This Super-Exfoliator Will Give You The Glowiest Skin Of Your Life—And You May Already Have It In Your Kitchen (2024)

My bathroom is currently stocked with more exfoliating products than I’d like to admit. Some might call my stash excessive, but that feeling of smooth, moisturized skin is a rush I refuse to give up. My quest for silkiness has led me to try all manner of options, from body scrubs made from sugar (the granules tend to dissolve before I get the deep exfoliation I'm after) or coffee grounds (way too messy) to buffing mitts (IMO, an overused exfoliating glove is the stuff of bacterial nightmares).

Yet, like Goldilocks and her infamous beds, after much testing, I've and found the product that strikes the perfect balance for me: salt scrubs. They’re not too oily and the oversize granules give me just the right amount of exfoliation. Although this tried-and-true skin buffer isn't necessarily trending on TikTok right now, it's my choice and has been a staple in beauty for thousands of years—the ancient Egyptians even swore by it.

To be clear, I'm not telling you to empty a cylinder of Morton table salt directly into your bathtub. I would, however, would advise you to consider doing so with other forms of salt that you may already have in your cupboard. “Both Dead Sea salt and Himalayan salt have high mineral contents compared to other salts,” says Kellie Reed, MD, a dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, TX. “It is unclear how much of these minerals actually get absorbed into the body, but there is some data to suggest they may help with improved skin texture, skin hydration, and even quelling inflammation.” More on all that that below.

Meet the experts: Kellie Reed, MD, is a dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, TX. Nava Greenfield, MD, is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.

With so many skin benefits, it would appear Cleopatra and her crew were really onto something. Here's everything you should know.

Why salt?

The mineral-rich content of some salts—you'll find magnesum, potassium, calcium, iron, and sulfur in there—is key to their benefits. Potassium and magnesium help skin retain moisture, therefore improving hydration and barrier function. Magnesium-rich bath soaks are often used by athletes to help their muscles contract and relax, easing soreness (the mineral is absorbed transdermally). “Additionally, Dead Sea salts have antimicrobial properties which can help with conditions like acne as well as anti-inflammatory conditions,” says Nava Greenfield, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. You can thank the sulfur for that—it has has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

One product I swear by and have been using for over 10 years is the Sabon Green Rose Dead Sea Salt Exfoliating Body Scrub. The formula is an expert fusion of Dead Sea salts and a blend of botanical oils like sweet almond, argan, and jojoba. The salt-in-oil texture gently exfoliates while infusing my skin with essential healing minerals. Just make sure to blend well before applying to get a good mixture of the salt and oils.

What skin issues can salt scrubs fix?

Salt scrubs are a go-to of mine for many reasons, and according to our dermatologist experts, salt is a great natural remedy for:

• Dullness and texture: “Salt scrubs removes dead skin cells to allow for a softer feel and brighter skin appearance,” says Dr. Reed. “The scrubbing motion also stimulates blood flow, improving skin health and providing a natural glow." I’ve also noticed that when I regularly use salt scrubs, I have less of an issue with ingrown hairs and the rough patches of skin I sometimes get on my elbows and around my knees. And don't discount the benefits of touching your body: "The act of massaging the skin can reduce stress and help with relaxation,” Dr. Reed adds.
• Conditions like eczema and psoriasis: One study found that Dead Sea treatments can help improve skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, redness, xerosis, and hyperkeratosis. “The unique blend of minerals has an anti-inflammatory effect,” says Dr. Greenfield. These health benefits are widely recognized across Europe—in countries like France, thermal treatments are considered therapy and covered by national health insurance. Many also embark on health and wellness-related visits to mineral-rich thermal waters in places like Romania and Hungary to treat and cure chronic pain, improve circulation, and to remedy skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Irritation and itch: Mineral-rich salts may also reduce itch, irritation, and even promote wound healing. This minerals were shown in one clinical trial to enhance skin barrier repair, boost hydration, and reduce inflammation when used as a soak. All good things if you've got skin that's sensitive and prickly.

How to incorporate salt into your beauty routine

Except for the face, salt scrubs can be used all over. But it’s worth it to focusing on areas like the elbows and knees where the skin is rougher. Always avoid open wounds and, from my personal experience, don’t use a salt scrub immediately after shaving—it will sting. How often you exfoliate will vary, but if your skin isn’t sensitive and you’re not dealing with other skin issues, two to three times a week is best (that's how often I use mine). Sensitive? Less is always going to be more, so start off at once a week.

Salt soaks, on the other hand, are an amazing act of self care that can be done once or twice a week or every once in a while when you need a luxe, healing moment to yourself. To get started, fill your bath with warm water. If the soak that you’re using advises you to use a precise amount, follow those instructions. However, ¼ of a cup of salts should be sufficient for a standard-size bathtub. Using your hand, gently swirl the water and salts together, mixing until the salts dissolve. Get in. Relax.

The Best Salt Scrubs For Exfoliating And More

Generally, try to opt for finer scrubs ("Granules that are too coarse can irritate the skin,” Dr. Reed says), and feel free to experiment with increasing the pressure to suit your exfoliation needs. Also worth noting: "Dead Sea salt soaks can be soothing, but avoid fragrances, as they can cause skin irritation or contact allergies in some," Dr. Reed says. Here, some of our favorites.