When the weather is getting colder, there is nothing better than wrapping up in front of a fire or having a soothing, hot bath. Autumn and winter are generally taking a toll on your skin as central heating is dehydrating. You can counteract this by drinking a lot of herbal teas and nourishing your skin.

The Skincare Benefits of Dead Sea Salt Baths

Bathing in the actual Dead Sea is quite an experience. I was 11 at the time and remember how my legs kept popping out of the water. But once you get the hang of it, you can relax and just float on the surface. A deeply relaxing experience.

The Dead Sea as a spa and healing resort has been mentioned for over 2000 years by Ancient Egyptian, Syrian, and Babylonian texts. Then and now its healing properties are well understood.

Firstly the Dead Sea water contains 10 times more salt than normal sea water which creates the floating experience. But it also contains many other minerals, for example, bromide, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

You can (almost) recreate this relaxing spa experience at home. Buy a bag of Dead Sea bath salts and use around ¼  to 1/2 a cup for a full bath.  Soak for about 15 minutes until the water cools down. But of course, you can also top up with warm water.

Whilst in the water, add a Dead Sea skin mask, leave to dry, and then gently massage off with a bit of bath water.  It will leave your skin very soft and will exfoliate, detoxify, and moisturize your skin. Regular use helps your skin to hang on to hydration, as salt binds water. The rich mineral content is great for helping with fine lines and preventing anti-aging.

Some people like the body wraps which I would recommend you do before the bath. Apply the warm mud and wrap up warm. Massage off with a loofah or glove, and shower off before you go into the bathtub.

Regular baths, wraps, and masks are great for any skin type, except very sensitive skin. There I would start very gently with only a pinch of salt and build up over time.

Dead Sea Salts’ antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects help with skin conditions such as acne, spots and other blemishes, eczema, psoriasis, and any dry/flaky skin conditions. Regular salt baths are recommended as part of a weight loss program and can help with stress and insomnia.

So you see regular salt baths have many benefits. After the bath just pad your skin dry, so you keep most of the salts on the skin, and apply a good body oil or moisturizer.

Home-made skincare recipes:

Here are some easy-to-make recipes that you can mix whilst filling your bathtub and they make a good alternative to the salt or mud mask.

Scrub for all skin types (face and body).

This is an easy general-purpose scrub and consists of 2 tbsp (tablespoons) of finely ground oats, 1 tbsp of almond oil,  1-2 drops of essential oils like ylang-ylang, rosemary, grapefruit, or lemongrass (optional)

Mix all ingredients to form a paste, apply, and when dry, massage the mixture off with a bit of the bathwater. Finally, rinse off with the bath water and please make sure the water does not go into your eyes, as salt water stings!

If you have very sensitive skin try this recipe

3 tsp of fine oatmeal, 3 tsp of double cream. Mix and gently rub over your skin, add again some water (you might want to use filtered water rather than salt water), and once creamy wash it off.

Firming Mask

2 heaped teaspoon gram flour, 2 teaspoons of rosewater, ½ teaspoon of honey.
Apply this paste and leave for 15 minutes until dry, massage off as above.

Healing Mask:

For anybody who suffers from breakouts, 2 teaspoons of honey, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric are recommended.

Combine these ingredients to a paste and apply to impurities and spots. I would not use this mask in the bath, but rather leave it on overnight or while watching a TV show and wash it off before bed.

Enjoy your salt spa experience!