If you're anything like us at N-Essentials, you love having all-natural products around you in the house. A great multipurpose natural product to have around the house is Epsom salt. It has a range of uses, from skincare to household maintenance and more. And while it does have a plethora of uses, Epsom salt can also be used in some surprisingly creative ways.
Epsom salt is perfect for all skin types and ages. So you can take advantage of this excellent ingredient and use it independently, or make DIY products around the house. Epsom salt is also normally safe to use around children and pets, as long as it is not ingested.
Find out how to incorporate Epsom salt into your home and beauty regime. Read more about Epsom salt and its benefits here.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt gets its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where it was discovered. Epsom salt is basically a chemical compound, also known as magnesium sulphate hexahydrate. The main elements of the chemical composition of Epsom salt are magnesium, oxygen, and sulphur. This salt is described as having a white crystalline solid look and being reasonably soluble in water, just like conventional table salt. It is called a “salt” because of its chemical structure.
Epsom salts cannot be manufactured in a laboratory like many other bath salts because they are naturally occurring. Epsom salt is made by draining water from magnesium sulphate-rich lakes. Additionally, it can be obtained from dry lake beds where it has accumulated. The process of gathering the salt is pretty straightforward.
Epsom salt is popular because it is rich in magnesium, which is a vital mineral for us. Epsom salt is most commonly used as a bath salt. Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt is commonly used to wind down after a long day and is a household remedy for sore muscles. Regular baths with Epsom salt, such as 1-2 times a week, can support your body’s magnesium levels and could also be an easy alternative to taking traditional magnesium supplements.
What is the difference between Epsom Salt and Magnesium Salt?
Magnesium salt and Epsom salt are both bath salts that can give you a magnesium-rich bath. They are both magnesium compounds but in different forms.
Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate — a combination of magnesium, oxygen and sulphur. Magnesium salt, otherwise commonly known as magnesium flakes, are a chemical compound known as magnesium chloride. They are created by heating and cooling a solution of magnesium chloride to form a hard sheet of highly concentrated magnesium chloride. The 'flakes' are then made by shredding that sheet into little pieces.
Both Epsom salt and magnesium flakes have benefits for you, but Epsom salt is a more versatile ingredient that can be used in skincare and around the house. Magnesium flakes, on the other hand, can be more potent than regular Epsom salt. Keep in mind that neither of them can be ingested orally. They are only used for topical application.
What is Epsom salt good for?
The first and most common use of Epsom salt is adding it to a warm bath. A warm bath in itself can be quite relaxing, and dissolving 1-2 cups of Epsom salt can add a luxurious element to your bath. Once the bath is drawn, test the temperature of the water. Ease yourself into the tub and enjoy your soak. A 15-minute soak is generally recommended. Epsom salt is odourless and you can add some essential oils like lavender or peppermint for a fresh smell to your bath.
While taking a bath, exercise general precautions. The water should be comfortable, not scalding. Epsom salt baths are not recommended for people with open wounds, severe burns or skin infections. Avoid using Epsom salt in a tub with jets or hot tub unless the manufacturer tells you otherwise.
If you are not in the mood for a soak, you can take an Epsom salt foot bath as well. Fill a basin with warm water and add ⅔ cups of Epsom salt. Mix well. Dip your feet in the solution till ankle-length. Soak your feet for about 20-30 minutes. Afterwards, dry your feet with a towel and moisturise.
Beauty benefits of Epsom salt
Epsom salt is more than just a household staple for luxurious baths — it has a plethora of beauty benefits, too. Here are different ways to incorporate Epsom salt into your beauty routine.
Epsom salt can be used as a gentle exfoliator. It is a popular exfoliant, and well-loved in DIY recipes. It gently removes dead skin to give you a fresh appearance. For a simple face scrub, mix Epsom salt with water to make a paste. Apply to your face in circular motions, and then wash with water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel and moisturise.
To create an exfoliating scrub for your body, take ¼ cup of any carrier oil, preferably coconut oil or Jojoba oil and add ½ cup of Epsom salt to it. Mix it well and store it in an air-tight jar. The next time you take a shower, massage it onto your skin in circular motions. Rinse it off with warm water and pat your skin dry.
Epsom salt can be used as a natural underarm deodorant. Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of your favourite essential oil. Choose an essential oil that has a comforting smell. Mix the ingredients and add them to one litre of water. Put this solution in a spray bottle and shake well. You can apply it under your arms as you would normal deodorant. The Epsom salt will help to absorb sweat throughout the day. Discard unused portion after a few weeks.
Household benefits of Epsom salt
Epsom salt is always one of those things you keep around the house just in case. From a grime-cleaner to a fabric softener, this truly is a multipurpose ingredient.
Epsom salt works well for cleaning tiles and even toilets. You just need to mix it with some liquid soap and scrub away at the surface. You can mix it with your regular household cleaners. It is efficient at removing grime and dirt.
Epsom salt can also serve as a substitute for commonly available fabric softeners. Simply add a little bit of Epsom salt to your regular load of laundry. You can add up to 25 drops of your favourite essential oils to keep your clothes smelling good.
Avid gardeners can also use Epsom salt to boost the magnesium levels of the soil. However, it has to be used in small quantities. One tablespoon of Epsom salt can be added to 4 litres of water. Mix well and water your plants as usual. This solution will serve as a natural fertiliser.
Where to buy Epsom salt in Australia?
If you are looking for natural bath salts and exfoliants in Australia, look no further! Natural ingredients that are suitable for a variety of household and cosmetic uses are available at N-essentials. We make sure that every ingredient we supply complies with the highest requirements that are ideal for the application. To learn more about our range of products, visit our online store or get in touch with our staff today!