Salt, Salt. Magical Sea Salt. It’s so good for you, friends! (read more about the benefits of sea salt here). But, did you know that it’s a secret weapon in your beauty routine, too? It helps balance and improve skin hydration, strengthens your skin and it aids in cell-to-cell communication which slows down the aging process. Here are 6 ways that sea salt can help a beautifying sister (or brother) out:

1. Balancing Mask: Salt and honey have anti-inflammatory properties that sooth skin and help calm breakouts and irritation.

Do it: Mix two teaspoons sea salt (preferably finely ground. I use Real Salt) and four teaspoons raw honey (I use GloryBee Raw Montana Honey). This will create a spreadable paste. Apply evenly to clean, dry skin (avoiding eyes). Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Before rinsing, soak a washcloth in warm water and wring out. Lay the warm washcloth on your face for 30 seconds. Use your fingers to gently exfoliate in a circular motion while rinsing off the mask.

2. Oil-Sapping Facial Toner: Salt deeply cleanses your pores, balances oil production and removes bacteria that causes breakouts and acne.

Do it: Mix one teaspoon sea salt with four ounces warm water in a small spray bottle. Mist on clean, dry skin (avoiding eyes). Make sure the salt has dissolved in the water before using. You can do this once or twice daily.

3. Quick & Immediate Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment: Salt helps loosen and remove existing flakes while stimulating circulation. Salt also helps absorb excess oil and moisture to prevent fungal growth (ew, I know).

Do it: Part your hair a few times and sprinkle one to two teaspoons of salt on your scalp. Using wet fingers, massage your scalp gently and thoroughly for 10-15 minutes ideally (I know, I know. Who has time to massage their own scalp for that long. So, do it for however long works for you.) Then, wash and condition your hair as you usually would.

4. Teeth Whitener: Salt & baking soda are abrasives that help remove stains and brighten teeth. Salt also contains fluoride, which is an added benefit for your teeth and gums.

Do it: Mix one teaspoon salt and two teaspoons baking soda. Dip a damp toothbrush in the mixture and brush teeth normally.

5. Exfoliating Body Scrub: Salt is a gentle and natural exfoliate that sloughs off dead skin. It also contains minerals that soften skin and restore hydration.

Do it: Mix a quarter-cup salt and half cup olive oil (or softened coconut oil) into a thick paste. Apply in the shower with a washcloth, loofah or your hands, gently scrubbing your skin in a circular motion.

6. Relaxing Salt Bath: Salt baths have been used for centuries to cleanse and detox your skin. Salt’s mineral content helps restore the protective barrier in the skin that helps hold in hydration. PLUS, the magnesium in sea salt (and Epsom Salt) reduces water retention (bye bye, bloating). Read more about the benefits of salt baths here.

Do it: Add one-third cup salt to a tub filled with warm water. Swish and dissolve the salt. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Optional: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Happy Salting!