Dead Sea salt may benefit your skin, muscles, and overall well-being. You can use it in baths or skin care to ease dryness, calm irritation, and relax sore muscles. Some people find it helps ease stress and improve sleep.
Some studies also suggest that Dead Sea treatments may ease conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and knee osteoarthritis.
What Is Dead Sea Salt?
Dead Sea salt is salt from the Dead Sea, which is located between Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. It is the saltiest lake and the biggest natural resource of minerals in the world.
It’s not the same as regular sea salt. It has less sodium chloride and more minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and bromide, a mineral that helps relax muscles.
Are Dead Sea salts the same as Epsom salts?
The biggest difference is that Epsom salt isn’t really a salt. It’s a mineral made of magnesium and sulfate. It looks like salt because it crystallizes in a way that’s similar to sea salt.
Real salts, such as Dead Sea salt, contain sodium chloride. Epsom salt doesn’t have it.
Other key differences include:
- Dead Sea salt gets absorbed more easily and mixes well with essential oils.
- Epsom salt has a stronger structure, so you can store it longer at home.
- Dead Sea salt works well in balms for skin care.
- Epsom salt can also be used in the kitchen, as a preservative or substitute for kosher salt.
Benefits of Dead Sea Salt
Some studies suggest that the high magnesium content in Dead Sea salt may help calm inflammation and alleviate symptoms of atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis, two common skin conditions that cause redness, itching, and irritation.
Research also shows that Dead Sea salt can offer the following benefits:
Skin health
- Magnesium salts in Dead Sea water calm inflammation and improve skin texture.
- One study compared Dead Sea salt baths with tap water baths in people with dry skin. It found that the arm soaked in Dead Sea salt became smoother with less redness and dryness.
Support for rheumatologic diseases
Dead Sea mud and salt baths may help with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes painful, swollen joints and can affect the eyes, skin, and heart.
- Psoriatic arthritis: A type of arthritis linked to psoriasis that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Knee osteoarthritis: A wear-and-tear condition that breaks down cartilage in the knee, leading to pain and stiffness.
Relief for psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches. It comes and goes in cycles and has no cure. Some research suggests that Dead Sea salt combined with natural sunlight (balneotherapy) can help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. One study shows that Dead Sea salt baths are more effective than regular salt baths and give greater improvement in skin symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- A feeling of itching, soreness, or burning
- Stiff and swollen joints
- Ridged and thick nails
- Scaly patches, sometimes seen in children
- Red skin with silvery, thick scales
Is Dead Sea Salt Safe for Regular Use?
Generally, Dead Sea salt is safe to use.
It is safe for your skin — it doesn't appear to raise your risk for skin cancer.
Also, lab analysis of Dead Sea mud shows no harmful levels of minerals that could affect your health.
But if too much of it is swallowed, Dead Sea salt carries some risks:
- Disturbances in cardiac or heart rhythm due to abnormalities in electrolyte levels
- Toxicity
These risks only occur if you’re drowning in the Dead Sea, though. They would not occur if you’re just bathing in Dead Sea salt.
How to Use Dead Sea Salt
You can use Dead Sea salt in different ways for your skin and overall care:
Bath salts
- Add about one cup of Dead Sea salt to warm bathwater (about 95 F/35 C).
- Soak for 15-20 minutes to help ease sore muscles, calm irritation, and relax.
- You can adjust the amount of salt based on your preference.
Skin care products
- Dead Sea salt and mud are used in facial masks, creams, and soaps.
- Apply to your face or body to ease dryness, redness, or inflammation.
- Always read the ingredients and check with your doctor if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Foot soaks(extra use)
- Dissolve a small amount of Dead Sea salt in warm water for a foot soak.
- This can ease tired feet, soften skin, and ease minor swelling.
How to make a Dead Sea salt scrub at home
This simple DIY scrub comes from Davida Lederle, wellness blogger and author of The Healthy Maven, who shares natural recipes and self-care tips on her site.
Here’s how you can make your own scrub at home:
- 1 cup of Dead Sea salt
- 1/4 cup of carrier oil
- Jojoba oil works great, but olive, avocado, grapeseed, or sweet almond oil are also good choices.
- You can use coconut oil, but it may make the mix a little thicker.
- 10-20 drops of essential oil
- Choose your favorite scent. Eucalyptus gives a spa-like feel, citrus oils like lemon or grapefruit are refreshing, and lavender is calming.
- 1 tablespoon of optional add-ins
- Try coffee grounds for exfoliation, almonds for softness, dried herbs like chamomile or lavender, or a splash of vitamin E oil.
Directions: Mix everything together in a clean jar. Use the scrub in the shower by gently rubbing it on your skin in circles, then rinse off with warm water.
Takeaways
Dead Sea salt is rich in minerals that may support your skin, joints, and overall well-being. Studies show it can help ease conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and knee osteoarthritis. It may also calm dermatitis. It may reduce stress, relax muscles, and improve sleep because of its magnesium content. You can use it in baths, skin care products, foot soaks, or even make your own scrubs at home.
Dead Sea Salt FAQs
How often should you take a dead sea salt bath?
You can safely take a Dead Sea salt bath a few times a week, depending on your skin and health needs. Many people use it two or three times weekly to help with skin dryness, muscle tension, or relaxation. If you’re using it for psoriasis or eczema, ask your doctor first.
Should you rinse off after a dead sea salt bath?
You should rinse off after a Dead Sea salt bath. A shower with clean, warm water helps remove any leftover salt and prevents your skin from feeling dry or irritated.
How often should you use a Dead Sea salt exfoliating scrub?
You can use a Dead Sea salt scrub about one to two times per week. Using it more often may irritate or dry out your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you have a skin condition, check with your doctor before using scrubs.
