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The Power of Salt Baths – Dead Sea and Epsom

In my quest to regain beautiful skin, I discovered that Dead Sea Salt and Epsom baths can improve the following conditions:

  • Psoriasis
  • Arthritis
  • Dry Skin
  • Eczema
  • Stress
  • Insomnia
  • Muscular Aches and Pain
  • Skin Allergies

The skin is strengthened and blood circulation improves.  Toxins are also removed from the skin. Any chemical imbalances of the skin and body are improved and the skin’s natural PH levels are restored.

Studies show that Dead Sea Salt baths have shown positive results in symptom relief and lengthening remission of eczema and psoriasis sufferers.

Personally, when my skin was at its worst, I took a salt bath every evening, then tapered the frequency to every other day, then tapered off the baths, gradually. This means as my skin improved, I took them every other day, then every 2 days, then twice a week.

I chose not to rinse off afterwards as I felt that the salt was still working even after my bath.  I would also add ground oatmeal and olive oil to the bath so that I was well moisturised. I found the baths to be very relaxing and I always had a good sleep afterwards. I would clean hairy parts daily with a kind soap like Turkish Olive oil soap or Black soap. And rinse off of course!

You will notice that having a 3-4 baths weekly for 3-4 weeks, will diminish the itch, scaling and joint complaints if you have any. Sleeping difficulties are also resolved.  The spread of inflammation will decrease as well as the redness.  However, as I was on medication for something else, my face took 4 months to heal from chronic scaling and sunburn in 2014.

It was the bowel cleansing and liver flushes carried out every 3 months that finally did the trick.  My skin tone and texture returned to normal.  I also drank plenty of water or cucumber juice to cool down the eczema  body heat.

 

 

Only 1kg of salts per bath or more seems to be the most effective for treating skin conditions.

Here is my skin bathing method which is useful for preventing skin infection:

You will need olive oil, shea butter, 1kg packet of Dead Sea Salts and also 1 cup of ground oats.

The Method:

  1. Put some olive oil in your hand with shea butter and massage into your skin.
  2. Run your bath with lukewarm water.
  3. Add all the contents of the salts packet to the bath water.
  4. Add the oats.
  5. Put 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in the water
  6. Soak in the bath for up to half an hour.
  7. Do not pat dry after your bath – allow your skin to air dry.
  8. Repeat Step 1.

The sea salts clean, disinfect  and moisturise your skin too. Note that you should not use soap on eczematous skin as it will dry out your skin and leave it very itchy.

The oats has a quality about it that relieves your skin from itching.  It also calms red, inflamed skin.

Shea butter prevents your skin from scarring as well as moisturises your skin.  You will be able to find shea butter from either African shops or online.

If you have scratched your skin til it bleeds, you may need to massage your skin with aloe vera gelly that will heal your wounds and prevent from scarring.  It also has the added quality of relieving the itch.  Remember, aloe gelly first, then olive oil and shea butter.

If your clothes wick off the oil, you may need to ask your doctor to prescribe Tubifast bandages for your arms, torso and legs.  It comes in different sizes, so you may need to check with the chemist to order the right size. These bandages are washable and can be used over and over.

Personally, I made a moisturising butter with melted coconut oil and shea butter instead of olive oil. You may have to do a small patch first to see whether you are allergic to coconut oil. My face was sensitive to coconut oil, but the rest of my body was fine.

If you have wet, oozing skin, dry your patches with Argiletz clay paste. Then apply aloe vera gelly to them.  This can be applied as often as you need to during the day.

This may seem complicated to do, but it really is simple as long as you have these staple items in your kitchen at all times.  Then whenever your skin flares, you have everything you need rather than panic.

 

Flotation Tank Experience

In 2013, a friend of mine suggested  going to a nearby beauty salon that had a salt cave and a flotation tank.  Since I didn’t know what a flotation tank was, I did an online search.

 

Well basically, a flotation tank (or pod) has all the benefits of a regular salt bath except it is contains a very high concentration of Epsom salts.  The temperature of the water is kept to the same as your body while you float in the water.  Soft music is played and the lights are dimmed.

Each session lasts for an hour or more if you feel brave enough, but what I found really interesting about the floating experience is that as I lay perfectly still in the water, my mind went into a dream-like state. This I found was very relaxing.

The only thing I didn’t like was that my eczema patches really stung. I stayed the 1-hour course though as the time seemed to whizz by. This time, I did rinse myself off and oiled up with olive oil after towelling.  When I got home, I had a long nap.  I felt that relaxed.

Having a salt bath, whether or at home or in a tank is a much safer alternative than bleach baths and they also remove bad bacteria from the skin.

