As it turns out, whether it’s straight from the sea, a bath, body scrub or from our food, salt is an incredibly versatile beauty treatment in its own right.
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, cleansing and healing, salt is an all-natural powerhouse of skin-friendly minerals such as sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, sulphate and potassium.
Fun fact. Seawater and blood plasma have almost identical compositions of mineral and trace elements. They are the only two environments similar enough for this to happen, which is truly remarkable!
With this in mind, it’s no wonder the correct concentration of saltwater can open pores, soak up excess oils, absorb toxins and fight off bacteria that can contribute to acne and rosacea.
The minerals in salt naturally exfoliate by sloughing away dead skin and promoting turnover of the outer skin layer. Combined with coarse sand, your dead and dull skin will be gone for good, while the anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to assist with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
A swim in the sea can relieve itching through the delivery of magnesium — an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial mineral. Additionally, the sulphur in seawater is a natural antiseptic, and many masks contain this active ingredient.
Saltwater for medical purposes even has a name: thalassotherapy. It harnesses seawater as a health treatment for ailments such as arthritis, lowering blood pressure, hay fever, sinusitis and boosting immunity.
But best of all, stress just seems to dissipate from our body whenever we are in, and beside the sea. With science again confirming that time on the beach can cause an overall increase in dopamine (known as the happy hormone) and serotonin (a mood booster) that also helps us get a good night’s sleep.
It’s no wonder why beach holidays are always the best of all! So make the most of the last few days of summer down here in Oz, and go get yourself some good ol vitamin sea!
To your blossoming, Bec x
