5 Benefits of Epsom Salt for Acne

If you are considering Epsom salt for acne treatment or to get rid of acne scars, read on to see if this versatile salt is right for you.

Of all the many benefits Epsom salt has for the body, one of its most appealing and popular uses is for the skin, and particularly, acne. Epsom salt and acne go hand in hand because of the salt’s beneficial properties.

Epsom salt is not actually a salt such as table or sea salt but is a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate, which combined create a powerful epsom salt acne treatment.

Magnesium helps the body get rid of harmful toxins and free radicals that are damaging to the body while sulfates help absorb nutrients and flush toxins. Together, magnesium sulfate gets absorbed easily through the skin, which makes it one of the most versatile and beneficial treatments for health and beauty issues such as acne.

Aside from being versatile in treatment, Epsom salt for acne varies greatly in application depending on the acne issue you are having.

How to use Epsom salt for acne

Cleanser

Epsom salt as a cleanser works well because it reaches deep into the pores and clears away impurities such as sebum oil and dead skin cells. It is good for both the face and body alike.

For the Face

Add a half teaspoon to your existing facial cleanser, and gently rub on the skin. Rinse with cool water, and pat skin dry.

Any epsom salt brand will do for your daily cleanser such as White Mountain Epsom Salt brand.

For the Body

For back and chest acne, which can be difficult to treat because of its hard to reach location on the body, try an epsom salt bath. It’s an easy and relaxing way to treat back and chest acne.

Pour one to two cups of epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for at least 15 minutes. In addition to healing acne, the salt will help pull toxins from the body and revitalize tired, achy muscles. The bath will also help soak away your stress, which can in turn help acne more.

One product that’s great for epsom salt baths for acne is Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution with Lavender. Besides the acne healing properties of the salt, the lavender helps further with anti-inflammatory properties and calming the body through aromatherapy.

Spot Treatment

If all over acne isn’t an issue for you, then epsom salt can be used on small areas such as a large, cystic pimple.

Combine a tablespoon of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of water, then stir until dissolved. Use a q tip to apply to the spot needed. Let sit until dry and rinse off.

Combine equal parts baking soda and Epsom salt with a few drops of water to form a paste. Use a q tip to apply to the spot needed. Let sit until dry and rinse off.

Blackhead Remover

Since epsom salt deep cleans into the pores, it can help take out stubborn blackheads.

Boil half a cup of water. Mix in a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops of iodine. Stir until salt has completely dissolved. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to blackheads. Rinse off with cool water.

Epsom Salt for Acne Scars

When rubbing epsom salt on the skin, it removes dead skin cells and promotes healing of the skin, which includes scars left behind by acne. Exfoliating the top layer of the skin exposes fresher and newer skin and will eventually fade away acne scars and rejuvenate your skin with a glowing effect.

For exfoliating and smooth skin, mix 1/2 cup of epsom salt and 1/4 cup of olive oil together. Use this scrub when taking a shower with gentle, circular motions, and rinse off.

Benefits of Epsom Salt for Acne Treatment

1. Overall, the various uses of epsom salt for acne produce beneficial results because of its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to rid of unhealthy toxins, removing dead skin that bacteria feeds off of, kills bacteria, and controls excess oil on your skin.
2. Because there is no concrete or extensive research on epsom salt’s uses for acne, these helpful attributes are all technically considered theories. However, according to reviews on epsom salt for acne, which has a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, these theories are proof that epsom salt is a tested effective treatment for all types of acne.
3. In addition to all the beneficial properties epsom salt has for acne, this useful ingredient is one of the cheapest acne treatments available at approximately $4 a pound or under and can get as low as $1.50 a pound if you buy in bulk bags as big as 20 pounds such as the EPSOAK 20 pound bags that the San Francisco Salt Company sells.
4. Epsom salt is not only cheap but can also be conveniently bought at your local drug store, grocery store, garden supply store, or various sites online. It is most often found near the first-aid supplies section because of its many medicinal purposes.
5. There are little to no side effects of epsom salt but as usual, there are precautions to take when using any acne treatment.

Precautions

1. Do not get epsom salt in the eyes.
2. Do not use in or around open wounds as it may aggravate it.
3. Mix well with water or a cleanser. Using epsom salt aggressively directly on the skin can aggravate the skin, and in the worst case possible, increase acne production due to aggravation.
4. Do not ingest it unless the type of epsom salt you buy directly states that it is food grade.
5. If you are taking an Epsom salt bath for back acne and you have low calcium levels, then use magnesium wisely as magnesium and calcium compete for absorption, and thus, can cause a calcium deficiency.
6. It may also have possible drug interactions so consult your doctor before using Epsom salt as a treatment for acne.

With little to no side effects, effectiveness, low price, and convenience in availability and versatility, epsom salt for acne is an ideal, easy accessible treatment that’s worth trying on any type of acne.