Unlocking the Benefits of Natural Resources in Skincare
In the constantly evolving world of skincare, where new products seem to emerge every day, it’s easy to get lost in the marketing jargon. Amidst this sea of choices, salt soap bars and salt brine soap bars (traditionally referred to as “soleseife” bars) offer unique benefits that distinguish them from other types of soap.
A distinction that needs to be mentioned, also, is that sea salts (Dead Sea, Himalayan, black salt) are less processed than iodized table salt. There are no additives, with none of the anti-caking agents, iodine, fluorine, or nitrites found in commercial salts. So sea salts are what I am referencing here and what I choose to use in my soaps and bath salts.
But what exactly makes these “spa bars” worthy of a place in your skincare routine?
Natural Exfoliation: Salt soap bars contain salt crystals that provide gentle exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. This exfoliating action can leave your skin feeling smoother. The exfoliation is more subtle in the brine/soleseife bars, but with salt bars (which can contain up to 50% of the weight of oils in salt for the batch), the salt dissolves in water and are not what you would think of as overly “scrubby.”
Deep Cleansing: Salt is renowned for its natural antibacterial and purifying properties. When used in soap form, it helps to cleanse the skin deeply, removing impurities, excess oil, and dirt from pores. This deep cleansing action is especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. But important to note is that salt is non-drying to the skin’s surface.
Mineral-Rich Nourishment: Salts are enriched with minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. In soap, these minerals nourish the skin, replenishing lost nutrients and promoting overall skin health. Additionally, the minerals in salt have been known to improve skin hydration and support the skin’s natural barrier function.
Balancing Properties: Salt can help to regulate oil production and maintain the skin’s pH balance. This makes them suitable for a wide range of skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
Harder Bars: The salt crystals make for longer-lasting and harder bars; with regard to the soapmaking process, the batter can also harden up quicker so I typically use individual molds for these batches.
So there you have it. Salt soap bars are incredibly versatile and can be used for various purposes beyond just cleansing the skin. They make excellent shaving bars, as the subtle exfoliating properties help to lift hair for a closer shave. The use of salt inhibits bubbles in the lather—providing more of a creamy/lotion feel and skin feels oh-so-soft after cleansing (think about how your hair and skin feel after a day at the ocean).
Salt/brine soap bars offer a multitude of benefits that make them a valuable addition to any skincare routine. From gentle exfoliation to deep cleansing and mineral-rich nourishment, these unique bars are beneficial to any skin type.
DISCLAIMER: Regulations set forth by the FDA prohibit bath and body companies from making health-related claims about their products. Thus: Simplí Artisan makes no medical claims for any of its products. This blog piece is a culmination of research from many reputable sources providing information on the tested properties of specific ingredients so that you [the consumer] can make your own decision as to whether you’d like to incorporate it into your skincare routine.
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I WILL GET OFF MY SOAP BOX NOW. Thanks for reading. ~Julie
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