Ingredient Spotlight: Sea Salt

Sea salt is more than just regular salt’s grainier, sassier sister seasoning. A host of sea salts–including mineral-rich Dead Sea salt as well as extracts straight from the Pacific Ocean–have been cropping up in skin and haircare products left and right. That’s because more and more research points to the benefits of sodium chloride (the main compound found in salt) in treating skin conditions like psoriasis, dandruff and even acne.

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When it comes to hair, stylists love the way sea salt thickens styling products–a must for ‘dos that need to stay put all day.  It also dries up excess hair sebum, making it a great ingredient for those with oilier scalps and hair product junkies, too (all that product overload can cause major buildup). And let's not forget beachy-chic waves: A good spray can mimic the effect of that salty beach air—pumping up the hair shaft and creating tousled, textured tresses.

Sea salt is also a superstar at calming inflammed skin, working its magic on conditions ranging from psoriasis to eczema to acne. Inflammation is your skin’s visible reaction to damage happening underneath the surface (such as free radical damage or bacterial infections) so antiseptic salts are a gentle method for clearing away acne-causing bacteria, while soothing and bringing down redness and inflammation at the same time. And the sea salt granules themselves serve as natural, physical exfoliating agents, helping to physically slough away dead skin cells–revealing brighter, more youthful looking skin underneath.

Beauty products worth their salt:

Clarisea De-Blemish Salt Exfoliator: Face This cleanser gently exfoliates the top layer of dead skin and de-clogs oily pores with a mixture of sea salt from the Pacific Ocean, mineral-rich Himalayan Pink salt and salicylic acid.

Sachajuan Ocean Mist A mixture of magnesium sulphate and sodium chloride (both found in salt compounds) mimic the salty, ocean air to create tons of tousled texture. Hello, beach waves!

By Nieves Bath Salts Sea salts and Epson salts help relax achy muscles while anti-inflammatories, like lavender and rosemary, help soothe irritated skin and calm the senses.

Kneipp Lavender Balancing Mineral Bath Salt The sodium chloride in these soothing bath salts help cleanse the skin by acting as a natural anti-septic while the calming scent of lavender has been shown in clinical studies to help reduces stress hormone levels.

Bayberry Naturals Turmeric and Citrus Clarifying Body Scrub Body acne sufferers rejoice! The sea salt granules in this anti-oxidant rich body scrub help slough off dead skin cells that trap bacteria and sebum while the salt’s natural minerals prevent over-drying by improving the skin’s moisture barrier.

Bayberry Naturals Aloe and Shea Herbal Shower Gel The sea salt extracts in this soothing shower gel have natural antiseptic qualities that cleanse your skin of impurities. Organic aloe juice and Shea oil gently restore the skin’s moisture barrier – leaving your skin cleansed, but not stripped.

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