Dr. Farrow's Recipe for a Salt Scrub

Salt glows, or salt scrubs, are often used for cosmetic purposes. A salt scrub involves vigorously rubbing salt on the skin to help remove dead rough skin cells. But it is also a type of hydrotherapy treatment that is beneficial for patients. This treatment uses salt as a source of friction to increase blood and lymphatic flow aiding in detoxification. You can include temperature differences seen in traditional hydrotherapy by doing this treatment in a hot shower or steam room and adding ice-cold water to your salt mixture. A salt glow is a safe treatment but should not be used for skin conditions like eczema or over open wounds. It is always best to check with your doctors to see if this treatment is safe for you. A salt glow treatment can easily be done at home with the right ingredients and instructions. Another version of this treatment is the sugar scrub. Sugar is more refined and less drying than salt is, so this version is best for facials.

Ingredients:

Salt- 1 cup

Different types of salt produce different results. The following are several options and the benefits you get from them:

• Epsom salt- This is very coarse salt, so it generates a lot of friction. It also contains magnesium which can be helpful with muscle relaxation.
• Dead Sea Salt- This salt has high mineral content. The courser the salt, the more friction it generates. 
• Table Salt- Typically a more fine salt, which produces less friction but is excellent for sensitive or delicate areas. Table salt typically doesn’t have additional minerals in it. 

Oil is used to counteract the drying effect of the salt.

Oil- A few teaspoons of your preferred oil(s) 

• Almond Oil 
• Coconut Oil 
• Avocado Oil 
• Jojoba Oil 
• Olive Oil 

Essential Oil of your choice- a few drops

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, add about 1 cup of course salt. Add oils. Add just enough water that the salt can be packed together, but not so much that it is runny. For a more substantial effect, use ice-cold water. 

Rub the salt onto your skin. Start with the feet and legs and move to your core. Use a circular motion and rub hard enough that the skin becomes pink. If desired, cover the area with a moist warm towel and leave the salt on the body for several minutes; this will help with muscle relaxation. Rinse. Moisturize as needed. This treatment can be done once weekly at first and then reduce to once a month for maintenance. 

Dr. Bobi Farrow is a naturopathic primary care physician that uses the principles of nature cure to help her patients heal themselves. She has a special interest in gastrointestinal conditions, chronic pain, and mental health. Dr. Farrow highlights nutrition, herbal medicine, and acupuncture as modalities to help her patients improve their health. She is available for patient care at Be Well Medical Primary Care. Call (480)-219-9900 to schedule with Dr. Farrow.