Himalayan Salt Soap – Benefits, Side Effects & Best Ones
Himalayan salt has become very popular in skincare thanks to its many minerals that have amazing benefits for the skin.
The most common one we come across is the pink Himalayan salt that we use in scrubs and baths. But what about Himalayan salt soap? Can you use it like regular soap?
What Is Himalayan Salt
Himalayan salt (also known as pink salt) is a rock salt mined from deep within the Khewra mountain range in Pakistan.
Himalayan Salt contains some 84 trace minerals some of which are iron, calcium, bromine, zinc, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, copper, and sodium.
Even though it is most often pink (due to its iron oxide content) it can also be white, orange, red, grey, and even black! The color of the salt will depend on how much of what trace mineral it contains.
Video: 20 Unexpected Facts about Himalayan Salt
Benefits Of Using Himalayan Salt Soap
When used as a soap, Himalayan Salt Soap:
1- Exfoliates the skin – pink salt gently but effectively removes dead skin cells and deep cleans the skin which leaves it soft and glowing.
2- Balances pH – salts that contain magnesium like Himalayan salt help to balance the pH of the skin which along with its cleansing properties helps to prevent the build-up of acne-causing bacteria and debris.
3- Nourishes the skin cells – the minerals in the salt like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and others help to keep skin cells healthy and encourage regeneration.
4- Hydrates the skin – Unlike regular salt which dries out your skin, Himalayan salt attracts and retains moisture in the skin. This makes it more supple while also helping to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
5- Soothes inflammation and irritation – along with hydration, its soothing properties are great for people with eczema, psoriasis, and even dandruff. It reduces redness, itching, discomfort, and dryness.
6- Fights aging – the minerals in pink salt have antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from free radical damage which can cause things like fine lines and wrinkles.
If you want to learn more about salt soaps you can click here to learn Best Salt Soap – Benefits, How to Use & Side Effects
Using Himalayan Salt Soap For Skin Conditions
Will Himalayan Salt Soap Help With Acne?
Using Himalayan salt on acne-prone skin will not only clean the skin and pores by removing oil, dirt, and debris but also get rid of bacteria that build up and can worsen acne.
It also balances the pH of the skin which prevent the growth of new bacteria. It will also soothe inflammation and irritation.
Other soaps to treat acne are: –
Glycolic Acid Soap- Benefits, Risks, How to Use & Best Ones
Sulfur Soaps- Benefits, Side Effects, How to Use & Best Brands
Will Himalayan Salt Soap Help With Dandruff?
Any product buildup or dandruff that may be present on your scalp can be removed using Himalayan salt. Even though Himalayan salt soap will be a more gentle form of exfoliation than salt crystals, regular use will still stimulate blood flow, which aids in the gradual promotion of longer, healthier hair growth.
It will also loosen up dirt, scales, and oils that settle on the scalp and also soothe itchiness and irritation. Make sure to give your hair a good rinse after putting Himalayan salt on your scalp to remove any extra salt from the soap.
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Will Himalayan Salt Soap Help With Eczema & Psoriasis?
Himalayan salt soaps are great for sensitive skin in those who have eczema and psoriasis. Generally, people with these conditions find scrubs to be too harsh for their skin.
However, the soap will provide a smoother form of exfoliation that will gently exfoliate the skin rather than scrubbing away at it. Using it suitably will also give the benefit of hydration and nourishment from the minerals in the soap.
The magnesium content will help to soothe irritation so it will improve itchiness and discomfort. Be sure to use soaps that do not contain additives or other ingredients that are harsh or stripping to the skin.
Some individuals recommend using Oatmeal Soaps for Eczema, you can click here to learn more.
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Will Himalayan Salt Soap Lighten Your Skin?
While Himalayan salt does not have bleaching properties, its minerals, and its exfoliating properties can gradually help to improve the appearance of spots and darkness.