There are several flotation tanks in beauty spas throughout the UK and numerous abroad, Sweden having the highest proportion of flotation tanks to people living there.

 

And The Price?

This flotation experience which lasts for an hour can set you back anything from £45-70 a session.  You can have multiple sessions at a discounted rate if floating tickles your fancy.  The price is high because each tank (or pod) costs between £15,000-40,000, and must be fitted with specially prepared rooms.

However, the experience is worth it and I noted that my skin healed at a faster rate within the following couple of weeks.  That was impressive.

If you are interested in going to a floatation tank spa in London, there is one located at the London Flotation Centre, Isle of Dogs. The nearest station is South Quay DLR. The price? £45 an hour.

If you would like to know more about floating and the effects the salt can have on your skin, feel free to leave a comment or question below.

 

DIY Scalp Eczema Treatments With Dead Sea Salt: Easy At-Home Recipes

DIY Scalp Eczema TreatmentScalp eczema is uncomfortable and frustrating. When you face irritated, flaky skin, finding a treatment that suits your hair type can be challenging. Using natural ingredients like Dead Sea Salt and extra virgin olive oil offers a gentle yet effective solution. In this guide, I share a series of easy at-home recipes for a range of hair types—whether your hair is short, thin, thick, damaged, or long. The recipes cover pre-conditioning methods to prepare your scalp before using Forever Living Aloe Jojoba Shampoo and deep conditioning techniques that cater to Afro, Asian, and European hair. These treatments can be adjusted for children, women, and men alike.


Step 1: Understand Your Scalp Eczema

Before starting any treatment, it’s very important to know what scalp eczema means for you. It often appears as redness, dryness, scaling, and occasional itching. Environmental factors, harsh hair products, or stress can trigger these symptoms. Recognizing what your skin goes through helps you choose the right approach to soothe irritation and nourish your hair. Some people notice mild flare-ups during seasonal changes, while others find certain products worsen the irritation. Understanding these patterns leads to a better plan and helps you avoid common triggers.


Step 2: Identify Your Hair Type and Specific Needs

Your hair’s texture influences which treatment works best. Short or thin hair usually requires a lighter formula, whereas thick or long hair might benefit from a richer treatment. Damaged hair needs hydration that doesn’t weigh it down, and Afro hair in particular requires extra moisture. It’s also helpful to remember that children generally need gentler formulations, while adults can handle slightly richer mixtures. Listing your hair needs and knowing which ingredients to emphasize—like Dead Sea Salt for its soothing minerals and extra virgin olive oil for nourishment—will help you achieve better results.


Step 3: Pre-Conditioning Recipes

Pre-conditioning helps prepare your scalp before shampooing, reducing irritation and making cleansing more effective. The following three recipes are designed for use before washing with Forever Living Aloe Jojoba Shampoo. Each mix uses extra virgin olive oil and Dead Sea Salt to soothe the skin and add moisture.

Recipe 1: Basic Soothing Pre-Conditioner

Mix 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon of finely ground Dead Sea Salt. Massage the blend into your scalp for two to three minutes and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. This treatment eases irritation while balancing moisture.

Recipe 2: Nourishing Olive and Salt Blend

Combine 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Dead Sea Salt, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Honey acts as a natural humectant by drawing moisture to the skin. Work this blend into areas that feel particularly flaky or dry, and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing. This recipe works well for mildly irritated hair.

Recipe 3: Refreshing Pre-Shampoo Treatment

When your scalp feels extra tight, mix 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with 1 teaspoon of Dead Sea Salt and a few drops of peppermint oil. The peppermint oil provides a cooling effect that soothes inflammation. Massage the mixture into your scalp and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing.


Step 4: Deep Conditioning Recipes

Deep conditioning treatments work to penetrate both scalp and hair to lock in much-needed moisture. Below are five recipes that adjust to different hair textures and include variations for Afro, Asian, and European hair.

Recipe 1: Classic Deep Conditioner

Combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 2 teaspoons of Dead Sea Salt and 1 mashed avocado. The avocado, rich in fatty acids and vitamins, deeply nourishes both the scalp and hair. Blend these ingredients until smooth, apply evenly, and wrap your hair with a warm towel for 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Recipe 2: Deep Moisture Treatment for Afro Hair

For extra-dry Afro hair, mix 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Dead Sea Salt, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 mashed banana. The coconut oil adds hydration while the banana helps strengthen your strands. Massage the mixture into your scalp and hair, cover with a plastic cap, and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

Recipe 3: Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner

This treatment blends modern ingredients with traditional wisdom. Mix 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon of Dead Sea Salt, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and a pinch of fenugreek powder. Turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory properties make it a good match for scalp eczema. Massage the mixture into your scalp, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.

