USD 
GBP 
CAD 
AUD 
Millions of people deal with eczema and psoriasis every day. These skin conditions can make life tough with the constant itching, red patches, and dry skin that just doesn't seem to improve. If you're making bath products for local markets or friends, you've probably had customers ask about natural ways to help their irritated skin.
Bath salts are becoming more popular as a gentle, natural option for people looking for relief. While they're not a cure, many people find that a good soak can help calm their skin and give them some much-needed comfort. As someone creating products with natural ingredients, understanding how bath salts work can help you serve your customers better and give them the right advice on how to use bath salts safely.
In this guide, we’re going to look into what makes bath salts helpful for these conditions and how you can create products that really make a difference for people dealing with problem skin.
What's the Difference Between Psoriasis and Eczema?
When customers come to you asking about bath salts for skin problems, it helps to know what they're dealing with. Psoriasis and eczema might look similar, but they're actually quite different.
Psoriasis is when the body's immune system gets confused and attacks healthy skin cells. This creates thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. These patches often show up on elbows, knees, and the scalp, but they can appear anywhere.
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin which causes flare ups based on different triggers. The skin gets red, itchy, and sometimes weepy or crusty. It often runs in families and can be triggered by things like certain soaps, fabrics, or even stress and a weakened immune system.
Both conditions are extremely uncomfortable and range in severity. While those suffering from eczema describe it as more of an intense itch that’s difficult to relieve, psoriasis tends to cause more of a painful burning sensation.
Understanding the difference between the two skin conditions will help you recommend the best products to your customers.
The Daily Challenges of Dealing With The Symptoms of Psoriasis and Eczema
Psoriasis causes thick, scaly patches on the skin, usually in sensitive areas such as the elbows and knees that can crack and bleed when scratched. The itching can be intense, and the visible patches can cause people to feel self-conscious.
Those with eczema face different challenges. Their skin will also be extremely itchy to the point of bleeding or weeping. This can cause the skin to become infected if not treated properly, and is especially difficult to manage in young children who don’t understand that they shouldn’t scratch.
Both conditions can go through cycles. Someone might have clear skin for weeks, then suddenly have a flare-up that lasts for days or months. While for others the condition is more ongoing.
Although the evidence is limited, many people have reported significant improvements in each condition when they’ve made positive lifestyle and dietary choices such as cutting out alcohol and refined sugar.
The Impact on Daily Life
These skin conditions affect more than just appearance. People who suffer with psoriasis and eczema often struggle with sleep because of the itching. They also have to be careful about what clothes they wear because rough fabrics can trigger flare ups.
Even things like having the central heating on or the air being too dry can cause symptoms to become worse, so people living with these conditions have to be very mindful of their environment on a daily basis, which can be stressful.
The Benefits of Bath Soaks for Psoriasis and Eczema
Therapeutic baths using things like bath salts offer a few different benefits for these skin conditions. Firstly, they add moisture back into dry, damaged skin. When skin is properly hydrated, it's less likely to crack or get infected.
Soaking in a bath before applying any medicated creams or ointments also helps them to absorb better, meaning they’re more likely to be effective at providing relief and reducing discomfort.
Another benefit is simply the relaxation factor that these types of baths provide. Stress can make both psoriasis and eczema worse, so anything that reduces this can be beneficial to the symptoms and help minimize the frequency of flare-ups.
Top Tips for The Perfect Therapeutic Bath Soak
Use warm water
The temperature of the water used should be similar to the temperature of a baby’s bath. This is because hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and this can cause the skin to become more dried out and irritated.
Don’t soak for too long
Although it can feel nice to lie in a relaxing bath that smells of lovely bath salts, if you spend too much time in the water, your skin will begin to dry out and this will make it feel more irritated. You should aim for about 15 minutes maximum for each bath.
Avoid harsh chemicals and scented products
Many bath products, even the ones that are labelled as moisturizing or suitable for sensitive skin, often contain things like sulfates, artificial fragrances and other chemicals that can trigger flare ups or make existing symptoms worse.
How Bath Salts May Help Soothe Eczema and Psoriasis Symptoms
What Bath Salts Actually Do for Irritated Skin
Bath salts work in a few different ways. The minerals can be absorbed through the skin, which may help reduce inflammation. Different salts have different mineral content, so some might work better for certain people.
