Epsom Salt for Acne



Acne is one of the most common skin disease, which results into pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. The most commonly affected areas are face, neck, chest, upper arms or the back. When dirt and bacteria are trapped in oil secreting pores, it results in inflation, that is identified as acne. Many methods are adopted to get rid of acne, but most people prefer home remedies. Epsom salt can be used for getting rid of acne at home. Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a combination of naturally occurring compound consisting magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. While magnesium helps to release stress and provides relief for aching muscles and joints; the sulfur content renders its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that makes Epsom salt a popular home remedy for acne.

Is Epsom Salt Any Good for Acne?
Yes, it is. The many beneficial characteristics of Epsom salt will reap desired results when you choose it for acne treatment. Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral, magnesium sulfate. It has many medicinal uses, and can be used for a bath, as a soothing agent for itchy dry skin, laxative and also to treat acne! It is used as an anti-inflammatory that is known to reduce skin irritation and redness. Epsom salt is also used to treat sprains, strains and pulled muscles. Here are some ways in which it can be used to get rid of acne.
Using Epsom Salt for Treating Acne

A Cleanser
Mix ½ tablespoon of Epsom salt to your daily cleansing cream. Massage it on the affected area. Remember to massage gently. Rubbing the mixture harshly might spread the infection to the surrounding area. After about 15 minutes, wash your face with cold water and pat dry. Alternately, you can try this method with a massaging cream instead of a cleanser. This will help exfoliate the dead skin, and in turn, reduce the visibility of acne. 

Soak Cotton
Dissolve about 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a cup of water. Dip cotton into it and place it only on the affected area. Keep this for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it. 

Mask it
Mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 tablespoon of dry milk, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and half tablespoon of Epsom salt in a bowl. Apply it on the affected area and keep it masked until dry. Let the mask dry naturally. Rinse off with cold water.

Scrub
Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to oatmeal and use this to scrub the affected area. Wash your face thoroughly and apply moisturizer after patting your face dry.

Smooth Skin
Acne will introduce unwanted bumps on your skin. For a smoother and acne free skin, wet the affected areas and simply start massaging with a handful of Epsom salt. 

Detoxifying Bath
If acne has affected different areas of the body at the same time, and your hand may not reach all the affected areas easily; for example, your back, then you can use Epsom salt in a bathtub. You will need 1 cup of Epsom salt, 2 tablespoons of sea salt and 2 tablespoons of bath oil. Pour all these in your hot bathtub while the tub is still filling up. Step into the tub and relax your senses while the salt works on the acne. 

Though acne cannot be cured completely, we can always take measures to prevent it with proper skin care. You can use any such method on a regular basis to keep acne away. 
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject. These suggestions may or may not help you get rid of pimples overnight. The efficacy will depend upon two parameters - duration and intensity of the pimple outbreak and your skin type/sensitivity. Please consult your health care provider, or consult a dermatologist before making any health-related decision.
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