Himalayan Pink Salt
Himalayan Pink Salt
Our natural ingredient profile of the day is on himalayan pink salt. This pretty-in-pink rock salt is ultra trendy right now (honestly, who doesn’t have a himalayan sea salt lamp at this point?). But it also has some incredible skin benefits, which is what we’re going to delve into today. Pink himalayan salt, although a cousin to regular sea salt and table salt, is actually quite different, both in look and properties. Below, we discuss where this wondrous salt comes from and how it can be used to give you glowing skin.
Overview
First off, in order to be marketed as himalayan pink salt, it actually has to come from the foothills of the Himalaya mountains. More specifically, the salt is sourced from the Punjab region in Pakistan, which is home to many salt mines. It is believed the ancient oceans deposited these salts over 250 million years ago as the Himalaya mountains were being formed. The popular salt is very minimally processed and gets its iconic pink hue from the minerals it contains, such as magnesium and potassium. Currently, himalayan pink salt is widely sold in the form of lamps, as edible salt to use in cooking, and finally, in cosmetics or personal care products. Why has it become so popular in the beauty realm? Keep reading to find out why.
Benefits
First, salt has powerful antimicrobial properties. This is why research suggests that himalayan sea salt may be a suitable treatment for acne. For example, taking a bath in himalayan pink salt or using a scrub that contains the ingredient could help not only fight the bacteria in your skin that causes breakouts, but could also calm the skin. That is because in addition to being an antimicrobial, himalayan pink salt is also an anti-inflammatory.
The array of minerals found in the salt have been proven to calm redness and irritation, making it especially suitable to people with psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea. Further, there is no denying that himalayan pink salt, or any type of sea salt for that matter, is a strong exfoliant. That is why you will find many face and body scrubs on the market that contain the ingredient. The natural exfoliating texture of the salt is perfect for removing dead skin, leaving your body silky smooth. Studies have also shown that regular exfoliation can boost collagen production and cell regeneration, which will also ensure your skin stays smooth and hydrated.
Finally, yet another benefit of himalayan pink salt is that it has the ability to balance your skin’s pH levels. Imbalanced skin pH is common and can lead to blemishes. Luckily, a healthy dose of himalayan pink salt may be just what you need to reset your skin’s pH balance and get it back on track. It is able to do this because of the high sodium content and electrolytes it contains.
Safety
Himalayan pink salt is generally considered safe to use. However, as it is a powerful exfoliant, be sure not to use it too regularly as it can dry out the skin. In addition, if you choose to use it in the bath or shower, watch out for signs of irritation, such as itching. This could be a sign that your skin is too sensitive for it.
