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There’s nothing quite like a long, warm bath to melt away the stress of the day. But adding the right kind of salt to your bath can take that relaxation to a whole new level. From easing sore muscles to nourishing your skin, bath salts offer a range of benefits. However, not all salts are created equal. Two of the most popular types—natural bath salts and Epsom salts—are often used for their therapeutic effects, but they serve different purposes.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the differences between natural bath salts and Epsom salts, helping you choose which is best for your specific needs. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, skin nourishment, or relief from aches and pains, understanding the unique properties of these salts can make a world of difference in your bath-time routine.
What are Epsom salts?
Epsom salts are made up of magnesium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral compound that has been used for centuries for its healing properties. Despite the name, Epsom salts are not actually salts, but rather a mineral compound named after the town of Epsom in England, where they were originally discovered.
Magnesium, the primary component of Epsom salts, is crucial for many bodily functions. When dissolved in water, Epsom salts are believed to be absorbed through the skin, where they help reduce inflammation, improve muscle function, and promote relaxation. Epsom salt baths are a go-to remedy for athletes or anyone experiencing muscle soreness after a strenuous workout or long day on their feet.
What are natural bath salts?
Unlike Epsom salts, which are focused primarily on muscle relaxation, natural bath salts are often prized for their skin-nourishing qualities. They gently exfoliate the skin, remove impurities, and leave it feeling soft and rejuvenated. Natural bath salts can also be infused with essential oils, herbs, and botanicals, adding aromatherapy benefits to your bath-time routine.
Key differences between Epsom salts and natural bath salts
While both Epsom salts and natural bath salts offer therapeutic benefits, they do so in different ways. Here’s a deeper look at the key differences:
Composition
- Epsom salts: Made of magnesium sulfate, Epsom salts are not true salts but rather a mineral compound.
- Natural bath salts: True salts that are rich in a variety of trace minerals, such as sodium chloride, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, sourced from natural bodies of water or salt mines.
Primary benefits
- Epsom salts: Known for relieving muscle pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation by replenishing magnesium levels in the body.
- Natural bath salts: Valued for their skin benefits such as exfoliation, hydration, and detoxification. Many natural salts also support mineral absorption and overall skin health.
Skin nourishment vs. Muscle recovery
- Epsom salts: Ideal for muscle recovery, Epsom salts help alleviate soreness, cramps, and inflammation. If you’ve had an intense workout or a physically demanding day, an Epsom salt bath can help your muscles recover faster.
- Natural bath salts: Perfect for a relaxing, spa-like experience, natural salts not only help you relax but also nourish and detoxify the skin. Aurora’s Rose & Marikolundhu Bath Salt, for instance, combines the calming effects of marikolundhu with the hydrating properties of rose to leave your skin soft and glowing.
Aromatherapy and Add-Ons
- Epsom salts: Epsom salts are often used in their pure form, though some may add essential oils for extra relaxation. However, they generally lack the variety of aromas and botanicals that natural bath salts offer.
- Natural bath salts: Natural salts like those offered by Aurora are often infused with essential oils, herbs, and botanicals. For example, Aurora’s Blue Pea & Vetiver Bath Salt blends antioxidant-rich blue pea flowers with the grounding, earthy scent of vetiver, creating a deeply calming experience both for your body and your mind.
When to use Epsom salts?
If your primary concern is muscle pain, cramps, or inflammation, Epsom salts are your best option. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salts helps relax muscles and reduce inflammation, which is why they are popular among athletes or anyone recovering from physical strain. Here are some specific scenarios where Epsom salts are the better choice:
- Post-workout recovery: After an intense workout, your muscles may be sore, tense, and inflamed. Epsom salt bath helps relax the muscles and accelerate recovery.
- Managing chronic pain: For people dealing with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, regular Epsom salt baths can help alleviate chronic pain and stiffness.
- Reducing inflammation: Epsom salts are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them a great option for reducing swelling in the body.
When to use natural bath salts?
Natural bath salts, on the other hand, are more suited to those looking for a luxurious, skin-nourishing experience that includes relaxation, detoxification, and aromatherapy. They offer a range of benefits beyond just muscle relief, making them a versatile addition to your wellness routine. Here are some ideal scenarios for using natural bath salts:
- For skin health and hydration: If your skin is dry, irritated, or in need of rejuvenation, handmade soaps like Aurora’s Butter Cube Soap paired with one of our bath salts can provide deep hydration and softness.
- Detoxifying the body: Natural bath salts help draw out toxins and impurities from the skin, leaving it fresh and clean. This makes them great for a detoxifying bath.
- Aromatherapy and stress relief: Natural bath salts like Aurora’s Rose & Marikolundhu or Blue Pea & Vetiver Bath Salt are perfect for creating a spa-like experience at home. Infused with essential oils and botanicals, these salts add a sensory experience that helps calm the mind and soothe the senses.
Can you use both together?
Absolutely! There’s no rule that says you have to choose between Epsom salts and natural bath salts—you can easily use them together to enjoy the best of both worlds. For example, you can blend Epsom salts with Aurora’s natural bath salts to create a bath that not only relieves muscle soreness but also nourishes and detoxifies the skin.Here’s how you can combine them for an elevated bath experience:
- For muscle recovery and skin hydration: Add 1 cup of Epsom salts to your bath water along with a handful of Aurora’s Blue Pea & Vetiver Bath Salt. This combination will help relax your muscles while leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
- For detoxification and relaxation: Mix Epsom salts with Aurora’s Rose & Marikolundhu Bath Salt to enjoy a detoxifying, skin-soothing bath with the added benefits of aromatherapy.
The verdict: Which one should you choose?
At the end of the day, the choice between Epsom salts and natural bath salts comes down to your personal needs. If you’re dealing with muscle pain or inflammation, Epsom salts should be your go-to. However, if you’re looking for a more luxurious, skin-nourishing experience that also offers relaxation and aromatherapy, natural bath salts are the better option.
Aurora’s Bath Salts are perfect for creating a spa-like experience at home, offering a blend of minerals and botanicals that benefit both the body and the mind. Whether you choose the Blue Pea & Vetiver Bath Salt for its calming properties or the Rose & Marikolundhu Bath Salt for its hydrating and skin-brightening effects, you’ll be giving your skin the care it deserves.
The best of both worlds
Why not enjoy the best of both worlds? While Epsom salts excel at muscle recovery and reducing inflammation, natural bath salts offer a more holistic approach, supporting both skin health and mental well-being. Incorporating both into your wellness routine allows you to tailor your bath experience to your specific needs—whether that’s relief from a tough workout or a moment of peaceful self-care.
At Aurora, we believe that your bath-time routine should do more than just relax you—it should nourish and restore your skin as well. With our range of luxurious natural bath salts, you can turn every bath into a rejuvenating escape that leaves you feeling refreshed inside and out.
