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What is a Dead Sea Salt Scrub?
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
A Dead Sea salt scrub is a kind of exfoliant that is made from salt crystals that have been harvested from the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is a salt lake in Jordan that is so salty that animals cannot live in its waters. While the Dead Sea may be named because of its inhospitable waters, its salts have been used for many purposes. While it is possible to make a scrub using almost any kind of salt, the additional minerals that are present in salt harvested from the Dead Sea make it particularly appealing.
This type of salt scrub can be used in the bath or during a massage to help remove dead skin cells and polish the new skin. Salt scrubs are almost always made with at least a small amount of oil. Once the dead skin has been removed, the oil moisturizes the younger layer of skin beneath. Once the scrub has been applied, massaged into the skin, and then rinsed away with warm water, the skin is left looking smoother and younger.
In addition to improving the look of the skin, a Dead Sea salt scrub will also thoroughly clean the pores. This helps to ward off irritation caused by dead skin cells in the pores as well as blemishes such as pimples. A good salt scrub can also help to relieve and prevent ingrown hairs. While there are many soaps and cleansers that can remove dirt and oil from the skin, only a scrub can slough away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and from within pores.
Using a Dead Sea salt scrub can also help to improve circulation. While massaging the skin with the salt, the skin and tissue beneath it will be stimulated, promoting circulation. Good circulation is important to good health but it can also be beneficial from a beauty standpoint. Circulation can help with the appearance of the skin and can also help to reduce cellulite.
If you do plan on using a Dead Sea salt scrub, be sure not to use it on broken or irritated skin. Doing so will likely sting and can cause further irritation. If you are concerned about salt irritating your skin but would like to experience the benefits of an exfoliant, you can try a sugar-based scrub instead. There are also scrubs that are made from the finely crushed pits of stone fruits such as apricots and peaches.
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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![Dead Sea salt.]()
By: Elena MoiseevaDead Sea salt. -
![Dead Sea salt scrubs can be used to treat and prevent ingrown hairs.]()
By: F.C.G.Dead Sea salt scrubs can be used to treat and prevent ingrown hairs. -
![Dead Sea salts have a variety of beneficial minerals.]()
By: Victor BDead Sea salts have a variety of beneficial minerals.
Discussion Comments
@fify-- I know what you mean. I have dry and sensitive skin too. I do use a Dead Sea body salt scrub but only for my feet. It doesn't irritate my feet at all since that skin is much rougher.
Plus, I have diabetes and my circulation is really bad, especially in winter. My feet turn white and purple sometimes from the cold! So I like doing a nice hot foot soak followed by a scrub with this sea salt scrub. My feet turn a healthy red and feel so good.
I do like dead sea mineral products in general, but if you have sensitive skin, I recommend going easy with the scrub.
I started using the Dead Sea salt scrub regularly and my skin was badly irritated. It turned all red and itchy. I took a break from it for that reason and smothered my skin in moisturizers.
Now I only use it like once a month in the summer and never in winter time. And I always apply some moisturizer afterward. So be careful if you have sensitive skin or dry skin like me.
I have the chicken skin condition a.k.a. keratosis pilaris. It's a genetic condition where my skin has too much keratin protein that plugs my hair follicles and creates little plugs or bumps on my skin. I have it on both of my upper arms and they've always been there since I've known myself.
They don't cause any itching or anything like that. But I hate them because they look horrible and very unattractive! People always ask me if I have goosebumps or if I'm cold.
For the past couple of weeks though, I feel like I've found a solution! I've been using dead sea salt scrub on those areas in the shower and the bumps seem to have gone away!
I had always heard about dead sea products and the benefits of exfoliation for this condition. But I never tried it until recently. I think sea salt works perfectly for this and there is no risk of infection. I'm so happy!
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