Salt Scrub – Methods of Use

A salt scrub with essential oils is a type of exfoliating treatment that combines salt (often sea salt, Epsom salt, or Himalayan salt) with essential oils and a base liquid such as unscented liquid soap, vegetable glycerin, shampoo, or conditioner. This combination creates a potent exfoliant that not only removes dead skin cells but also delivers the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils while stimulating circulation, nourishing the skin, and promoting relaxation.

Benefits of Salt Scrubs with Essential Oils:

• Exfoliation: The salt particles help to slough off dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smoother and refreshed.
• Skin Detoxification: Salt has natural detoxifying properties, drawing out impurities and toxins from the skin.
• Improved Circulation: The massaging action of applying a salt scrub increases blood flow to the skin, helping to tone and energize the body.
• Aromatherapy: The essential oils provide emotional and mental benefits as their scent is inhaled during the application, helping to reduce stress, uplift mood, or improve focus.
• Energy Cleansing: When used in specific areas like the solar plexus (the area around your stomach), a salt scrub can have a powerful energetic cleansing effect, helping to balance the body’s energy and relieve tension.

How to Use Salt Scrubs with Essential Oils

Materials Needed:

• Unscented liquid soap, vegetable glycerin, shampoo, or conditioner: This acts as the base for the scrub.
• Salt: Choose a salt like Epsom salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt for exfoliating properties.
• Essential oils: Select essential oils based on the desired effect (e.g., lavender for relaxation, peppermint for invigorating, eucalyptus for respiratory support).
• A mixing container: For combining the ingredients.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base:
   • Use a base liquid such as unscented liquid soap, vegetable glycerin, or a gentle shampoo/conditioner. These liquids help bind the salt and oils, allowing for smooth application while also cleaning and hydrating the skin.
2. Add the Salt:
3. Add about ½ to 1 cup of salt (depending on the amount of scrub you want to make) to the base liquid. The salt provides the exfoliating action and aids in detoxifying the skin.
4. Add Essential Oils:
5. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to the mixture. The essential oils should be chosen according to your therapeutic needs, such as:
   • Lavender for relaxation and stress relief.
   • Peppermint for invigorating energy and muscle relief.
   • Tea Tree for its antiseptic and skin-healing properties.
   • Eucalyptus for clearing the airways and promoting relaxation.
   • Rosemary for stimulating and rejuvenating the skin.
6. Mix Thoroughly:
7. Stir the ingredients together until the salt is evenly distributed through the base and the oils are fully blended.
8. Application:

1. Apply the scrub to damp skin (in the shower or bath). Start by gently massaging the scrub onto your skin in circular motions, focusing on areas where you want to remove dead skin cells or where you want to stimulate energy flow (such as the solar plexus area, which is located just above the stomach).
2. Be gentle with sensitive areas of the skin, especially the face. Avoid using the scrub on broken skin or areas with active rashes.
3. Rinse:
4. After massaging the scrub into the skin for about 5-10 minutes, rinse off the mixture with warm water. Pat the skin dry with a towel.
5. Hydrate:
6. After using the salt scrub, apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin soft and smooth.

Precautions and Tips:

Frequency: Salt scrubs are best used 1-2 times a week, as over-exfoliating can cause dryness or irritation.

Do not use caustic or sensitizing oils: Avoid using oils that can irritate the skin, such as oregano, cinnamon, clove, or citrus oils (like lemon or orange). These oils can cause burning sensations or irritation when applied to the skin, especially during scrubbing.

Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, it’s important to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using the scrub over larger areas of the body.

Solar Plexus Area: Using a salt scrub on the solar plexus can have an energetic cleansing effect. This area, located just above the stomach, is associated with self-confidence, personal power, and emotional balance. Gently scrubbing this area can help release tension, clear emotional blockages, and balance your energy.

Avoid Scrubbing Too Harshly: The salt is exfoliating, but you don’t need to apply excessive pressure. Gentle circular motions are enough to achieve the benefits without irritating your skin.

Salt Scrub is one of the many methods of using essential oils.