Salt water also helps balance the skin's natural moisture levels. It's not too drying like plain water, but it's not too heavy either.
Gentle Exfoliation and Soothing Properties for Scaling Skin
One of the biggest benefits of bath salts is the gentle exfoliation they offer. For people with psoriasis, especially, gently exfoliating the affected area helps remove the thick scales so that the skin underneath can absorb treatments, allowing it to heal faster.
While using regular salt scrubs would be too harsh, dissolved bath salts provide just enough gentle action to help remove dead skin without causing irritation.
Reducing Itch and Irritation: What People Report
Many people say that salt baths help reduce their itching and make their skin feel calmer. While everyone's different, salt water has been used for skin problems for thousands of years thanks to its natural soothing properties.
Keep in mind that results vary from person to person. What works great for one customer might not help another. That's why it's important to help people find what works best for their specific skin.
Epsom Salt vs. Dead Sea Salt: Choosing the Right Bath Soak for Psoriasis and Eczema
When looking for bath salts, there are two main types to choose from. Both have equally beneficial properties, but act in different ways. So, it’s important to understand the difference between both, so that you can recommend the best products to your customers.
Epsom Salt Soaks for Eczema and Psoriasis Relief
Epsom salt is made of magnesium sulfate. It's affordable, easy to find, and many people swear by it for sore muscles and skin problems.
For bath soaks, the usual amount is about 1/2 cup in a standard bathtub. Some people use up to 1 cup if their skin can handle it. It’s usually recommended to start with less and see how the skin reacts.
Epsom salt dissolves quickly in warm water and doesn't leave a residue. It's a good choice for people just starting with salt baths.
Dead Sea Salt: A Mineral-Rich Natural Treatment Option
Dead Sea salt is different from regular sea salt or Epsom salt. It comes from the Dead Sea and contains magnesium, potassium, calcium, and bromides; minerals that aren't found in regular salt.
Many people with psoriasis and eczema prefer Dead Sea salt because of its unique mineral mix. It's been studied more than other salts for skin conditions, and some research suggests it may be especially helpful.
The downside is that real Dead Sea salt costs more than Epsom salt. But for customers dealing with stubborn skin problems, it might be worth the extra expense.
Which Bath Salt is Best For Each Skin Condition?
For people just starting out, Epsom salt is often the best choice. It's gentle, affordable, and widely available. If someone has very sensitive skin, they can start with just a tablespoon or two.
Those with psoriasis might benefit more from Dead Sea salt because of the extra minerals. The scaling and thickness that comes with psoriasis often responds well to the mineral-rich formula.
Some people like to alternate between different salts or even mix them together. There's no right or wrong way, it's about finding what works for each person's skin.
How to Prepare the Perfect Skin-Soothing Bath for Psoriasis and Eczema
Step-by-Step Guide to a Therapeutic Bath Soak
When selling products like bath salts, it’s important that you always provide correct, detailed guidance and safety instructions for your customers. Here’s how to recommend your customers get started with a bath salt soak:
- Fill the tub with lukewarm water (not hot)
- Add the salt while water is running to help it dissolve
- Stir the water gently to make sure salt is fully dissolved
- Test the water temperature with your elbow (if it’s suitable for a baby, it’s perfect)
- Soak for 10-15 minutes maximum
- Pat skin dry, but don't rub
- Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp
This routine helps lock in moisture and prevents the skin from drying out after the bath.
Beneficial Additions: Oatmeal, Oils, and Natural Enhancers
Plain salt baths are great, but sometimes people want to add other soothing ingredients. Colloidal oatmeal is wonderful for itchy skin, helping to form a protective film that helps lock in moisture.
A few drops of gentle oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil can add extra moisture. Just be careful not to add too much or the tub will be slippery and always be careful when getting in and out of the tub.
Some people like to add dried herbs like chamomile or lavender, but make sure to strain them out so they don't clog the drain.
Fragrance Considerations for Sensitive Skin
It’s especially important to remember that many people with eczema and psoriasis can't handle artificial fragrances. Even "natural" fragrances can trigger flare-ups in some people.
If you want to add fragrance to your bath salts, use very small amounts and always offer unscented versions too. Essential oils and fragrance oils should be used sparingly, and just a drop or two per batch is plenty.
Always recommend that customers test any new product on a small patch of skin first, especially if it contains fragrance.
