Acne
When dirt, dead skin cells, and other toxins clog pores, oil gets trapped beneath the skin, causing bacterial infections that result in acne breakouts on the face, neck, chest, and back.
Acne Causes
Acne is caused by over-production of sebum—the skin’s natural oil—which is a response to hormonal imbalances, stress, poor diet, and certain medications.
How To Get Rid Of Acne?
There are plenty of commercial acne treatments available, but they’re expensive, they rarely work, and they come with unwanted side effects.
Epsom Salt Work For Acne
Why deal with those commercial products when you can treat acne with a natural, affordable, effective remedy like Epsom salt?
Is Epsom Salt Good For Acne?
You’re about to learn several methods for doing so, but first, take a look at the properties that make Epsom salt such a great acne remedy.
Benefits Of Epsom Salt For Acne Treatment:
- Epsom salts anti-inflammatory property reduces redness, pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by acne.
- It detoxifies the body, preventing bacteria from causing breakouts.
- Epsom salt exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities that cause acne.
- Epsom salt absorbs excess oil, dehydrating bacteria that would otherwise grow in clogged pores and cause acne.
- Epsom salt contains magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, and zinc which are essential to clear skin.
- It contains sulfur, which is antibacterial, anti–viral, and anti–fungal.
- Magnesium soothes the nervous system to prevent stress-induced acne and reduces the swelling and pain caused due to acne breakouts.
How To Use Epsom Salt To Treat Acne?
Plain Epsom salt should never be applied directly to skin, but it can be used in combination with many other natural ingredients that keep skin healthy and clear. Try all the home remedies below until you find the one that works best for you.
Home Remedies For Acne
1. Epsom Salt And Water
- Mix 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt with 1 cup of water.
- Use a cotton ball to apply to skin and leave on few minutes.
- Rinse with warm water followed by cool water, then pat dry.
- Repeat daily.
2. Epsom Salt With Honey, Olive Oil, And Lemon
- Mix 1 tablespoon each of Epsom salt, olive oil, and raw honey.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Gently massage into skin, using circular motions.
- Leave on 15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Apply oil free moisturizer.
- Repeat daily.
3. Epsom Salt With Egg And Milk
It works well for people who have oily skin.
- Mix ½ teaspoon of Epsom salt, 1 raw egg, ¼ cup of non-fat milk, and the fresh juice of 1 lemon.
- Wash face with water and apply mixture to wet skin.
- Leave on until dry, then rinse with water.
- Repeat daily.
4. Epsom Salt With Carrots And Mayonnaise
It works well for people who have dry skin.
- Peel and grate 1 large carrot.
- In a blender, mix ¼ cup of grated carrot, ½ teaspoon of Epsom salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons of mayonnaise until smooth.
- Wash face with water and apply mixture to wet skin, massaging in circular motions.
- Leave on 5 minutes, then rinse with water and pat dry.
- Apply oil-free moisturizer.
- Repeat daily to reduce acne.
5. Epsom Salt And Olive Oil
- Mix equal quantities of Epsom salt and extra virgin olive oil.
- Massage into skin using circular motions.
- Leave on few minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat daily.
6. Epsom Salt Bath
- Run a warm water over the bathtub and mix in 2 cups Epsom salt.
- Get in and soak 15 – 20 minutes.
- Rinse in the shower with plain water.
- Repeat 3 times weekly to treat cystic back and chest acne.
- For added benefit, include ½ tablespoon of sea salt and ½ tablespoon of olive, coconut, or jojoba oil.
7. Epsom Salt Poultice
- Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with 1 tablespoon of of your favorite dried herbs.
- Stir in 1 ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or other natural carrier oil.
- Apply to skin and cover with clean cloth soaked in warm water.
- Leave on 15 minutes.
- Remove cloth and rinse with water.
- Repeat 3 times weekly to get rid of acne.
8. Epsom Salt Compress
This process un-clog pores and reduces inflammation.
- Mix 1 cup of lukewarm water with 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt.
- Soak a clean cloth in this solution and wring out the excess.
- Place cloth on skin and leave on until cool.
- Re-soak, wring out, and place on skin again.
- Repeat 3 times.
- Rinse face with water and pat dry.
- Repeat 3 times weekly.
9. Epsom Salt with Facial Cleanser
This process is perfect for back and chest acne and cystic acne. Also remove the dead skin cells which cause flakey, dry and irritated skin.
- Rinse face and neck with water and pat dry.
- Mix ½ tablespoon of Epsom salt with ½ tablespoon of facial cleanser.
- Apply to acne affected skin, massaging very gently in circular motions for 2 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
- Apply oil-free moisturizer.
- Repeat 2 times weekly.
- Note: Do not rub harshly as it causes irritation and inflammation along with the spread of this problem to other skin parts.
10. Epsom Salt with Oatmeal
- Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt, 1 cup of organic rolled oats, and 1 cup of water.
- Rinse face with water and apply to wet skin, massaging gently in circular motions.
- Leave on 5 minutes, rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
- Repeat 3 times weekly to exfoliate and balance the skin’s pH level.
11. Epsom, Milk, and Lime
- Mix ½ of tablespoon Epsom salt, 1 tablespoon of powdered milk, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of cognac.
- Apply to acne affected area and leave on until dry.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
- Apply oil-free moisturizer.
- Repeat regularly to clear the acne.
12. Epsom Salt with Coconut Oil
- Melt 2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil over low heat.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of Epsom salt.
- Once Epsom has dissolved, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Apply to skin, massaging gently in circular motions for 5 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water followed by cool water and pat dry.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Repeat 3 times weekly.
Note: You can add tea tree oil for added benefits.
Tips And Precautions:
To avoid side effects and get the best possible results, follow the advice below when treating acne with Epsom salt.
- Do not use Epsom salt to exfoliate more than 3 times weekly as this can lead to irritation and rashes.
- If you’re pregnant, consult a doctor before using Epsom salt treatments.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- Do not rub plain Epsom salt directly into skin. This may worsen acne.
- The magnesium in Epsom salt may interact with certain medications. Consult a doctor before use.
- Store Epsom salt in airtight container to avoid dampness and clumps.
- Before starting regular Epsom salt treatments, do a patch test to make sure you are not allergic to it.
- For added benefit, include garlic in Epsom salt scrubs.
- As with any other acne treatment, Epsom salt works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and get plenty of protein.
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
- Avoid sugar and carbohydrates.
- Do yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises to reduce stress.
- Ask your doctor if your birth control medication is causing your acne.
- If you see no results within 2-8 weeks, consult a dermatologist.
