Dead Sea salt refers to salt extracted or taken from the Dead Sea. It is a popular ingredient of many common bath products including bath salts, salt scrubs, foot scrubs, body wraps, bath bombs, soaps, and a wide variety of other cosmetic products, including makeup.

The Dead Sea is popular with tourists from all over the world for its reputed therapeutic effects. The water of the Dead Sea is unique, as it has ten times the salt content of other sea water. This allows anyone to easily float on Dead Sea water because of its greater density. Its mineral composition is also different from ocean water since only 12-18% of Dead Sea salt is sodium chloride^{[citation needed]}. In comparison, 97% of the salt in normal ocean water is sodium chloride.

Contents 1 History 2 Composition 3 Research and Studies 4 Therapeutic Benefits 5 References

[edit] History

Various cultures and groups of people have visited the Dead Sea for therapy, dating back to the time of the ancient Egyptians^[1], utilizing the salt in various unguents and skin creams, as well as soaps, just as it is used today. ^[2]

[edit] Composition

The Dead Sea's mineral composition differs from that of ocean water, varying with season, rainfall, depth, and temperature. In particular, the salt in most oceans is approximately 97% sodium chloride while Dead Sea salt is only 12-18% sodium chloride and has vastly greater concentrations of other salts^{[clarification needed]}. An analysis of major ion concentrations in the water of the Dead Sea gave the following results.^[1]

Major ions of Dead Sea water

Ion	Concentration (mg/L)
Chloride and Bromide	230,400
Magnesium	45,900
Sodium	36,600
Calcium	17,600
Potassium	7800

The Dead Sea's overall salt concentration is 340 g/L.^[1]

On the other hand, the compounds used in retail Dead Sea salt are obtained from the mineral-rich mud of the Dead Sea. Runoff streams flowing into the Dead Sea brought in large deposits of this gray-black mud during the Holocene era. An analysis by Dr. Olga Yoffe at the Geological Survey in Jerusalem determined the major minerals present in this mud.^[1]

Minerals of Dead Sea mud

Mineral	Content (percentage)
Silicon dioxide	20
Calcium oxide	15.5
Aluminum oxide	4.8
Magnesium oxide	4.5
Iron(III) oxide	2.8
Sodium oxide	1.7
Potassium oxide	1.3
Titanium(IV) oxide	0.5
Sulfur trioxide	0.4
Phosphorus pentoxide	0.3
Chloride	6.7
Bromide	0.2

[edit] Research and Studies

Studies and research were done focused on establishing the therapeutic properties of Dead Sea salts. Proksch E, Nissen HP, Bremgartner M, and Urquhart C from the University of Kiel's Department of Dermatology in Germany have made certain examinations of the effectiveness of bathing from magnesium chloride rich waters from the Dead Sea. Tests from volunteers showed that bathing in the salt solution improved skin barrier function and reduced skin roughness and inflammation, among other things^{[clarification needed]}. They suggested that the positive effects of bathing in the salt solution were most likely related to its high magnesium content.^[3]

More recent research about Dead Sea salt is its effects on patients suffering from psoriasis. Dr. J. Arndt made a study on fifty patients aged between 14 and 77 years old who were treated with Dead Sea salts. The baths are controlled and the skin were thoroughly rinsed with running water. Patients were treated with 3-4 baths per week for 3 weeks^[4]. Results show that majority of the symptoms have significantly diminished within the first week of treatment. Steady improvements were observed in the following weeks. The most important noted relief is from the itching associated with psoriasis. Relief from sleeping disturbances were also noted. More than half (54%) of the patients were totally healed while 22 cases marked impressive improvements. ^[4]

[edit] Therapeutic Benefits

The Dead Sea is a popular center for wellness and health today,^[5] due to the fact that Dead Sea salts have been reported to have the following benefits:

Rheumatologic Conditions – Dead Sea salts can be effective in balneotherapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Osteoarthritis. The minerals are absorbed while soaking, stimulating blood circulation. ^[4]

Common Skin Ailments – Research has demonstrated that skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis are relieved by regular soaking in water with added Dead Sea salt. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends Dead Sea and Dead Sea salts as effective treatments for psoriasis.^[6] One study^[3] concluded that the high concentration of magnesium in Dead Sea salt was instrumental in improving skin hydration and reducing inflammation.^[7]

Allergies - The high concentration of bromide and magnesium in the Dead Sea salt can relieve allergic reactions by cleansing and detoxifying.^[7]

Skin Aging – Further research into Dead Sea salt benefits has shown a 40% reduction in the depth of wrinkling.^[7]

[edit] References

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