Running Low On Magnesium? Try These 18 Epsom Salt Beauty & Health Hacks Today!

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a naturally-occurring crystal that’s found in a spring in Epsom, England. Contrary to its name, Epsom salt isn’t salt, but a mineral crystal (1).

Epsom salt is best known for it ability to ease sore muscles and cure ingrown toenails, but it also has plenty of uses for beauty and first aid. Luckily, the magnesium in magnesium sulfate is easily absorbed through your skin to treat and prevent mineral deficiency (2).

Not only are they inexpensive, but they’re also quite versatile. Here’s a few interest

ing epsom salt uses you can do at home.

1. Hair Volumizer

Even the most volumizing hair products can leave your hair feeling heavy and flat after a few hours. Like sea salt, Epsom salt gives your strands a lasting natural bounce to give you the perfect beach waves.

You’ll need:

• One part organic conditioner
• One part Epsom salt
• A small glass bowl

Instructions:

1. Mix the conditioner and Epsom salt together in a small bowl.
2. Store in a small glass jar with a lid.
3. Use in the shower after washing your hair, leaving it in for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse and repeat weekly.

2. Sunburn Relief

Sunburns can be a real pain, especially when it comes to keeping down the pain and swelling. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds, Epsom salt and water can be just as beneficial as aloe vera.

You’ll need:

• Empty spray bottle
• 2 tablespoons Epsom salt
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Pour water and Epsom salt together into a spray bottle and shake to combine.
2. Spray directly on sunburnt skin as needed, shaking before use.

3. Lip Scrub

If your lips are really dry and you’re not a fan of the stickiness of lip balm, you might enjoy this more abrasive treatment. Plus, it’ll exfoliate your lips and keep them smooth and hydrated.

You’ll need:

• 1 teaspoon Epsom salt
• 2 tablespoons organic raw coconut oil and/or cacao butter
• A small bowl
• A fork or whisk

Instructions:

1. Whip the Epsom salt and oil/butter together in the bowl.
2. Store in a small travel-size tin.
3. Apply the combination to your lips in a gentle circular motion.
4. Use as needed.

4. Bug Bite Relief

If you forgot the bug spray at home or you got caught by surprise by a pack of pesky critters, pour yourself an Epsom salt bath. The itch will be gone in no time! If you don’t have a bathtub, try this instead!

You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons Epsom salt
• 1 cup warm water
• Washcloth
• Medium bowl

Instructions:

1. Combine water and salt and mix well to dissolve all the crystals.
2. Dip a clean washcloth into the solution and apply to the bug bite as needed.

5. Bee Sting Remedy

For bee stings, replace the hot water with cold to help keep the swelling down.

You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons Epsom salt
• 1 cup cold water
• Washcloth
• Medium bowl

Instructions:

1. Combine water and salt and mix well to dissolve all the crystals.
2. Dip a clean washcloth into the solution and apply to the sting as needed.
3. If you experience shortness of breath or dizziness after, seek emergency medical attention.

6. Sore Muscle Mix

Epsom salt contains magnesium, which soothes sore muscles and improves nerve impulse.

You’ll need:

• 1 teaspoon Epsom salt
• 1 cup hot water
• Medium bowl
• A clean washcloth

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the Epsom salt in the bowl of hot water and let it cool in your freezer.
2. Clean and dry the affected area.
3. Use the cloth to apply the cold mixture as needed.

7. Pedicure Soak

Exfoliate sore callused feet with this simple at-home spa treatment. You won’t believe how soft your feet will feel !

You’ll need:

• ½ cup Epsom salt
• Warm soapy water (use a gentle organic soap)
• A foot-sized tub

Instructions:

1. Clean your feet and pat them dry so that they are damp but not dripping.
2. Pour the soap and water in the tub.
3. As they hover over the tub, apply the salt to your feet and gently rub it in for a few minutes.
4. Soak for 10 minutes.
5. Dry your feet and file down your toenails.
6. Soak them again for 5 minutes.
7. Dry thoroughly and massage with a bit of coconut oil.

8. Health Soak

Skip the spa and stay at home instead! To make this soothing soak even more relaxing, light a few candles and grab a nice cup of wine or a good book.

You’ll need:

• Bath full of hot water
• 2 cups Epsom salt
• Essential oils (per taste)
• A relaxing atmosphere

Instructions:

1. Fill your tub with hot water as you get prepared for your bath.
2. Pour in 2 cups of Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oils. Gently stir the water.
3. Soak for 30 minutes or more.
4. Repeat as often you need.

9. Facial Cream

Facial products can contain toxic ingredients like fragrance and preservatives, so why not make your own at home? This particular recipe with fight dirt and grime and removes dead skin.

You’ll need:

• ½ teaspoon Epsom salt
• ½ teaspoon coconut oil
• A small bowl

Instructions:

1. Mix the oil and Epsom salt together in a small bowl.
2. Wash your face and pat dry.
3. Apply to skin and rub very gently, especially if you have sensitive skin.
4. Rinse with cold water and pat dry. Skip the moisturizer.