Recipe 4: Hydrating Conditioner for Damaged Hair

When dealing with damaged or over-processed hair, hydration is key. Mix 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 2 teaspoons of Dead Sea Salt and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Aloe vera soothes and helps repair hair fibers, while the oils lock in moisture. Apply evenly, cover with a shower cap, and leave for 25 minutes before rinsing with tepid water.

Recipe 5: Lightweight Daily Conditioner

For daily use without weighing your hair down, mix 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dead Sea Salt, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender helps calm irritation and promotes scalp health. Massage into your hair and scalp, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.


Step 5: Customizing Treatments for Different Hair Types

Scalp eczema treatments are not one-size-fits-all. Adjust formulas based on the thickness and length of your hair. For thin or short hair, a lighter blend cleanses effectively without leaving residue. In contrast, thick or long hair might require a bit more product to ensure the mixture reaches the scalp. When treating children, use a diluted version to avoid sensitivity, while adult treatments can be slightly richer and may be left on a little longer. Particularly for Afro hair, it can be useful to incorporate extra moisturizing ingredients and extend conditioning times. Alternating between pre-conditioning and deep conditioning treatments may also keep your scalp nourished without overloading it with any one ingredient.


Step 6: Establishing a Routine

A simple, consistent routine is essential for managing scalp eczema. Try using a pre-conditioning treatment once or twice a week on days when irritation is noticeable. Follow up with a deep conditioning session on your next hair-wash day. Building a regular regimen helps keep your scalp calm and balanced. In addition, pairing these treatments with overall lifestyle adjustments—such as a balanced diet, proper hydration, and sufficient rest—can really boost your results. It also helps to limit exposure to harsh chemicals and polluted air to reduce the frequency of flare-ups.


Step 7: Lifestyle and Home Remedies

While using topical treatments is important, long-term relief comes from taking a holistic approach. Managing stress through techniques like deep breathing or meditation can reduce triggers for eczema. Nutrition is also very important; eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids—found in fish and walnuts—supports skin health by reducing inflammation. If you are considering supplements or vitamins, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional first. Combining these lifestyle changes with natural hair care recipes creates an effective overall plan for managing scalp eczema.


Common Questions & Troubleshooting

What if my scalp remains irritated even after these treatments?

If irritation continues, try adjusting the concentration of ingredients or the duration of application. Using a milder mixture for a shorter period might help ease your symptoms. Alternating between pre-conditioning and deep conditioning recipes can also provide your scalp with varied nutrients.

How do I determine which recipe is right for my hair type?

Experiment gradually. Start with lighter recipes if you have thin or delicate hair, and consider richer blends if needed. Afro hair often requires extra hydration and longer conditioning times to produce the best results. Monitor your scalp’s response and adjust your approach accordingly.

Is daily use of these treatments advisable?

Daily use is generally not recommended because over-conditioning can lead to buildup on the scalp. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient. For very dry scalps, a lighter pre-conditioning treatment might be used more often, but always keep an eye on how your skin reacts.

What if I suspect an allergy to one of the ingredients?

Always test a small amount on a patch of skin before using any treatment. If irritation develops, stop using that mixture immediately and consider consulting a healthcare professional.


Final Thoughts & Next Steps

This collection of DIY recipes offers a natural way to manage scalp eczema while nourishing your hair. Using a pre-conditioning blend or indulging in a deep conditioning session, the combination of extra virgin olive oil and Dead Sea Salt plays a very important role in soothing irritated skin and locking in moisture. Understanding your hair type and the severity of your eczema helps in choosing the best recipes. With options designed for children, women, and men—and with special attention to the needs of Afro hair compared to Asian or European hair—these natural remedies offer flexibility and effectiveness.

Keeping a routine that fits your lifestyle and making smart adjustments to your treatments can make a significant difference. Remember that proper nutrition, stress management, and avoiding harsh chemicals can give your entire hair care regimen a boost. Bottom line: natural treatments not only relieve the discomfort of scalp eczema but also promote healthier, more vibrant hair.

Your Action Plan:

  1. Start with one of the pre-conditioning recipes before using Forever Living Aloe Jojoba Shampoo.
  2. Alternate between pre-conditioning and deep conditioning treatments once a week, based on your hair’s texture and needs.
  3. Customize the strength of each treatment by adjusting ingredient amounts, especially for sensitive skin or Afro hair.
  4. Observe how your scalp and hair respond, and tweak your regimen as needed.
  5. Incorporate lifestyle changes—like stress management, proper nutrition, and avoiding harsh chemicals—to support overall scalp health.

Which adjustments will you try first? Enjoy the process, experiment as needed, and work toward a calmer, more vibrant scalp and hair!