There’s no need to invest in an expensive spa hotel to treat yourself to a deeply cleansing and relaxing experience. Here’s a look at how to transform your bathroom into a home spa with the use of natural salts and soaking clays, such as Moroccan Rhassoul clay.
These products have been used for centuries to soothe tired and aching muscles, detox the body, and enrich and soothe the skin with minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds. A long soak in the bath is also very therapeutic, helping to restore the balance between your mind, body and soul.
Moroccan Rhassoul clay
Moroccan Rhassoul clay is sourced from deep deposits in the Atlas Mountains, and it is prized for its deep cleansing properties and ability to absorb oil and draw out toxins. It is rich in silica and magnesium, and has natural antibacterial properties. It can be used for a face mask, particularly for oily and acne prone skin.
It can also be added to a bath to provide an all-round cleansing and enriching of the skin. Add two tablespoons to a warm bath and sit back and bask. When you have gently dried yourself off, you will notice that your skin feels softer and the overall clarity and smoothness of your skin is enhanced.
Epsom salts
Originally mined from the South Downs of England, Epsom salts are now most often sourced from Germany (beware of synthetic imitations that are produced in China). This salt is rich in magnesium sulphate, which has natural analgesic properties and helps to reduce muscle soreness and tightness.
It can also draw out toxins through the pores, helping to cleanse and heal any damaged or inflamed areas of skin. To use, add one to two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath, and soak for at least 20 minutes to allow the magnesium to be absorbed through the skin. You can add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender to the bath for extra relaxation.
Alternatively, you can use Epsom salts for a relaxing foot spa after a day spent on your feet, or to relieve general aches and pains.
Himalayan salts
Himalayan salt is mined from the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains in Pakistan, from deposits that have been formed over 250 million years. The salt contains over 80 different types of minerals and is exceptionally pure, and has a distinctive pink or orange colour. It contains magnesium, which helps to relax the muscles and regulate the nervous system.
To use, add one to two cups to a warm bath, and use a few drops of essential oils if you want some extra relaxing scent. You can also gently massage the salt into the skin to soften and exfoliate.