10. Bath Salts

To get the perfect combination of soothing scents and healthful properties, make your own bath salts and customize to your taste. If you made a bit too much, place them in cute glass jars for a fun party favor.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• 1 cup pink Himalayan salt
• 30-40 drops of essential oils
• Dried flower petals (optional)
• Small jars
• Medium bowl

Instructions:

1. Mix the salts and essential oils together in a medium sized bowl and stir until well combined.
2. Add dried rose, lavender or chamomile petals if desired.
3. Transfer mixture to small jars. Top them off with a cute ribbon and decorative tag.
4. Use as desired.

11. Splinter Treatment

To push out a foreign invader from your skin, soak the affected area with a bit of Epsom salt water and get your tweezers ready!

You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons Epsom salt
• 1 cup cold water
• Cotton washcloth
• Medium bowl

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the salt in a bowl of water, stirring regularly.
2. Soak the cotton washcloth in the mixture and apply to affected area.
3. Repeat until the swelling subsides.
4. Place pressure around the wound and use tweezers to pull out the splinter.

12. Post-Shower Spa Treatment

Quench your body’s need for magnesium by adding this simple step to your shower routine. Plus, the scrub will stimulate your lymphatic system and rub away dead skin.

Ingredients:

• A handful of Epsom salt
• 5 drops of essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix together the essential oil and Epsom salt.
2. Shower as usual and turn off the water.
3. Take the Epsom salt and use it to scrub the skin all over your body while it’s still wet.
4. Continue until your skin feels soft but stop before it gets irritated.
5. Rinse off the Epsom salt and pat dry.

13. Deep Exfoliation

Scrub extra-dry skin smooth again through this simple hydrating scrub. Feel free to use it on thick, dry skin, but avoid scratched or broken skin.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• ¼ cup extra-virgin organic coconut oil and/or cacao butter
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• A medium bowl

Instructions:

1. Before showering, combine the ingredients in a clean bowl.
2. Get into your shower but do not turn on the water.
3. Apply the scrub directly to your skin and rub it gently all over your skin for a few minutes.
4. Rinse off the solution and pat dry.

14. Poison Ivy Relief

Poison ivy is no joke. While you may be spending most of your time covering your itchy rashes with ointment, taking an Epsom bath at least once a day will help speed along healing and subside the itch. If you don’t have a tub where you are, this is the next best thing!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Epsom salt
• 1 cup cold water
• Cotton washcloth
• Medium bowl

Instructions:

1. Mix Epsom salt and cold water together in a bowl and stir until well dissolved.
2. Soak the cotton washcloth in the solution and apply to the affected area as needed.

15. Ice Bath

For severe post-exercise muscle pain, take a cue from professional athletes and hop into an ice-cold bath. It might sting a little at first, but you’ll notice the benefits right away.

Instructions:

1. Add 3-4 cups of Epsom salts to an ice-cold bath. Add ice cubes to the water to make it even colder.
2. Jump in (scream if you have to!) and stay in for 2-5 minutes.
3. Follow up with a hot shower to open up your blood vessels and get your heart pumping.

16. Sleep Aid

If you’re suffering from insomnia or you happen to be going through a rough patch, spend 30 minutes before bed to take a relaxing bath.

Instructions:

1. Measure out about 2 cups of Epsom salt to a hot bath.
2. Add a few bags of green tea or chamomile and let them steep as you sit in the bath.
3. Sit back and enjoy for at least 20 minutes.

17. Healing Foot Soak

To fix common foot problems like toenail fungus and stinky or sore feet, soak your little piggies in this relaxing soak.

Ingredients:

• Large container of warm-hot water (big enough for both your feet)
• 1 cup Epsom salt

Instructions:

1. Pour the Epsom salt into the tub of water and stir to combine.
2. For extra stinky feet, add a bit of apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil.
3. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Dry your feet properly and lightly dust with baking soda before slipping on a clean pair of socks.
5. Repeat daily until the foot problem is under control.

18. Protective Scrubs

If your skin is too dry to apply sunscreen or oil, scrub this mixture for a fuss-free application.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Epsom salt
• 2 ounces of Sea salt
• 4 ounces coffee grounds
• 1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil
• Sesame oil
• Medium bowl

Instructions:

1. Mix Epsom salt, sea salt, coffee grounds, and eucalyptus oil in a bowl.
2. Add sesame oil and form a paste.
3. Rub the paste on your dry skin, scrub a bit, and rinse odd in the shower.

Bonus: The Ultimate Bath

If you’ve had a long day and you’re feeling worn out, grab the Epsom salt and pamper yourself a little.

You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of Epsom salt
• 10-15 drops of lavender essential oils
• ½ cup of baking soda
• A bathtub of hot water

Instructions:

1. Run the water in your tub.
2. Pour the salt, baking soda, and oil in a bowl and mix well.
3. Sprinkle the combination into your bath water.
4. Soak for 20 minutes.
5. Dry yourself off and hydrate your skin with coconut oil.