According to the latest report from the British Association of Dermatologists, approximately half of the UK population suffers from some kind of skin complaint such as acne, eczema or psoriasis. Between 2001 and 2005 the number of eczema cases in England actually increased by a whopping 40 per cent and, thanks to our excessive consumption of junk food, acne is now no longer the preserve of hormone flooded teenagers. Indeed, some 50 per cent of UK women will suffer from acne at some point in their adult life, with the condition becoming increasingly prevalent in our 20s, 30s, 40s and even older.

And healthy, problem free skin is not only important for our self-esteem; as our body’s largest organ, the skin also protects our muscles, bones, ligaments and other internal organs, acts as our first line of defence from external pathogens and is responsible for insulation, temperature regulation, sensation and the production of vitamin D folates.

So, isn’t it about time that we learnt how to nourish and take care of it properly?

Himalayan salt – the salt of kings

Danish author, Isak Dinesen once said, ‘the cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea’. Himalayan salt is an incredibly pure, unrefined and mineral rich salt from ancient oceans that were present in the Pakistani Himalayas millions of years ago, at a time when man made pollution simply didn’t exist. Himalayan salt is mined by hand and without the use of either machines or explosives in order to optimise its purity and to ensure that the end product retains as many of its natural nutrients as possible. Unlike refined table salt, which is so often stripped of all its goodness during processing, Himalayan salt contains a large number of beneficial minerals and trace elements including sodium chloride, magnesium, sulphates and iron. It is believed that the consumption of Himalayan salt (in a variety of both hot and cold, sweet and savoury dishes) can help to regulate blood sugar levels, manage blood pressure, improve nerve signal function, maintain a healthy respiratory system, relieve pain (and in particular menstrual pain) and slow down the visible signs of aging.

Himalayan salt – the natural solution for problem skin

Although many top chefs swear by Himalayan salt, these days it’s not just a highly prized ingredient in famous kitchens. Himalayan salt is a remarkably effective exfoliant and dry skin treatment that is becoming increasingly popular in spas, saunas and steam rooms and is now a common ingredient in quality natural skin products. Himalayan salt stimulates a natural cleansing, which results in healthy, glowing skin, free from irregularities and the type of skin disorders already mentioned above. In addition to demonstrably improving the texture, tone and appearance of your skin, Himalayan salt can also be used to soothe insect bites, heal blisters and even provide relief from aching joints.

For best results smear Himalayan salt directly onto your skin before bathing or add a generous dash (as opposed to the proverbial ‘pinch’!) to your bath tub while still running and remain soaking for at least half an hour. There’s no need to rinse the Himalayan salt from your skin afterwards – simply pat your skin dry with a soft, fluffy towel and admire your softer, smoother, radiant skin.

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