Epsom Salt and Acne

Epsom salt is used to treat acne either it is on face or body. It is prove to be safe for most people when they use it topically. Only some people are allergic to it which leads to the reactions like rash or swelling and in extreme cases difficulty to breathe. You can avoid this by running a patch test before. Otherwise, it is completely fine to use with lots of benefits.

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is another name for magnesium sulphate. It is a compound that contains magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Magnesium plays an important role in our body functioning like regulating blood pressure and controlling blood sugar and nerve conduction.

How does Epsom salt works for acne?

Epsom salt contains magnesium and it is an important element for your body functioning. Although the relation between Epsom salt and acne treatment is still under debate but some say that magnesium from the Epsom salt can directly be absorbed into skin and there it gives relief from skin ailments including acne.

Another theory states that the salt takes away the excess oil hence leading to less acne breakouts which were initially occurring due to excessive oil production. It also act as an exfoliant taking away all the dirt and dead skin cells clogging the pores.

Some people also found out that their blemishes improved after using Epsom salt.

Methods to Use Epsom Salt for Face Acne:

There are various methods to use Epsom salt to help with acne on face. Let’s go through them one by one.

1.  Facial soak by Epsom salt:

For this method you need to perform the following steps:

  1. Take two cups of warm water and dissolve about 2 teaspoons Epsom salt in it.
  2. Now take a washcloth and soak it in the solution.
  3. Place this washcloth now on your face and wait till it is cool. It is better to avoid to cover your eyes.
  4. You can treat different parts of the face one by one with the same steps as mentioned above.
  5. Then use warm water to rinse your face off.

2.  Spot treatment by Epsom salt:

This method starts with the same step as mentioned in facial soak method. But the difference comes in the second step.

  2. Now take a cotton ball and wet it in the solution.
  3. Dab this cotton ball on the areas which are affected.

3.  Exfoliation by Epsom salt:

  1. Take any oil either olive oil or almond oil and mix it with the Epsom salt.
  2. Make a loose paste with these two things.
  3. Now apply it on your face as a facemask.
  4. In circular motion, rub the paste lightly for few minutes.
  5. Take warm water to rinse it off.

4.  Face Mask By Epsom Salt

To make a mask with Epsom salt, you can utilize an avocado as they are rich in water content and gives great moisturizing effect. Follow the steps to make the mask.

  1. Take a ripe avocado and mash it until it gives you a smooth texture.
  2. Now add Epsom salt in it and mix it until a thicker consistency is formed.
  3. Apply this mixture on your face in a thin layer and wait until it is dried up. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. Now use warm water to rinse it off.

Epsom Salt for Body Acne:

The above mentioned methods can be used to treat the body acne too but if you have acne on areas which are not easy to reach you can also use it as a salt bath.

For this method you need to pour one cup of Epsom salt in the bath tub filled with warm water and soak the affected area for 20 minutes. Then use a mild soap and warm water to rinse it off.

Usage of Epsom Salt:

When someone wants to use Epsom salt for their acne the first question arises that when and how to use it. We have already explained how but for the question of time the answers varies according to the sensitivity of the skin.

However, you can use it two to three times per week to see the outcomes.

Side Effects of Epsom Salt:

It is not that harmful for skin, the only side effect it can cause is drying up your skin. It can make you skin irritated or aggravated if you have a really sensitive skin and it usually occur if you are not using the salt properly.

Running a patch test is always recommended before applying it on your face.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Which things are to be avoided with Epsom salt?

As this salt dries up the skin, avoid the ingredients which also cause drying such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid or retinoids. All of them are used to treat acne but using them with Epsom salt will give your skin excessive dryness so its better to use either of them at one time.

Q. Which things can be used with the Epsom salt?

As you already know that the salt dries your skin up so some moisturizing agent works well with the Epsom salt. Hyaluronic acid makes one of the best combination as that gives moisture to the skin and holds water.

Q. Can you use Epsom salt as a facial scrub?

Yes you can use it as a scrub when you are doing a face scrub at home. Just mix some Epsom salt preferably ½ to 1 tsp in your cleanser and use it on your face in circular motion. It will give the exfoliation effect. Rinse it off after some time.

Q. What are the side effects of Epsom salt bath?

There are generally no side effects of Epsom salt bath but if you are allergic to it you might face itchy skin or allergic reaction like a rash or hives on skin after the bath.


Epsom salt can be used to treat acne. Magnesium in the Epsom salt helps to reduce swelling and alleviate inflammation caused by acne. You can also use it as an exfoliant or facial mask to help with your acne and removing dead skin. Usually there are no side effects of Epsom salt but it is advisable to run a patch test to see if you are allergic to it before applying it on your face.


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