Salt therapy (sometimes referred to as halotherapy) has a vast range of benefits. It’s even been proven to benefit the skin – providing an effective treatment for certain skin conditions like acne.
Salt rooms, also called ‘halo chambers’, are infused with dry salt aerosol which people can enter into and relax in a smooth, chilled atmosphere. This treatment is commonly known to help people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, allergies and sinusitis.
But we soon began to realise it can also improve the quality of their skin. A study of sea salt solution on the skin found that it improved skin barrier function, increased hydration and reduced skin inflammation.
Below, we’ll outline how salt therapy helps acne, and improves skin health generally.
Salt as a solution for acne?
Salt has the strong potential to help with skin conditions, ranging from acne and psoriasis to eczema. Acne is a very common condition and can affect your neck, chest, back and virtually any part of your body.
Salt itself is actually one of the oldest forms of naturally killing bacteria, absorbing toxins and drying out pimples while helping sooth the skin. As a treatment, it was first discovered in the 1800s when Polish salt mine workers were seen not to be suffering lung conditions as other miners were.
Acne ranges in severity but can potentially get so bad that it leads to scarring. It’s most common in young people going through puberty but adults can have it over the entire course of their life. Acne can also come with associated mental side effects, such as low self-esteem, self-confidence issues and even depression.
While people can use different creams and lotions, many also look for safe natural treatments to assist – and Himalayan salt therapy is a potential solution.
How salt therapy helps acne
Salt therapy helps acne by providing a non-invasive, reinvigorating experience where you sit inside a quiet room for about 45 minutes.
You are then surrounded by pink salt particles with consistent temperature and salt concentration. The lights are dim, there is relaxing music, and you are immersed in an all-round peaceful atmosphere.
Anti-inflammatory effects
The salt used is not the ordinary salt you eat at dinner. This is Himalayan salt and is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron which produces a range of healthy effects to your body.
These minerals absorb harmful toxins in your body, actively promoting the healing process in your skin.
The salt mimics an experience of a real Himalayan salt cave, where you’ll be exposed to rich anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties making you feel rejuvenated. Magnesium, itself being an anti-inflammatory and an ‘anti-microbial’, also contributes to alleviating acne.
Acts as an exfoliant
Sodium chloride (i.e. salt) acts as an exfoliant, shedding the dead cells on your skin to assist in the production of healthy oils. The compound opens up your pores, allowing for a deeper clean and an increase in blood circulation around your body.
It also allows your body to absorb moisturisers more effectively, contributes to creating a healthy PH balance and fortifies the skin’s barrier.
Think about when you go to the beach and enter into the saltwater ocean. The salt assists removing dead skin off your body, leaving you with a smoother body after a long day out in the sun and against the sand.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, exfoliation of your skin has the potential to boost your body’s collagen, which as the potential to keep your skin smooth.
By exfoliating your skin, dead skin cells and unwanted debris will fall off from its surface (thereby creating smoother skin).
Are there any side effects to salt therapy?
If you decide to use salt therapy to help your acne, you’ll probably also wonder if there are any side effects to this treatment.
There is no dense body of scientific literature looking comprehensively at salt therapy and any of its unintended consequences. More research is necessary to completely understand its effects.
However, side effects have been reported occasionally and do differ from person to person.
Coughing
You may experience some coughing after a halotherapy session.
One 2014 study published in the Journal of Medicine and Life found that people who had respiratory conditions developed a cough after halotherapy. An “irritative cough was noticed in 7 patients … out of the 15 patients form the group” that went through the treatment.
This study was, however, quite small. Further and more comprehensive studies will be required if we are to fully comprehend how salt therapy affects the body.
Rash or itch
As salt will be exposed to your skin, there may be a slight rash or itch for 3-5 days after treatment.
If you are worried, visit your doctor or medical professional to determine if salt room therapy is right for you.
Book in a session at our salt room in Sydney
If you’re looking for a mesmerising and rejuvenating experience to improve the health of your skin, pay a visit to our Himalayan salt room in Sydney.
Salt therapy helps acne and has the potential to benefit everybody, no matter your age, skin or respiratory condition. The experience is a great way to switch off, enhance your immune system and overall have a wonderful time.
While every ailment is different, we do recommend having 3-10 salt sessions close to one another. Afterwards, you can reassess your condition to determine how often you need to come back.
“I used the Himalayan Salt Room at Cryospa in hopes of clearing a flare up of psoriasis. After one session I noticed my skin was already less aggravated, and I left feeling very relaxed due to the calming nature of the room itself. Definitely going to incorporate a session into my weekly routine”
- Ursula, customer who visited our clinic in 2020.
We’re located in the city’s North Shore, so please get in touch with our team or make a booking online for your next visit to our salt therapy rooms.
