Beauty Mantra: Sprinkle some salt on to your skin to cleanse and exfoliate

The ingredient, which is the most crucial in a kitchen, has found its use as a scrub, toner and a mask. The inexpensive salt is now taking a significant place in beauty products, especially the Korean ones, which are considered holy by millions of women around the world. We bring you some simple techniques to use salt in your skincare routine.

As a rejuvenating scrub: Salt is a skin-softening exfoliant that can restore the skin. So make use of it to remove the dead skin cells on your face. Mix together half a cup of salt and quarter cup of aloe vera juice or gel, along with few drops of lavender essential oil. The mixture forms a thick paste, and can be used with few drops of water if found too thick. Apply the mixture on to your face and gently scrub in circular motion. The aloe vera in the mix hydrates and heals your skin, while lavender is a natural antiseptic, that also increases circulation. This can be a great rejuvenating scrub.

As an oil-absorbing facial toner: Salt is helpful in cleansingpores deeply, while also balancing the sebum production. It can also thwart bacteria that can instigate breakouts and acne on one’s face. Try mixing a teaspoon of sea salt with warm water in a small spray bottle until the salt is completely dissolved. Spray the brine solution on clean and dry skin, avoidingthe eyes. Use it once or twice daily for toning your facial skin.

As a balancing mask:With its anti-inflammatory properties, salt helps in soothing the skin. It can also calm breakouts and any irritation on the skin. Salt, used along with honey, also helps in retaining hydration in the layers of skin. Mix two teaspoons of sea salt (finely ground) along with four teaspoons of honey to make a coarse mixture. Apply it over clean and dry facial skin, avoiding the eye area. Let the mixtureremain on the skin for 10-15 minutes and then wash withwarm water.