After a long day, a nice long soak in a hot bath is just the ticket. Adding bath salts can enhance the experience greatly. Whether you have sore, tired feet from standing all day, or a stiff back from working at your desk, bath salts can help improve the way you feel and ease away the tension. Not only do bath salts come in a variety of soothing fragrances, they also offer many other benefits including certain healing properties.

You might be surprised to learn that adding a little salt to your water can actually help improve your circulation. Bath salts also reduce tenderness. They are recommended for people with back pain, arthritis, muscle tension or spasms, and minor work and sports injuries. They're great for easing stiff, sore, muscles and aching feet and legs.

Bath salts open the pores to purify the skin, cleansing away dirt, sweat, and toxins. They aid in the healing of dry skin, making skin softer and more supple. Salts can help improve common irritations such as insect bites, minor rashes, and calluses on feet, as well as more serious skin conditions like athlete's foot, eczema, and psoriasis. High quality salts may also help improve the appearance of scars.

Salts made with essential oils offer the added benefit of aromatherapy. Pleasant, soothing scents have been shown to induce calmness and promote relaxation. Scented bath salts combine these attributes with other healing properties. The ability to relax and unwind at the end of the day is also the best way to insure sound, restful sleep at night, and bath salts can help.

Salts, such as bath salt or Epsom salt, are also good for exfoliation. Gently rub salt over feet, knees, or elbows, with a damp washcloth. Exfoliation should be completed, and exfoliated areas should be rinsed thoroughly, before you take a bath. Fresh, newly uncovered skin will also benefit from soaking in water treated with salts.

Bath salts come in many colors, scents, and varieties from fine to coarse. You can choose several different types to try separately, or you can mix them together to create your own favorite scents and textures.