Getting to Know Bath Salts

As you stroll along your favorite drug store or grocery, you might have noticed a few bath salts taking up some space on the stalls. These products come in powder/ salt form, and they are used for exfoliation, among other skin-enhancing processes. There are others that are for whitening, anti-aging, firming and others claim their long lasting fragrance as their selling point. If you haven’t used bath salts but you’re curious about them, then please continue reading.

I’ve been using bath salts for years now. If you haven’t heard of bath salts before, here’s how it’s defined in an online encyclopedia: Bath salts are water-soluble, usually inorganic, solid products designed to be added to water during bathing. They are said to improve cleaning, improve the experience of bathing, and serve as a vehicle for cosmetic agents.^[1] Bath salts have been developed which mimic the properties of natural mineral baths or hot springs.^[2]

Instead of adding it to water, I use it for exfoliation (shedding off dead skin cells to help your new, healthy skin emerge from within). Before, I used loofah and/or scrubbing gloves. Eventually, I found them to be too harsh, and, bacteria also builds up easily with those materials. Bath salts, on the other hand, are good for scrubbing, and they don’t run the risk of bacteria buildup because they are stored in an airtight container. Also, you only get to use it once because it’s salt-like and as you scrub it on your body, it slowly dissolves.

Since the texture is salt-like, let me tell you how to use it to avoid hurting yourself. First off, rinse your body with water. Afterwards, lather with your regular soap. Next, apply bath salts all over your body—really make sure you don’t miss a spot!—while rubbing it in a circular motion. This also helps for better blood circulation. Add extra attention to your bikini area, neck, the small of your back, knees and feet. Leave them on for at least 2 minutes so the nutrients can still work their way in. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Automatically, you’ll feel smoother, softer and brighter skin. If you’re using this at night, it’s better to follow up with body  butter right after you pat your skin dry. Trust me, your skin will feel like royalty afterwards!

The best thing about bath salts is that they’re totally  inexpensive. For example, the brand that I use now is Watsons Anti-Aging Bath Salts. It costs only P99 for a 600g bottle, which lasts me for 3-4 months. I only use them once or twice a week. That’s almost nothing, right?

How about you? Have you tried using bath salts? What's your favorite brand?