Epsom salts. They probably conjure up images of your gran's bathroom shelf or a painful post-run soak rather an indulgent, luxurious bubble bath with a side of champagne or chocolate... But hear us out. Here's why Epsom salts deserve a spot in your bedtime beauty routine.
What are Epsom salts?
Thanks to Pinterest and Instagram - not to mention the fact that we're generally a really stressed out nation - Epsom salts have made it back into our bedtime beauty repertoire, and we're so into it, but what exactly are they?
Epsom salts are basically fine crystals of magnesium sulphate, which, when added to water, dissolve into two separate components. According to experts, the magnesium in particular has brilliant relaxation benefits, so combine those with their luxuriously silky feel and an aromatherapy experience and you're on the right road to zen.
How will Epsom salts help me sleep?
Health and wellness experts argue that the magnesium in dissolved Epsom salts can effectively penetrate the skin, and according to Dr. Bharti Rajput, founder of Sole Body Soul, ease stiff, weary muscles, alleviating pain and aiding relaxation. And that translates into a better night's sleep.
A warm bath in general helps, too. Fewer of us are making time for a soak, opting instead for a quick shower, but the former could be key to self care. In fact, studies have shown that increasing our body temperature before bed can help us fall asleep faster and deeper.
To maximise your chances of a better night's sleep, pick Epsom salts supplemented with essential oils. Wellness expert, Beata Aleksandrowicz, says that notes of vanilla, rose, jasmine and lavender in particular are great at soothing the senses before bed.
Founder of The Ritual, Brooke Skinner says, 'Salt is full of minerals that helps to relax the muscles and release tension. This deeply relaxing form of bathing promotes a deeper sleep. Sodium and Potassium that naturally occur in salt helps to deeply cleanse the skin and increases circulation within the body - the combination of these releases and support help us to feel like a weight has been lifted off one's shoulders and can simply let go and allow rest to begin.'
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What bathing rituals can we do before bed for a better night's rest?
Skinner tells us, 'Bathing rituals are the perfect way to end your day. It is a way to indulge the senses through the art of luxuriating and releasing whatever experiences you may have had throughout your day.
'I recommend lighting a candle at the beginning of a bathing ritual and have overhead lights off so you can gift your nervous system a much-needed break to settle and rest. After running a bath, take some bath salts and with each sprinkle speak words of intention into the water, such as: I go about my day with ease and grace. Or I am love, I am joy, I am magnetic.
'Once you have filled the bath with the desired amount of bathing salts, slowly allow yourself to submerge. Once you are laying in the tub speak those words of intention, your personal affirmations out loud three times. Then dunk your head under the water anointing yourself with your words of wisdom. As you lay in the water connect with the sacred smells emanating from the bath and connect with how it would feel to be love, joy and magnetic. When you are finished with your bath be thankful to yourself for gifting this moment in time, the gift of reverence.'
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