How To Use Bath Salts
Bath salts are more than just a fun way to add a little extra oomph to your bathtime and a pretty jar that acts as a great decoration for your bathroom -- they also have a ton of benefits for your body and mind.
Here’s why we love using bath salts, plus how to use them to get the most out of each soak.
What are bath salts?
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Bath salts are bath products that are usually made with different salts like Epsom salts, sea salts or Himalayan salts.
Epsom salt-based bath salts are also sometimes referred to as “mineral baths” since Epsom salts break down into two different minerals in hot water: magnesium and sulfate. It’s thought that your skin can absorb these minerals while you’re in the hot water, which can go on to have a whole host of positive effects on your muscles and skin.
Even better: many bath salts also contain a variety of other soothing and therapeutic ingredients that can take your bathtime to the next level.
Benefits of bath salts
If you’ve ever let yourself soak in a hot tub for a couple of minutes, you know how relaxing and therapeutic the hot water alone can be. But Epsom salts add even more benefits to your bath that can help target your overworked muscles and your mind. Some of the many benefits that are thought to come with soaking in a hot mineral-rich bath include:
Detoxification
The combination of magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salt is believed to help remove toxins from your body. Some bath salts may also contain other detoxifying ingredients like charcoal that can help with this process.
Relaxation
Magnesium is well-known for its relaxation and anti-stress properties as a supplement, and it has even been used to help people with insomnia fall asleep.
Muscle achiness, swelling, and joint pain
Similarly, magnesium is also a known muscle relaxer, and magnesium deficiencies have even been known to cause muscle pain and cramps. The good news: this means that introducing more magnesium through Epsom salts is a great way to relieve aches and pains.
Skin-soothing
Finally, magnesium and sulfate are also thought to help soothe irritated and inflamed skin, making bath salts a great temporary solution for itching, irritation and other minor skin complaints.
In addition to the inherent goodness of soaking in salts, many bath salts also come with the added benefits of essential oils that target various wellness needs. For example, some bath salts contain eucalyptus, which can be a powerful aromatherapeutic ingredient that targets nasal stuffiness. Others may have lavender essential oils, which can help promote total relaxation for both body and mind.
How to use bath salts
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So how can you reap all the benefits of a mineral soak? It's as easy as running a warm bath with Pacha Soap Co bath salt products!
Bath Salts for a whole-body soak
Traditional bath salts are easy to use: simply run a warm bath, then add in one or two capfuls of Pacha Soap Co’s bath salts into the water and allow them to dissolve, mixing together if necessary. Then, all you have to do is step into your tub, submerge, and relax! For the best results, give yourself at least twenty minutes to fully unwind and allow the salts to do their thing (and if you really want to add to the ambiance, light some candles or incense for a total at-home spa experience).
Some of our favorites bath salt products for total relaxation include:
- Birch Muscle Mineral Soak for a restorative and soothing blend when you’re dealing with a hard week
- French Lavender Mineral Soak for a truly indulgent and ultra-relaxing Epsom salt bath
Each Pacha Soap Co. bath salt product contains enough for three to four baths, which means that you can get multiple relaxing soaks out of one jar.
Bath Salts for tired feet
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The relaxing properties of bath salts means that it’s also a great product for targeting sore, painful feet. So if you’re looking for an easy way to rest those weary feet that you’ve been standing on all day, make a foot bath!
Use less water and just half a capful of Pacha Soap Co.’s bath salts rather than the full cap if you’re only going to be soaking your feet. Then let your feet soak for twenty minutes (for a truly relaxing experience, work on a thorough skincare routine on your face in the meanwhile or try meditating to let your mind relax just as much as your body).
Bath Salt Blocks
Bath salts are already easy to use. But if you want to make it really easy on yourself, use a Bath Salt Block! Each individually portioned bath salt can simply be tossed into warm water and immediately dissolves for an easy and relaxing bath time, no measuring required.
- Breathe Salt Block, which features invigorating eucalyptus, peppermint oil and camphor oil to help you clear your sinuses and soothe your mind during the allergy or cold season.
- Detox Salt Block, which is made with activated charcoal, Dead Sea clay and therapeutic-grade Epsom salt for an all-in-one bath that your mind and your skin will appreciate.
- Sleep Salt Block for resting those weary eyes at the end of a long and busy day with a targeted blend of Brazilian purple clay, lavender essential oils and relaxing chamomile flowers.
- Muscle Salt Block for targeting those sore, hard working muscles after a big workout with soothing Epsom salt, healing arnica and peppermint oil.
Bottom Line
A warm bath is already soothing enough, but adding bath salts is an easy way to get the most out of each soak. Just add the salts of your choosing into warm water and get ready to let your mind and body sink into bliss.
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Photo by Vlada Karpovich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/personal-care-products-in-close-up-shot-6634844/
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