The beauty of salt: learn how this kitchen staple can improve your beauty and personal care routine.(PERSONAL CARE: INSIDE & OUT)

What was once a precious trade commodity is now found on tabletops around the world. The ubiquitous substance known as salt is often limited to seasoning food, but a closer look reveals other merits.

Skin-Healing Benefits

Salt is much more than the White granular stuff the Morton's umbrella girl has been pushing since 1914. In its unrefined state, it can be a valuable addition to your regular skin care regimen. "Salt is best known for its healing qualities and its abrasive texture," explains Natural Beauty author Janice Cox.

Although common kitchen-grade salt can make a great body scrub, natural salts may be better if you want to tackle more than dry skin. Kat James, author of The Truth about Beauty, says, "They contain far more magnesium, calcium, potassium and sometimes (as in the case of Dead Sea salt), high amounts of bromine, known to have a relaxing effect." These minerals are beneficial in stimulating circulation, retaining moisture, promoting cellular regeneration and alleviating muscle and joint pain. "The mineral profile in unrefined sea salts has striking similarities to the mineral profile in human blood plasma and can easily penetrate the skin, actually replenishing it with electrolytes and thus assisting detoxification and nourishment of the skin," says James.

Products containing unrefined sea salts can also ease more serious ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

Protect Against Dehydration

As with most things, moderation is best. Excessive exposure to salt can dehydrate the skin. To avoid this, Cox suggests applying an oil or lotion following any salt treatment. Also, avoid salts that have been subjected to high ...