If your customers experience any kind of reaction, irritation or burning when using the bath salts, they should stop using the product immediately and seek the advice of their doctor or dermatologist.
Essential Daily Bath Routines for Managing Psoriasis and Eczema
Post-Bath Moisturizing: The Critical Window
The most important part of the bath routine happens after getting out of the tub. Customers need to apply moisturizer within three minutes of bathing while their skin is still damp, but not wet.
This locks in the water from the bath and prevents the skin from drying out. Thick creams or ointments work better than thin lotions for people with these conditions.
Optimal Bathing Frequency and Duration for Skin Conditions
Most people with psoriasis or eczema do best with salt baths 2-3 times per week. Daily baths might be too much and could dry out the skin.
During flare-ups, some people benefit from daily baths, but they should be shorter, around 5-10 minutes.
In winter, when skin tends to be drier, people might need to cut back on bathing frequency or add more moisturizing ingredients to their baths.
Educate Your Customers On How to Get The Maximum Benefits From Their Baths
Teach your customers to pay attention to how their skin responds. If someone feels more itchy or irritated after a salt bath, they should try using less salt or bathing less often.
Good signs include less itching, softer skin, and faster healing of patches or flare-ups. Some people notice improvements right away, while others need to use salt baths regularly for a few weeks to see benefits.
Ethical, Natural Skincare: Why It Matters for Sensitive Skin
The Benefits of Simple, Pure Bath Salt Ingredients
When you're creating products for people with sensitive skin, less is more. Simple, pure ingredients are less likely to cause reactions than complex formulas with lots of additives.
Help your customers understand what's in their bath salts. If you can pronounce all the ingredients and explain what each one does, that's a good sign.
Sourcing Matters: Why Origin Affects Bath Salt Quality
Not all salts are created equal. How and where salt is harvested affects its mineral content and purity. Salts that are processed with lots of chemicals or stored improperly can lose their beneficial properties.
When you source your ingredients, look for suppliers who can tell you exactly where their salt comes from and how it's processed. At Africa Imports, these are always questions we’ll be able to answer for you.
Supporting Ethical Supply Chains for Better Products
Many small business owners care about more than just profit and they want to make a positive impact. Choosing suppliers who work directly with communities and pay fair wages often means higher quality products too.
At Africa Imports, our customers appreciate knowing that their purchase supports good causes, especially when they're dealing with health challenges that make them feel vulnerable.
Making Bath Salts Part of Your Business
Bath salts aren't a miracle cure, but they can be a valuable part of caring for problem skin. As someone creating these products, you have the chance to really help people who are struggling with uncomfortable, frustrating conditions.
Remember to always encourage customers to work with their doctors, especially if they have severe symptoms. Bath salts work best as part of a complete skin care routine, not as a replacement for medical treatment.
By focusing on quality ingredients, clear instructions, and honest expectations, you can build a business that truly makes a difference in people's lives.
Ready to start creating bath products that make a real difference? Source high-quality, ethically-harvested bath salts from Africa Imports today at wholesale prices. Contact us for a tailored quote..
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should bath salts be used for those that have psoriasis or eczema?
Most people do best with 2-3 salt baths per week. During flare-ups, daily baths might help, but are best kept short. If the skin gets too dry, they should cut back to once or twice a week.
Can bath salts be used during a severe flare-up?
It depends on how the skin reacts. Some people find salt baths soothing during flares, while others find them too irritating. Always test on a small area first and stop if irritation gets worse.
What's the difference between buying bulk bath salts versus pre-packaged options?
Bulk salts let people control exactly what goes into their bath and often cost less. Pre-packaged versions might have added ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin. If you buy bulk, store salts in airtight containers away from moisture.
Are fragrance-free bath salts better for sensitive skin?
Yes, fragrance-free is usually safer for people with eczema and psoriasis. Even natural fragrances can trigger flare-ups. For those who want scented baths, they should start with tiny amounts and see how their skin reacts.
Can children with eczema use bath salts safely?
Children's skin is more sensitive than adult skin. So much less salt should be used; maybe just a tablespoon in a small tub. It’s also recommended to always check with their doctor first, and watch carefully for any irritation.
What should I look for when buying Dead Sea salt for eczema treatment?
Look for salt that's certified to come from the actual Dead Sea. It should be unrefined and free from additives. The color might vary from white to slightly pink or gray, but this is normal for authentic Dead Sea salt.