Welcome back!
This is the second post on our bath additive series. Today we are talking about Epsom salt!
Everyone knows about Epsom salt - it is often recommended after a massage therapy or acupuncture treatment. But what is it really? Does it actually do anything? Is it worth it? Let’s find out!
Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate and it can be found at any pharmacy. It is also commonly used in agriculture, and comes in different grades. Be sure to only use Epsom salt labeled ‘USP’ to ensure that the quality is pure and safe.
Let’s take a closer look at if magnesium and sulfur are actually absorbed through the skin. Curiously, there is very little research to look at. There is one experiment from 2006 by Waring, where researchers looked at blood levels of magnesium and sulfur before and after epsom salts baths. The results showed an increase in blood levels of both magnesium and sulfur after Epsom salt baths. Interestingly, they also measured urine levels of sulfur and magnesium, which also increased after Epsom salt baths, suggesting that any excess magnesium/sulfur can be eliminated from the body. Urinary protein was tested and showed no risk to kidney health. Waring suggested a bath concentration of 500-600g Epsom salt per 60L bath water, baths taken 2-3 times per week. However, this study was not peer-reviewed, never recreated, and never published in a scientific journal. It can be found on the website of the Epsom salt council. There is major potential for bias here. Frequently, people reference this article as evidence that Epsom salts work. But that in itself is a bit suspect. Seeking an academic-looking article to confirm what you are hoping to prove is the definition of confirmation bias.
I have a tendency to be a devil's advocate. I like to ask questions and I like to know how and why. Our skin is waterproof, when we swim in the ocean we don't absorb sodium, so why would Epsom salt work? The most in-depth article I could find on epsom salts was written by former registered massage therapist Paul Ingraham and can be found on his website painscience.com. It busts some myths, and gets into the nitty gritty in a way that I simply don’t have enough time to do so myself. I appreciate the deep dive. I won’t even tell you how many hours I already spent researching all things Epsom salt, all the while gazing into my backyard as it slowly becomes engulfed by weeds. (But let’s be honest, I was never going to finish the weeding anyways.)
So will Epsom salt detoxify? Nope. Will it flush lactic acid? Nope. Will you absorb magnesium from your Epsom salt bath? Maybe, possibly, yet to be determined??? Are there any risks to using Epsom salt? Not really, as long as your skin isn’t sensitive to it. Will I continue to use Epsom salt for myself and my family? ABSOLUTELY! This is where nuance comes in. Epsom salt baths are lovely and soothing and reduce stress. My daughter says they help her sleep, and I will do just about anything for a few more zzz’s. We live in a time when most of us live with way too much stress, our poor nervous systems are in need of support. Relaxation and stress reduction are seriously beneficial to our health. If you prefer your baths without Epsom salt, that is great too! Or if you are not a bath person, you are probably not missing out on much. But if you feel soothed by a lovely Epsom salt bath, let’s enjoy it, but without the nonsensical health claims mmmk? Relaxation is reason enough. In fact, I would go as far to say relaxation is the best reason to enjoy a hot Epsom salt bath. An Epsom salt bath after a massage therapy or acupuncture appointment is fantastic and definitely worthwhile.
If you have made it this far yay! And thank you!
Here is a lovely recipe that is a great way to use Epsom salt. A wonderful way to exfoliate and moisturize dry skin. I hope you love it as much as I do! :)
Easy Epsom salt scrub:
Typically Epsom salt doesn't make a good scrub, as the shape and texture isn’t quite right. A quick whiz through the blender transforms it into the perfect texture for a scrub. This scrub is excellent on rough hard-working hands or any patches of rough dry skin. Don’t use it on your face. Caution if used on your feet as your feet will be quite slippery after. If using oil as an ingredient, it will also make your bathtub/ shower slippery, so please be careful!
1) Take a cup or two of Epsom salt and blend in a blender for less than 30 seconds. Stop the blender, stir and blend again if needed. We are trying to get a coarse sand texture.
2) Mix about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of ground up Epsom salt with just enough oil or lotion until you get a wet sand texture. Make only enough for one application at a time.
3) Wet skin, scrub gently and then wash away. Follow up with your regular moisturizer.
Notes: any type of skin safe oil will work. Avocado, olive, and coconut are great choices, or use your regular body lotion. I wouldn’t recommend adding essential oils or fragrance, as combined with the salt and the scrubbing action, there can be too much potential for irritation.
References:
Waring RH. “Report on Absorption of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) across the skin”. Unpublished. 2006. https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/report_on_absorption_of_magnesium_sulfate.pdf.
Ingraham, P. “Does Epsom Salt Work? The science and mythology of epsom salt bathing for recovery from muscle pain, soreness or injury”. www.painscience.com. 2021. https://www.painscience.com/articles/epsom-salts.php#:~:text=Almost%20no%20Epsom%20salt%20science,There%20may%20never%20be.
This article is for informational purposes only, it is not intended to be medical advice. Always see your medical provider to diagnose or treat medical conditions.