Dead Sea salt products have been used to beautify the skin for centuries. This is not just any old sea salt. As the name suggests, these salts come from the Dead Sea, which is found between Israel and Jordan.

Mineral Composition

It is used for therapeutic baths to help cure various conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. People have been flocking to the Dead Sea for its salts for hundreds – even thousands – of years. The composition of minerals found in Dead Sea salt differs from other sea salts and from Epsom salts.

Dead Sea salts consist of various minerals like sodium chloride, bromide, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sulfates. Only 15% of the Dead Sea salt is made of sodium chloride, while ordinary sea salt is made up of 80% sodium chloride. Epsom salt, which was named after the English town where it originated, is composed of magnesium sulfate. The difference in mineral composition gives each salt different therapeutic benefits.

Treating Skin Conditions

According to clinical tests, Dead Sea salt can help improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. These salts are especially effective against psoriasis when the treatment is combined with artificial UV rays.

To use as treatment for eczema and psoriasis, add Dead Sea salt to lukewarm bath water. This should be done at least three times a week for four weeks. It can also be used to soften and nourish the skin daily. Just add one to two cups per bath. Bathing in a lukewarm bath with Dead Sea salts will allow the body to absorb the minerals. The high level of magnesium in the Dead Sea salt can also reduce wrinkles and inflammation.

Other Therapeutic Uses

Dead Sea salts can also be used to relieve arthritis. Soaking the affected body part in Dead Sea salts can help relieve osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The minerals found in the salt help stop joint pains in several ways:

  • Magnesium and calcium help prevent and limit water fluid retention.
  • Bromides relax and soothe the muscle.
  • Sulfates help rebuild cartilage.
  • Sodium is needed to balance the immune system.

Some additional therapeutic applications for Dead Sea salts are:

  • Magnesium, potassium, and calcium can release stress, relax the body, and strengthen the nervous system.
  • Magnesium also has anti-aging properties that can maintain smooth, silky skin.

There are face creams that list Dead Sea salt as their primary ingredient, used to rejuvenate the skin. It is recommended to apply the anti-aging cream after cleaning the face and neck, allowing the cream to be absorbed completely by the skin. It should be applied twice a day, in the morning and before going to sleep at night.

Aside from the face creams, there are also various Dead Sea salt products made for body care, like body washes and scrubs.