessel in which you melted the coconut oil, add the Himalayan salt and essential oil and mix well.
- Spoon the scrub into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place.
- Use weekly by massaging a small amount on the skin after a shower. Make sure to rinse the skin after a couple minutes and pat dry so you don’t wipe away the coconut oil.
