Whats the secret ingredient in the latest celebrity beauty buzz?
There’s a secret ingredient in the beauty routines of celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle Macpherson, and it’s not as uncommon or as…
Epsom salts are a timeless remedy showing up in celebrity beauty routines. (Shutterstock)
There’s a secret ingredient in the beauty routines of celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle Macpherson, and it’s not as uncommon or as secret as you may think ?the mystery product is none other than Epsom salts.
Just what is this product being used for? It’s no one-trick-wonder. Epsom salts are loved by celebrities for everything from bloat control to hangover remedies, and even celebrity beauty gurus, like Ole Henriksen, recommend making this a part of your new routine.
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“If you have the time and the inclination, I’ve found that the best hangover remedy can be a hot and cold spa treatment,” Gwyneth wrote in her GOOP email newsletter earlier in 2014. “I’ve been known to recreate this experience at home too. Just draw a bath that is as hot as you can handle it and mix in some Epsom Salts and Baking Soda,” she continued.
“Soak for twenty minutes and then pop into a freezing cold shower for 1 minute. Get back in the hot bath and stay until you’re warmed up. Then get back in the shower for 1 more minute.”
But a hangover remedy isn’t the only reason celebrities are socking their bathrooms with Epsom salt. The Epsom Salt Council indicates this product has both internal and external benefits.
“Epsom salt is made up of naturally occurring minerals magnesium and sulfate, which can help improve health in numerous ways,” states the organization. “A lack of magnesiumwhich helps regulate the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the bodycan contribute to high blood pressure, hyperactivity, heart problems and other health issues, doctors warn. Sulfate is essential for many biological processes. It helps to flush toxins and form proteins in joints, brain tissue and mucin proteins.”
Epsom salts are indicated for the following uses:
- Exfoliation
- Pedicures
- Natural hair volumizer
- Facials
- Muscle soaks
- Skin soaks for irritation (rashes, bug bites, mild sunburn, poison ivy)
- Drawing salve to remove splinters
- Fading bruises
SEE ALSO: Best natural remedies for arthritis
Epsom salts are also touted as a remedy for bloating and chronic pain, and the celebrity list of individuals using Epsom salts for stress relief continues to grow.
“I get a deep-tissue massage at my home every Sunday night. Epsom salt baths are relaxing for me as well. When I was performing in Chicago, I would take one every night, but now it’s closer to once a month,” Christie Brinkley told Titina Penzini.
How to create your own Epsom salt bath
Epsom salts are praised for their exfoliating qualities. (Shutterstock)
Want to try your own Epsom salt bath? Natural News tells you how:
- Children under 60 lbs: Add 1/2 cup of salts to a standard size bath
- Individuals between 60-100 lbs: Add 1 cup of salts to a standard size bath
- Individuals between 100-150 lbs: Add 1 1/2 cup of salts to a standard size bath
- Individuals between 150-200 lbs: Add 2 cups of salts to a standard size bath
- For every 50lbs larger – add in an additional 1/2 cup of salts.
It is important to allow yourself at least 40 minutes of soak time; experts indicate the first 20 minutes is when your body expels toxins, and the second 20 minutes is when you start to absorb beneficial minerals.
In addition to the time spent soaking, do not use your Epsom salts bath as your standard daily hygiene routine. Washing with soap during your bath will interfere with the action of the Epsom salts –salt baths are for beauty purposes only!
If you’re really looking to make the most out of your Epsom salt experience, try adding up to 1/2 cup of ginger or cayenne to help increase your heat level and encourage toxins to leave the body.