These spots can be from sun damage, insect bites, and even mild to moderate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While it is not a magic ingredient, consistent use will result in subtle changes over time.
For a great soap to lighten skin consider –
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Best Himalayan Salt Soaps To Use
1- The Soap Haven Himalayan Salt Soap
The Soap Haven Himalayan Salt Soap contains both Himalayan salt and sea salt, but what I like about it is that it contains shea butter which works to prevent dryness.
It cleanses, hydrates, and deodorizes the skin. From my research, it will work great for sensitive skin, babies, kids, and people with dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema.
Click here to view and purchase The Soap Haven Himalayan Salt Soap
2- IndusClassic Pure Himalayan Chemical-Free Salt Soap Bar
This is not a soap in the traditional sense where it is very sudsy. It is more of a salt bar which makes it more effective for dealing with underarm and body odor, as well as rosacea and acne.
IndusClassic Himalayan Soap also leaves the skin feeling clean and hydrated after use. It is heavy and solid and lasts a long time depending on how often it is used.
You can Click here to see the IndusClassic Pure Himalayan Chemical-Free Salt Soap Bar on Amazon.
3- The Bamboo Charcoal, Himalayan Pink Salt Soap Bar
The Bamboo Himalayan Salt soap is made of a unique combination of Pink Himalayan Salt, Activated Bamboo Charcoal, and Red Kaolin Clay.
It is great for oily skin and acne. The ingredients are deeply moisturizing, deodorizing, gently exfoliating, and detoxifying. The soap is completely handmade (cold pressed method) and natural.
You can Click here to see the price for the Bamboo Charcoal, Himalayan Pink Salt Soap Bar on Amazon.
Side Effects Of Using Himalayan Salt Soap
Even though Himalayan salt is said to be soothing and hydrating, using it too much can have the opposite effect on your skin such as dryness and irritation.
Like all skin treatments, the best results come from using certain ingredients in moderation. Himalayan salt is one of these ingredients.
Some people who have very sensitive skin can experience dryness and irritation if Himalayan salt soaps are used too often. Think about it this way, exfoliation and deep cleansing not only removes dead skin cells but also the skin’s natural oils that build up. These do not need to be removed every day or your skin would eventually be losing more oils than it is replacing them. This will lead to dryness and irritation.
If you notice that your skin is becoming too dry when using Himalayan salt soaps, reduce the frequency of use and moisturize your skin daily.
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Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Himalayan salt soap help with body odor?
Since Himalayan salt cleans the skin by removing dead skin cells, oils, sweat, dirt, and even bacteria, it will help to reduce body odor.
Many people with excess body odor find that using salt soaps and taking salt baths help to reduce their body odor in combination with their antiperspirants and deodorants. It will not completely fix your body odor, but it will help!
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Can you use Himalayan salt soap every day?
I do not recommend using Himalayan salt soap every day.
This soap will deeply penetrate and clean your skin. This includes pulling the natural oils out of your skin as well. If you have dry skin already, this will make your dry skin worse over time. If you have normal skin, even though Himalayan salt can be soothing and hydrating, it can have the opposite effect.
Instead, I recommend that you use this soap 1-2 times per week and moisturize well.
Can you use Himalayan salt soap on your face?
You can use Himalayan salt soap on your face.
However, remember that the skin on your face is much thinner and more sensitive than elsewhere on your body. Therefore, I do not recommend that you use this soap on your face every day. It may cause your skin to become too dry and possibly irritated.
If you are using it for acne or other skin conditions, apply it directly to the affected areas. Otherwise, if you are using it on your whole face, start by using the soap 1-2 times per week. See how your skin reacts and feels after a few weeks of use.
If you have no side effects and feel like you need to use it more often, gradually increase the frequency at which you use it. Remember to moisturize your face well and always use an SPF.
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Sources
Made Here: Watch How Pink Himalayan Salt Is Mined in Pakistan
The Truth About Himalayan Salt For Skin Care | KiteNest
