Skin Care: Epsom Salt Essential Oil Bath

Written by e3 guest blogger: Joni Keim, Author & Educator

Joni  has worked in the alternative health and wellness field for over thirty years as an author, practitioner, and educator. She is a licensed aesthetician and has certificates in aromatherapy, wholistic health sciences, and nutrition. Joni researches and writes for e3, provides technical direction for skin care, and assists in product development.  Today she’s recommending you enjoy a luxuriously soothing and relaxing Epsom salt essential oil bath.

Epsom salts baths have been used for centuries and have many documented health benefits including skin care. Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate which is an inorganic salt containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. It has been shown that during an Epson Salt Bath (ESB) magnesium levels are increased in the body via transdermal absorption. An increase in magnesium can help to promote relaxation, stress reduction, ease muscle aches, pains, cramps and spasms, and topically it may calm outbreaks of eczema and psoriasis.

Enjoy an epsom salt essential oil bath

Epsom salts dissolved in a warm bath is great way to smooth, soften and help soothe dry, itchy skin. The standard use of Epsom salts is 1-2 cups in a warm tub of water. (Do not add or use soap.) Once you’re in the water, pour in the Epsom salts. Before they fully dissolve, take some of the salts and gently massage any rough areas of your skin such as elbows, knees, and backs of arms to gently exfoliate skin. As the salts completely dissolve, stir the water around you. Relax and soak for about 15 minutes.  Rinse your skin off with plain water with a washcloth or shower because the salt residue can be drying. Apply a moisturizing lotion all over. Drink a tall glass of water to re-hydrate.

To give your bath the added benefits of aromatherapy for skin care, you have many essential oils to choose from. Chamomile Roman, Lavender, Chamomile German, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, Geranium, Ylang Ylang Extra, Neroli, Rose, e3 Sandalwood Blend, e3 Skin Care Blend , are my favorites. They are ideal and luxurious in a bath. Simply add 4 to 8 drops of the essential oil to your Epsom Salt then add to the bath after you have immersed yourself.

We agree with Joni! A luxurious Epsom salt essential oil bath is just the thing after a strenuous day in the garden or a long day at the office.  Would you like to learn more about essential oils – like where they come from, how they’re made and how to make your own special blends? Simply download our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy.

References

Report on Absorption of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) across the skin
Dr RH Waring, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham. B15 2TT, U.K. r.h.waring@bham.ac.uk
https://www.mgwater.com/transdermal.shtml

Transdermal Magnesium Therapy
Ancient Minerals by enviromedica
“Transdermal magnesium is also an excellent choice for the many people who suffering from with low tolerance for oral magnesium, evidenced by diarrhea or other intestinal complaints…”
https://www.ancient-minerals.com/transdermal-magnesium/