Getting sexy with .... salt?

Sometimes the perfect ant-aging beauty secret can't be found in a swank boutique or a fancy department store.  Plus, with the rising prices of gas and food, it's hard to fit $100 or more for the latest anti-aging product or spa treatment into the monthly budget!

This weekend, I was in New Jersey and my companion and I stopped for gas. It was something like $3.70 a gallon...we immediately filled up due to the "bargain". Apparently, these days, it's just about as good as it gets. I once again thanked God for my MetroCard and walking shoes.

Truth is, anything you can do at home, without spending money (or time) on transit - let alone the dough on the treatments itself - is a godsend.

My friends at the Epsom Salt Council sent me some tips though that are crazy amazing. Epsom Salt, a naturally occurring mineral used by many top spas, can be found at your local drugstore, supermarket or hardware store for less than a cup of coffee!

Cellulite Buster - Exfoliate to Get Rid of Dry, Dull Skin

Try this body scrub to remove the surface layer of dead skin cells and lessen the appearance of cellulite.  Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently slough away dry patches. Exfoliate weekly to keep skin silky smooth.

Chemical Peel  Alternative - Put Your Best Face Forward

It’s easy to achieve glowing results with this easy at-home facial. For a fresh, dewy complexion, mix 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream. Gently massage on skin in circular motions to remove any dry skin cells and to help unclog pores. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Apply your favorite moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher.

Soak Away Stress

One of the main causes of premature aging is stress.  Find relief by soaking in a calming Epsom Salt bath. Add two cups of Epsom Salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub; soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent. The magnesium in Epsom Salt is proven to relieve stress while the sulfates flush harmful toxins from the body. Soaking in the solution allows the magnesium sulfate to be absorbed into the body through your skin, expelling negative toxins and boosting serotonin levels, which will in turn boost your mood. Epsom Salt soaks also help quell migraines, improve sleep and reduce anxiety levels. 

Soothe Your Soles

The face is not the only part of the body that ages - Don’t forget about your feet.  Simply soak your soles in a foot bath of Epsom Salt to reduce swelling. Add one cup of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water. Soak for ten minutes. Pat feet dry. Then, mix two cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub the entire foot concentrating on the heels and ankles to remove any dry, rough spots.