Infrared Sauna vs. Epsom Salt Hot Bath

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salts are called salts due to their chemical makeup. The crystalline structure breaks down into magnesium and sulfate in water. Many over-the-counter Epsom salts have added perfumes, dyes, and oils. These three additives are designed to artificially smooth or soften skin.

Epsom Salt Health Claims

While never proven, there are many health benefits claimed by the use of Epsom salt. People have been using Epsom salt to treat swollen muscles, chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia, and arthritis. The salts are almost always used in combination with warm bath water or warm water foot massages.

Epsom Salt in Warm Water Baths

The relief felt for any of the previously stated ailments is eased by the heat from the water and not the Epsom salt itself. High temperatures have been known to heal and ease pain for ages. Natural heat will relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and comfort chronic pains. The reason many people assume Epsom is responsible for the healing is due to the perfumes and noticeable softer feeling skin after an Epsom bath.

Benefits of an Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas are incredibly relaxing, just as a warm bath. The natural high heat produced in an infrared sauna relaxes away pain and soreness, and can even rid a user of insomnia. The penetrating heat improves the quality of skin as well, without masking rough skin with Epsom salt softening oils and perfumes. Oils added in Epsom salts can sometimes clog pores which can cause breakouts in some users. In infrared saunas, the skin is instead cleansed through the body’s natural sweating. The sweat clears pores in only a few minutes after the sweating process begins. This results in truly purified skin that is softer and toxin-free compared to Epsom salt use.