Some of the most popular ways to get rid of skin imperfections these days include following a rigorous skincare routine, getting services from dermatologists, and using over-the-counter products. However, not everyone has thought of incorporating salt into their skincare routines. Many would be surprised that salt can effectively help you eliminate acne and other skin imperfections.
Of course, you don’t have to rub raw salt on your face. We’re talking about halotherapy, which is also known as salt therapy. Halotherapy is a type of therapy that uses dry salt to cleanse and detoxify the skin. It also has a lot of other uses that make it a popular choice for people who aim for wellness and aesthetics to the next level.
This article will discuss halotherapy, how it works, and the benefits you can get from it.
Halotherapy Explained
The word halotherapy is derived from the Greek word ‘has,’ meaning salt. It is a therapy that uses dry salt particles to treat various respiratory diseases. The dry salt particles are inhaled as a medication, which helps in easing the symptoms of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems.
The benefits of halotherapy have been known since ancient times. Hippocrates (460-370 BC) was the first person to use this therapy in his medical practice. He treated his patients by bathing them in natural hot springs or applying steam from the hot springs on their skin.
Inhalation of salt particles was also practiced by Eastern civilizations like Greece, Rome, and Egypt. These civilizations believed that inhaling salt particles could help cure many diseases, including asthma and allergies.
How Halotherapy Works
The idea behind halotherapy is that breathing in the salt aerosol helps improve the immune system’s response to allergens and other irritants (1). This may help relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma and hay fever. It may also provide relief from symptoms associated with infections like sinusitis.
As for skincare, halotherapy works by cleansing and detoxifying the skin. It helps eliminate all the dirt, sebum, and other impurities that cause acne. Halotherapy also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help in preventing breakouts.
Halotherapy is usually done in a halogenerator, a machine that disperses dry salt particles into the air. Halotherapy sessions usually last for 30 to 45 minutes, and it is recommended to do it twice a week for best results.
During a halotherapy session, you will sit in a comfortable chair or recline on a bed while the halogenerator works. You may feel prickling slightly on your skin as the salt particles enter your airways. However, this sensation is normal and will disappear after a few minutes.
The halogenerator will disperse the dry salt particles into the air for you to inhale. You may also add essential oils to the halogenerator to get additional benefits. You can get halotherapy from spas, wellness centers, and some clinics.
Uses of Halotherapy
As mentioned earlier, halotherapy has a lot of uses. For one, it addresses several skin concerns, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Halotherapy can also help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Halotherapy works in skincare by cleansing and detoxifying the skin. It helps eliminate all the dirt, sebum, and other impurities that cause acne. Halotherapy also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help in preventing breakouts.
Halotherapy is also known to improve respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. Inhalation of salt particles can help in reducing inflammation and mucus production. Halotherapy can also help treat sinusitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.
Halotherapy can also be used for relaxation and stress relief. The dry salt particles can help in reducing anxiety and tension. Halotherapy can also improve sleep quality and overall well-being. According to some studies, halotherapy can also help in treating depression.
Benefits of Halotherapy
Halotherapy is a great way to treat skin issues like psoriasis and eczema without using harsh chemicals. Halotherapy can also help in preventing breakouts by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
In addition, halotherapy is versatile as it works not only for your skin but also for your other body parts. For example, regular halotherapy sessions can help in reducing asthmatic symptoms and get relief from allergies. Halotherapy can also help treat sinusitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.
Halotherapy is also known to be helpful in relaxation and stress relief. The dry salt particles can help in reducing anxiety and tension. Halotherapy can also improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Halotherapy can also help treat depression, though it should not substitute professional psychological attention.
Side Effects of Halotherapy
Halotherapy is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, there are a few side effects that you should be aware of. These include coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation. Halotherapy may also cause shortness of breath in some people.
It is best to consult your doctor before trying halotherapy if you have any respiratory conditions. Halotherapy is not recommended for pregnant women and young children. It is also not recommended for people with heart conditions or high blood pressure.
If you experience any side effects during halotherapy, please stop the session immediately and consult a healthcare professional. Salt might not be suitable for everyone, so it is always best to err on the side of caution.
Is Halotherapy Safe?
As mentioned earlier, halotherapy has no side effects since it does not involve any surgery or injection of substances into your body. Halotherapy is considered a safe and effective alternative therapy.
However, it is still best to consult your doctor before trying halotherapy, especially if you have any respiratory conditions. Halotherapy is not recommended for pregnant women and young children. It is also not recommended for people with heart conditions or high blood pressure.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a drug-free and natural way to improve your health, halotherapy is definitely worth considering. Halotherapy has a lot of benefits with few to no side effects. Halotherapy is safe for most people, which is why it’s recommended as an alternative therapy.
M Spa at Mystic has been offering halotherapy sessions to those who want to address acne and eczema with a new approach. Their halotherapy experts are known to be accommodating and skilled in providing quality service. You might also want to try their vast array of services that aim to give you perfection from top to bottom and back.