Bath salt for weight loss: myth or reality?

30.05.2025

Salt baths have long been used in home body care. But do they really help with weight loss? Let's figure out how salt works in water, what types exist, how to properly take salt baths, and what science has to say.

What is a salt bath?

A salt bath is a bath to which sea, Epsom (English), pink Himalayan, or other natural salts are added. The water becomes enriched with minerals, which, when in contact with the skin and body, may have various effects—from relaxation to improved microcirculation.

What types of bath salts are there?

How do salt baths affect the body?

1. Acceleration of blood flow and lymphatic drainage
   Warm water dilates the blood vessels, and salt helps "draw out" excess fluid from tissues. This helps reduce swelling and visually reduces body volume.

2. Detox effect
   Some salts (especially those containing magnesium) help the body remove toxins through the skin, although scientific evidence on this is limited.

3. Improvement of skin condition
   Salt baths make the skin smoother, more hydrated, and elastic. This is important during weight loss to avoid sagging.

4. Relaxation and stress relief
   Magnesium in the salt penetrates the skin and can lower cortisol levels—the stress hormone that slows down fat burning.

Do bath salts help you lose weight?

It's important to understand: salt baths by themselves do not burn fat. But they:

• reduce swelling;

• help improve skin tone;

• create a motivational effect (especially when combined with diet and exercise);

• promote relaxation and better sleep, which indirectly affects hormone balance.

💡 You can lose 300–800 g of weight in a single bath, but this is mostly water, not fat.

How to properly take salt baths?

1. Prepare the bath:

• Water temperature: 36–38 °C.

• For a bath—300–500 g of salt (up to 1 kg for a deep effect).

• Time: 15–25 minutes.

2. After the bath:

• Do not rinse off—let the minerals absorb.

• Rest for 30–40 minutes under a blanket.

• Drink water—to replenish fluids.

Contraindications

Salt baths are not recommended for:

• hypertension;

• pregnancy;

• varicose veins (without consulting a doctor);

• skin damage, inflammations;

• cardiovascular diseases.

Additional tips

• Add essential oils (grapefruit, orange, rosemary) to enhance the anti-cellulite effect.

• Use a massage brush before the bath—to improve blood circulation.

• Apply in courses—2–3 times a week, 10 procedures.

What does science say?

Studies do not confirm direct fat loss from salt baths. However, clinical reviews point to:

• improved skin condition;

• reduction in swelling;

• a general relaxing effect on the nervous system, which indirectly helps with weight loss by reducing stress levels and improving sleep.

Conclusion

Bath salt is not a magic pill for fat, but it can be a helpful addition to a comprehensive weight loss program. It helps reduce swelling, improve skin condition, and restore energy. The main thing is to use it wisely, without expecting instant results.

🔗 Read also:

• How to eat right when trying to lose weight

• Do slimming wraps work?

• Superfoods for body toning

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