For years they’ve been a trusted cure for aches and pains.

But thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and Elle Macpherson, Epsom salts are fast becoming a beauty staple.  Costing a fraction of the price of designer potions – you can pick up a tub of Care Epsom Salts for £2.89 at your local independent pharmacy – they’re being hailed as a miracle fix for everything from greasy hair to a bloated stomach and lacklustre skin.

The salts’ healing properties were discovered in the early 17th century when a farmer living near Epsom, Surrey, discovered a spring rich in magnesium sulphate.  It wasn’t long before the great and the good were flocking to ‘take the waters’ – and now they’re back on the beauty radar.

• Bloat beater – a reduction in water retention and tummy bloating
• Hangover cure – sulphates in Epsom salt help flush out toxins and ease muscle pain
• Bouncy hair – soak up excess oil from the hair. Just add a handful when you shampoo and wash as normal
• Perfect pins – lessen the appearance of bruises by applying an Epsom salts compress
• Instant facial – Exfoliate and deep cleanse the skin by mixing ½ tsp Epsom salts with your usual cleanser to boost your skin’s magnesium level
• Foot soak – soothe aches and pains after a day in heels and help to reduce swelling and puffiness
• Jet-lag cure – sedative effect on the body
• Skin exfoliator – Rubbing the skin with Epsom salts removes dead skin cells and promotes healing and rejuvenation
• Inner cleanse – Magnesium sulphate works as a laxative, drawing water into the bowel to soften stools, making them easier to pass

A pot of Care Epsom Salts, which contains enough natural salt to provide 30 treatments and costs just £2.89! (from pharmacies nationwide) Epsom salt is a pure mineral compound composed of magnesium and sulphate which has long been known as a natural remedy for many health conditions.  Many people know Epsom salts as a pharmacy product rather than a beauty product.  They have a laxative effect when ingested, but they can also be added to a bath.  Many athletes have Epsom Salt baths as they believe they can replenish the body’s levels of magnesium, as it is absorbed through the body – magnesium helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and is essential in orchestrating a number of bodily functions – while the sulphates flush toxins.
 
But what do the experts say to this high street beauty fix?

Family GP Dr Sarah Jarvis comments: “They assist with removing toxins from the muscles, reduce muscle soreness and help your muscles relax due to the effect on the body’s serotonin levels”

Personal Trainer George Carlo adds, “Epsom Salt baths are great after a long run. They flush toxins and reduce muscle soreness. Bathe for about 15 minutes, don’t have the water too hot and rinse with a shower afterwards.”

So before your next big night out if you want to look svelte in your little dress why not try adding this bargain beauty treat to your bath?

Care Epsom Salts £2.89 from independent pharmacies