Epsom Salt Benefits Include Softer Skin, Fewer Blackheads And ... A Cleaner House

Epsom salt : Though it includes the name salt and is used in the bath, it's not of the zombie-transforming variety. It's not even salt, actually; it's a mineral comprised of magnesium and sulfate. And while we've long known that it's pretty amazing at easing sore muscles, it does a lot of other things pretty well.

This drugstore staple, which helps eliminate toxins in the body, can effectively multitask as a number of beauty products, as well as household cleaners. Here, five reasons why keeping a big, inexpensive bag around the house is not such a bad idea.

Face scrub: Add a tablespoon amount of epsom salt to your current face wash to create a gentle exfoliator. This recipe also doubles as a body scrub, just mix with olive oil instead for soft, hydrated skin.

Hair clarifier: To remove gunk from products and other hair stylers, mix lemon juice, water and epsom salt to create a pre-shampoo cleanser.

Blackhead fighter: Combine a cup of hot water, epsom salt and a few drops of iodine, then apply the solution to the area. This blend helps loosen dead skin and clears pores.

Splinter remover: According to AARP, epsom salt "increases osmotic pressure on the skin, which draws foreign bodies toward the surface ." This works for splinters, as well. Soak the area in a cup of water and epsom salt.

Tile cleaner: Mix epsom salt with liquid dish detergent to create a tile and grout cleaning agent.

Meanwhile, check out eight food items that can double as beauty products:

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And not of the zombie-transforming variety...