The Truth About Himalayan Salt For Skin Care

Although the name might suggest otherwise, Himalayan salt isn’t technically from the Himalayas. The rock salt comes from the Punjab region of Pakistan and was formed many millions of years ago. The salt comes in a variety of colours, primarily pink, but also white, orange, red, grey, and even black. The colour of the salt is determined by the quantity of trace minerals that it contains. For example, red Himalayan salt reflects its high iron content, whilst black Himalayan salt contains a high concentration of sulphur. 

If you want that spa feeling without the spa price tag, Himalayan salts are a must-have for your at-home pamper evening. But how exactly can Himalayan salt benefit your skin?

1. Skin-softening and exfoliating 

Himalayan salt is a brilliant natural exfoliator that will blast away dead cells for softer, brighter-looking skin. Whilst regular salt can be drying, the minerals in Himalayan salt help to restore deep hydration to the skin. At KiteNest, our Himalayan salt scrub is made with nourishing avocado and sweet almond oil, which work with the Himalayan salt to leave your skin feeling super smooth and looking super great.

Exfoliation stimulates blood flow, instantly giving your skin a rosy, healthy flush. In the longer term, improved blood circulation is thought to boost collagen production, and maintaining higher levels of collagen within our bodies helps fend off signs of premature aging such as sagging skin and wrinkles.

Eczema and psoriasis are two of the most common skin issues, and sadly, there’s currently no cure for either. However, Himalayan salt is widely praised for the alleviating benefits it can offer both eczema and psoriasis sufferers. Using a good pinch or two of Himalayan salt and lukewarm water, you can make yourself a Himalayan salt “sole” (pronounced “so-lay”). Because Himalayan salt is hydrating, mineral-rich, and anti-inflammatory, people often report that their eczema and/or psoriasis looks and feels much better after a relaxing sole soak. Simply allow your skin to soak in the solution for a few minutes, pat dry with a clean towel, then apply an unscented moisturiser to the affected areas. 

Himalayan salt can work brilliantly as a scalp treatment. Himalayan salt can loosen away any dandruff or product build-up that you might have on your scalp. Exfoliating your scalp regularly also helps to stimulate circulation, promoting healthier and stronger hair growth over time. After using Himalayan salt on your scalp, be sure to give your hair a thorough rinse to ensure any excess salt or oil from the scrub has been washed away. 

If you’re prone to sensitivity, it’s understandable that you might be wary of applying salt to your skin. However, Himalayan salt can benefit even the most sensitive skin types. Whilst it might be best for sensitive skin types to avoid physical exfoliation, you can still reap the benefits of Himalayan salt by enjoying a nice sole soak. Sole soaks not only help with eczema and psoriasis, but also with insect bites, sunburn, and general irritation and dryness. 

The only way to make a hot bath even more relaxing is with a pinch or two of Himalayan salt. Here’s how to get the most out of your Himalayan salt bath:

Fill the bathtub with warm (but not hot) water

Add the recommended amount of Himalayan salt to the bathwater

Light candles or dim the lights for the ultimate spa experience

Sit back and relax for up to 30 minutes

Rinse your body off in the shower, then pat your skin dry with a clean towel and apply your favourite body butter or lotion 

Despite many claims, there’s no firm evidence to suggest that Himalayan salt baths aid weight loss or help with health conditions such as asthma. However, after a good soak, you’ll definitely feel relaxed, recharged, and fully pampered. 

Some people rave about the benefits of using a Himalayan salt sole on their faces. Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, a Himalayan salt sole can be used as cleansing water or toner to reduce acne, redness, and any dryness that your face might be suffering from. However, the skin on our faces is much more sensitive than the skin on our bodies. As such, it is best to avoid using a Himalayan salt scrub on your face. The coarse texture of Himalayan salt can do wonders for our bodies as a scrub, but if you’re looking to exfoliate your face, you should use something more gentle to avoid micro-tears and irritation. Konjac sponges are a great option. 

As well as splashing your face down with a Himalayan salt sole, you can also pamper your skin by whipping up this quick, 3-ingredient face mask. DIY skin care generally isn’t advisable for those of us with sensitive skin, but if your skin isn’t easily irritated by new ingredients, then a DIY mask can be a lot of fun. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Himalayan salt 
• Coconut oil
• Jojoba or rosehip oil

Simply take a bowl from your kitchen and mix three teaspoons of coconut oil with a pinch of Himalayan salt and a drop or two of jojoba/rosehip oil. Apply the mask to your face, sit back and relax, and wash off after five to ten minutes for soft and glowing skin. 

Although Himalayan salt is pretty amazing, as with all good things, you can overdo it. Enjoy a Himalayan salt bath once or twice a week and be wary of exfoliating your body any more than four times per week. 

If you search around online, you’ll find a lot of different answers to this question. Some people swear by drinking a cup of Himalayan salt water each morning for everything from healthier-looking skin to increased energy levels. However, whilst Himalayan salt is mineral-rich, it’s also very high in sodium. As such, the best way to reap the benefits of Himalayan salt is externally, with a good scrub down or a relaxing soak in the bath. 

No. Although Himalayan salt and Epsom salt are both highly praised for the benefits they offer to the skin, there are lots of differences between the two. Firstly, Epsom salt isn’t actually a salt at all. It’s a mineral that’s found in water containing high levels of magnesium and sulfate. Although it has a crystalline structure, it’s actually just a pure mineral compound and contains no sodium chloride at all. Epsom salt is often used in baths to help with achy muscles or cramps. By contrast, Himalayan salt is a true salt. It is antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial.

Yes! Himalayan salt is a highly sustainable ingredient and product. It’s hand-minded by skilled workers using traditional methods, meaning there’s very little pollution or waste involved. The largest Himalayan salt mine is thought to be Khewra, which produces around 325,000 tons of salt each year. That might sound a lot, but it isn’t even a dent in the vast amount of salt that’s stored there.

Himalayan salt is also a great alternative to plastic exfoliators. Although the UK government banned plastic microbeads in 2018, many cosmetic products still contain, or come packaged in, plastic which pollutes and causes damage to our natural waterways and environments. From product to packaging, at KiteNest, our Himalayan salt scrub is 100% plastic-free.  

If your body needs some TCL, then Himalayan salt is a great skin care option. From its ability to blast away dead skin cells to improving eczema and helping with hydration, Himalayan salt can offer your skin plenty of fab benefits.