Bath salts can be sea salt, Epsom salt, or both.  If you buy your bath salts, check the ingredients carefully, as some products can also contain rock salt, kosher salt and/or table salt.  These salts contain a high amount of sodium chloride.  Sea salt has lower levels of sodium chloride, and higher levels of beneficial minerals.  Epsom Salts isn't even a salt at all!  Remember, cheaper is not necessarily better.

Very hot baths are beneficial when suffering from a cold or the flu, especially if you plan on going to bed afterward (and remain warm). Otherwise, avoid hot baths. They can be tiring, and can age the skin. Also avoid hot baths or Epsom Salts baths if you have high blood pressure, heart trouble, or are diabetic. Baths are best taken at about 95-100 degrees.

Adding salt to your bath increases blood circulation, encouraging your lymphatic system to eliminate body toxins.  By triggering the body’s own oil secretion, sea salts naturally help to moisturize the skin. Salt is a natural cleanser.  Finally, sea and Epsom salts contain many of the minerals our bodies tend to be short on.  Minerals that are absorbed by the skin.

Salt baths are wonderful treatments for a number of skin problems.  The salt helps peel off dandruff and dead skin cells.  It will reduce inflammation, and with it, itching and pain.  It helps rejuvenate the skin. These qualities make it a common treatment for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema as well as arthritis.

Arthritis? Yup. Patients suffering from rheumatic conditions also often experience relief from joint pain after taking salt baths. Bath salt benefits are more than skin deep.