The Dead Sea, sometimes called the Sea of Peace, is a landlocked salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. With approximately 34% salinity, it is one of the world’s most saline (salty) bodies of waters, beaten only by hypersaline lakes and lagoons in Antarctica, Senegal, Turkmenistan and Djibouti.

Hypersaline water contains much higher saline levels than the oceans (which typically have 3.5% salinity). This is caused by a high concentration of sodium chloride or other salts. 

Why is the Dead Sea so salty

Hypersaline bodies of water have no outputs e.g., nowhere for the water to go, which means they only lose water via evaporation - a process that leaves behind large quantities of salt. With no tides or currents to keep the water flowing the water evaporates more quickly than in the ocean, which intensifies the salinity levels. In addition to this the Dead Sea only has one tributary – the River Jordan – which means there is limited fresh water flowing into the sea to dilute the salt content. Humans are also diverting fresh water from the river for agricultural use, which unfortunately is causing the Dead Sea to shrink and the salinity to increase.

As the world’s deepest hypersaline lake (306m), the Dead Sea becomes saltier the deeper you go. At about 100m it is so concentrated the salt begins to precipitate or form crystals that collect on the seabed. Unsurprisingly, as its name suggests, the Dead Sea shows little sign of normal sea life, as no fish, birds or plants can survive in it’s high-saline environment.

What is so special about Dead Sea Salt

While sodium accounts for approximately 80% of the salt content of normal sea salt, it only comprises approximately 30% of Dead Sea Salt, with the remainder being composed of other key minerals and salts that are beneficial for our health and wellbeing. These include:-

Sodium helps to cleanse and remove dead skin cells and improve the skin’s ability to absorb moisture. It is also beneficial for lymphatic fluid balance which in turn is important for our immune system.

Magnesium is important for many systems in the body and is essential for the healthy functioning of cells, nervous system, muscles, bones and heart. It can help to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, support sleep and soothe aches and pains. It can also help protect the skin from external damage, reduce inflammation and support cellular regeneration and repair.

Calcium is effective at combating water retention, improving circulation and strengthening bones and nails. It also plays an important role in replenishing skin cells, strengthening skin cell membranes and supporting the skin’s barrier function

Potassium helps the body regulate fluid, send nerve signals and regulate muscle and heart contractions. It also helps to keep the skin hydrated and supports the rapid growth of new skin cells, which promotes healing and keeps your skin looking younger and healthier. It is a crucial mineral to replenish following intense exercise.

Sulphur helps remove dead skin cells and prevent blocked pores. It also has powerful healing, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties.

Bromides have antiseptic properties that help to heal and relieve skin conditions. They also help to relax and ease stiff muscles.

Zinc is vital for cell growth, collagen formation and for wound healing. It is an important antioxidant and is often used in the treatment of acne and dermatological infections.

How Dead Sea Salt can be used for health and beauty

Dead Sea Salts have been used for therapeutic purposes since biblical times. King Solomon gifted the Queen of Sheba Dead Sea Salts when she visited the Holy Land and Cleopatra was thought to use the salts extensively in her beauty regimen. 

Today they have a variety of practical uses for health and beauty:

Exfoliating the skin: The gentle, abrasive nature and sodium content of the salt makes it excellent for exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells, to leave a fresher, healthier complexion.

Cleansing the skin: As well are removing dead skin cells which can block the pores, the salt has wonderful antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties that help cleanse and purify the pores. It can therefore be helpful for blemished and acne-prone skin.

Hydrating the skin: Calcium, zinc and potassium help to promote moisture retention which helps to keep your skin soft, plump and hydrated.

Anti-ageing: Many of the minerals have antioxidant effects which help to fight free radical damage and signs of ageing. They can also be helpful for skin cell renewal. 

Calming skin allergies, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis: Research shows that bathing in Dead Sea Salt can be helpful in hydrating the skin and reducing inflammation, infection, itching and scaling.

Soothing joints and muscles: Bathing in Dead Sea Salts can aid relaxation and help soothe aching joints and muscles. Research shows that it can be particularly helpful in reducing pain and inflammation and improving mobility in rheumatological diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and knee osteoarthritis.

Although researchers do not fully understand the therapeutic mechanisms of Dead Sea salts, it is thought that the therapeutic minerals are absorbed through the skin when bathing in Dead Sea salt solutions.

Using Dead Sea Salt at home

Bathing: Dissolve up to 2 cups of Dead Sea Salt in warm bathwater, stirring to distribute evenly, and soak in it for at least 20 minutes.  The National Eczema Association recommends that people with eczema limit baths to 5–10 minutes.

Exfoliating: Mix the salt with a carrier oil of your choice and rub into the skin with a gentle circular motion, working in a direction towards the heart. For exfoliating the face, if your salt is quite coarse, you may wish to grind it down to a finer grit.

Combining with aromatherapy

Dead Sea Salts are wonderfully absorbent and are perfect for combining with aromatherapy oils to enhance their therapeutic effects. Here are some recipes to try:

To soothe dry, inflamed skin conditions such as psoriasis

Mix 1/2 cup Dead Sea Salt, 1 cup oats, 1 teaspoon Jojoba Oil, 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Olive Oil, 2 drops German Chamomile, 4 drops Bergamot and 4 drops Lavender. Mix the essential oils into the carrier oils first then add to your salt and oats. Place in a pop sock and tie securely. Add to the bath once the water has run and squeeze regularly to help dissolve the salts and release the oat milk.

To soothe inflammation and ease discomfort in joints and muscles

Mix 1 cup Dead Sea Salt with 2 drops German Chamomile, 5 drops Sweet Marjoram and 5 drops Lavender which have been pre-diluted in 15ml Bath Oil or carrier oil.

To reduce stress and aid relaxation

For a lovely relaxing soak, mix 1 cup of Dead Sea Salt with 15ml Bath Oil, 5 drops Rose Geranium, 2 drops Sweet Marjoram and 1 drop Chamomile.

To soothe, exfoliate and enrich the skin

Make a body scrub with 1 cup Dead Sea Salt mixed with ¼ cup Jojoba Oil, ¼ cup Grapeseed Oil, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops German Chamomile. Massage into the skin with a circular motion and then shower off. Take care if using with sensitive, inflamed skin conditions such as eczema as exfoliating may irritate the skin.

To exfoliate and revitalise the feet

Mix 28g of Dead Sea Salt, 15ml of Jojoba oil and 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil.  You may wish to soak your feet in a Dead Sea Salt foot bath first.