Using Epsom Salt for Acne Treatment – Does it Really Work?
Epsom salts consist of magnesium sulfate. People can buy Epsom salts at the pharmacy in a dry powder or pellets. The salts dissolve in water, and people use this solution in many ways, including as a treatment for acne.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is a chemical compound comprised of magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur. Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs for multiple functions.
These include regulating blood sugar, stabilizing blood pressure, controlling muscle, and conducting nerve function. People get magnesium mostly through food or oral supplements.
Ways To Use Epsom Salt For Acne
1. Face mask
Some people make a facial mask by mixing Epsom salts with kitchen staples, such as raw honey. However, people must be careful about what products they use, as some, such as avocado and coconut oil, can block pores.
2. Epsom Salt And Baking Soda Bath
There is no scientific proof that baking soda is good for treating acne. However, many people have used it on their face and experienced positive results. This is because of the exfoliating effect of baking soda.
Caution: Avoid this remedy if you have sensitive skin.
You Will Need
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup Epsom salt
- 2-3 drops of any essential oil (optional)
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Prepare a warm bath and pour the mixture into it. Stir it with your hands to dissolve it completely.
- Soak in the bath for 20-40 minutes.
- Take a shower and follow up with a moisturizer.
- Repeat this routine two times a week.
There is only anecdotal evidence of the benefits of Epsom salt for acne and the skin. In most cases, topical Epsom salt does not cause any negative effects and is considered safe to use. However, there is a scope that things might go wrong. Here’s what you need to know.
3. Epsom Salt, Turmeric, And Milk Face Scrub
Milk contains lactic acid that improves skin texture and makes it smooth. Turmeric has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These properties keep your skin healthy and minimize acne and other types of inflammation.
You Will Need
- ¼ cup milk cream (scoop out the cream from full-fat milk)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon Epsom salt
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture on your face or the affected area(s).
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash it off with warm water.
- Repeat this routine two to three times a week.
Read Also: Ivory Soap for Acne: Can Ivory Soap Help With Acne?
Benefits of Epsom Salt for Acne Treatment
Overall, the various uses of Epsom salt for acne produce beneficial results because of its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to rid of unhealthy toxins, removing dead skin that bacteria feed off of, kills bacteria, and controls excess oil on your skin.
Because there is no concrete or extensive research on Epsom salt’s uses for acne, these helpful attributes are all technically considered theories.
However, according to reviews on Epsom salt for acne, which has a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, these theories are proof that epsom salt is a tested effective treatment for all types of acne.
Epsom salt is not only cheap but can also be conveniently bought at your local drug store, grocery store, garden supply store, or various sites online. It is most often found near the first-aid supplies section because of its many medicinal purposes.
In addition, there are little to no side effects of epsom salt but as usual, there are precautions to take when using any acne treatment.
Side Effects Of Epsom Salt
If you are allergic to sulfur, Epsom salt may cause an allergic reaction. You may experience:
- Nausea
- Skin irritation
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Rashes
- Hives
- Swelling of lips and tongue
Also, soaking in an Epsom salt bath for a prolonged period (more than 30 minutes) may cause dehydration. It is always better to take precautions beforehand to avoid any side effects.
Do an allergy test beforehand to check if you are allergic to Epsom salt.
Precautions
- Do not get epsom salt in the eyes.
- Do not use in or around open wounds as it may aggravate it.
- Mix well with water or a cleanser. Using epsom salt aggressively directly on the skin can aggravate the skin, and in the worst case possible, increase acne production due to aggravation.
- Do not ingest it unless the type of epsom salt you buy directly states that it is food grade.
- If you are taking an Epsom salt bath for back acne and you have low calcium levels, then use magnesium wisely as magnesium and calcium compete for absorption, and thus, can cause a calcium deficiency.
- It may also have possible drug interactions so consult your doctor before using Epsom salt as a treatment for acne.
Final Word
Using Epsom salt for acne may help alleviate inflammation and reduce swelling. It may also help to exfoliate dead skin and loosen blackheads.
The value of using Epsom salt for acne has not been scientifically proven, but many people swear by it. Since topical use of this product is safe for most people, it may be worth experimenting with, particularly if your acne is mild or occurs infrequently.
What do you think about this article? Did you find this information helpful? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
