Benefits of Magnesium Flakes & Epsom Salts in Bath Salts

There are several benefits to magnesium flakes and epsom salts when using them to make bath salts. Whether you are using them to relax after a long day or ease soreness after a tough workout, they will play an important role in making you feel better!

While there are several similarities between epsom salt and magnesium flakes, they are different substances. Epsom salt is known as magnesium sulfate and magnesium flakes are known as magnesium chloride.

Benefits of Epsom Salt

1. Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief: Epsom salt is known for its muscle relaxant properties. Dissolving it in warm to hot water and soaking it in a bath can help alleviate muscle pain and muscle aches. This can be especially beneficial for athletes, those with chronic pain, or individuals experiencing muscle tension from stress.
2. Improved Sleep Quality: The magnesium in Epsom salt may contribute to improved sleep quality. Magnesium plays a role in promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system. Taking an Epsom salt bath before bedtime may help individuals relax and achieve a more restful sleep.
3. Skin Health and Detoxification: Epsom salt can aid in the detoxification process by drawing out toxins from the body through the skin. It is often used to exfoliate dead skin cells, cleanse pores, and promote overall skin health. This can particularly benefit individuals with skin conditions like acne or eczema.
4. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Magnesium has been linked to the regulation of neurotransmitters that influence mood, and magnesium deficiency may contribute to increased stress and anxiety. Using Epsom salt in a bath may help replenish magnesium levels, potentially promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
5. Improved Magnesium Levels: Many people have a magnesium deficient, and epsom salt is a convenient way to supplement this essential mineral. Adequate magnesium is crucial for various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath allows the body to absorb magnesium through the skin.

Benefits of Magnesium Flakes

1. Higher Magnesium Concentration: Magnesium flakes often contain a higher concentration of magnesium chloride compared to Epsom salts, providing a more potent source for magnesium absorption through the skin.
2. Rapid Absorption Without Sulfates: Magnesium bath flakes are sulfate-free, making them suitable for individuals sensitive to sulfates. The flakes are still efficiently absorbed through the skin, offering a gentler alternative.
3. Enhanced Skin Hydration: Magnesium salts may contribute to improved skin hydration. The magnesium chloride in the flakes has been associated with supporting skin barrier function, helping to retain moisture.
4. Deeper Tissue Penetration: Due to their smaller molecular size, magnesium flakes may penetrate deeper into tissues than epsom salts. This is a great way to provide more profound benefits for muscle relaxation and pain relief.
5. Versatile Application: Magnesium bath flakes can be used in various ways, including as a bath soak, foot soak, or even in homemade skincare products. This versatility allows users to incorporate magnesium into their routine based on personal preferences.

Natural Ingredients in Bath Salt Recipe

Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are the base of your homemade bath salts. They are a great source of magnesium, similar to pure magnesium flakes, but often at a much lower price point. When buying epsom salts, make sure to buy the unscented version. This way they are not full of synthetic fragrances and you can add essential oils to give them your signature scent!

Magnesium flakes

Magnesium flakes are the other base of your bath salts. The main difference is that they contain magnesium and chloride compared to epsom salts which contain magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Typically they are absorbed quicker than epsom salts, making them a better option if you have less time to soak.

An alternative to magnesium flakes is dead sea bath flakes. Salts from the Dead Sea have 21 trace minerals including magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc, and potassium. These are all amazing for skin, detoxification, and overall wellness. 

Essential Oils

Essential oils add an amazing scent to any natural bath care recipe! The possibilities are truly unlimited when it comes to which essential oils to use for your full-body soak or foot soak. Some of my favorite essential oils and essential oil blends are included below so you can choose the one(s) you enjoy!

Best essential oils to use for your bath salts

Choosing essential oils for your Epsom salt bath can enhance relaxation and provide additional therapeutic benefits. Here are some popular essential oils to consider:

1. Lavender: Great for relaxing, and known for its calming properties, lavender essential oil may reduce stress, as well as aid in improving sleep quality. It’s also great for your skin, including wound healing, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and many more. 
2. Eucalyptus: This oil can offer a refreshing and invigorating experience. Great for healing, overall well-being, purification, and easing muscle soreness. It’s often used to ease respiratory issues and provide relief from congestion.
3. Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil has a cooling effect that can help soothe sore muscles and provide a refreshing sensation. It’s energizing in addition to being great for skin conditions such as itchy skin, eczema, and psoriasis. 
4. Chamomile: Chamomile is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding chamomile essential oil to your bath can be calming and beneficial for skin irritations.
5. Frankincense: Frankincense has a grounding and calming aroma. It’s often used for relaxation, stress reduction, and promoting a sense of tranquility. Can help with muscle relaxation and inflammation in the body.
6. Tea Tree: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties and is beneficial for the skin. It can be a good addition if you’re looking to support skin health or address minor skin issues.
7. Citrus Oils: Citrus oils provide a refreshing and uplifting experience. They can boost mood and add a bright, invigorating scent to your bath. Orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, and lime are some of my favorite citrus oils to use. 
8. Ylang-Ylang: Ylang-Ylang has a sweet and floral fragrance that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
9. Rosemary: This essential oil is refreshing and can help improve mental clarity and focus. It’s also known for its potential muscle-relaxing properties, has amazing properties to help with detoxing the body, as well as help with hair loss and acne. 
10. Clary Sage: Clary sage has a calming effect and may help balance hormones. It’s often used to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

How to Make Your Own Bath Salts

Let’s get into how to make homemade bath salts! This is a basic recipe that you can use for a full body bath, foot baths, or foot soaks.

• 1 cup epsom salt 
• 1 cup magnesium flakes
• 25-25 drops of essential oils
• bowl
• spoon
• glass mason jars

1. Add 1 cup of epsom salt and 1 cup of magnesium flakes. I usually aim for a 1:1 ratio when using both the epsom salt and magnesium flakes. 

2. Add between 25-35 drops of essential oils to the combination of salts. Mix the salts and essential oils with a metal spoon to combine well. Please note, if you are making this recipe for kids I would recommend using half the amount of essential oils (10-15 drops) instead.

3. Spoon bath salts into glass jars to store. They will keep for 6-8 weeks in these jars. I always try to avoid using plastic containers when using essential oils, as the oils are so concentrated they can break down most plastics.

To use your homemade bath salts, simply add 1/2 cup to very warm bath water. Stir the bath salts to make sure they completely dissolve in the water before getting into the water. To get the most benefits from your bath, make sure to take a long soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes. However, you can continue to soak for 30 minutes.

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Hi, I’m Kristin.

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