The Met Gala is one of the biggest red carpets of the year and all eyes are on those who attend. While I was admittedly invested in the fashion, I also understand that the prep is an important step in how our favourite celebrities look and feel the day of. Jessica Biel, for instance, recently shared that she took an Epsom salt bath the night before the biggest night in fashion.
Jessica Biel and Her Epsom Salt Bath
Taking to TikTok, the 7th Heaven actress shared that she knows some people like to party before the Met Gala. While she respects their choices, she prefers to take an Epsom salt bath, which involves 20 pounds (ca. 9 kg) of Epsom salts and water as hot as you can take it. She soaks for thirty minutes, followed by drinking tons of water and going off to bed early.
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is a compound of magnesium and sulfate that comes in the form of small rocks.
Epsom salt is not intended to be consumed but rather dissolved in a hot bath to be absorbed through your skin, which allows for the relief of stress and/or sore muscles.
According to Healthline, Epsom salt is also used to provide relief for the following conditions:
- itching caused by poison ivy
- skin irritation and inflammation
- sore feet
- sore muscles
- sprains
- stiff joints
- stress
- sunburn
That said, the Cleveland Clinic states that no clinical trials have confirmed the benefits of Epsom salt. Yet many healthcare providers promote it for its ease of use, reasonable prices, and minimally invasive delivery. Unfortunately, scientific research isn’t quite as vocal in its support.
The reality is that there are no definitive studies showing that magnesium can be absorbed through your skin in sufficient amounts to address potential deficiencies of the mineral. As for the research that has been done, it offers skepticism.
Still, integrative medical experts commonly recommend Epsom salt to people with muscle pain and mental stress.
Should I try Epsom salt?
If you are looking to try Epsom salt, I’m not going to stop you, and the process is pretty simple and low in risk. I do suggest that before buying Epsom salt, make sure that it is 100% magnesium sulfate.
Healthline recommends that you avoid submerging broken skin in an Epsom salt bath and stop using it if you experience itchy skin, hives, a rash, or a skin infection.
Bottom line
Per my research, there is no concrete evidence that Epsom salt has any benefits. Yet many people, including Jessica Biel, swear by the benefits of taking an Epsom salt bath. Considering how breathtaking she looked at the Met Gala, perhaps it’s worth a try?
My References
Jessica Biel’s Met Gala Prep Ritual Involves 20 Pounds of Epsom Salt (newbeauty.com)
Jessica Biel (@jessbiel) Official | TikTok
Epsom Salt: Potential Benefits and How to Use It (clevelandclinic.org)
Epsom Salt Bath: Uses, Benefits, and Risks (healthline.com)
