Salts in SPA Therapies—Characterization and Risk Assessment

Salt water and dissolved salts themselves have been used in dermal therapies since ancient times. Dead Sea salts are the most known ones used for dermal curative and cosmetic proposes. Studies recognized their dermal application benefits in conditions such as psoriasis and eczemas. Elements (e.g., Na, Mg, K, Ca) present in salts can be absorbed by the skin, and aid in processes such as cellular respiration, or act as anti-inflammatory agents, among others. Therapeutical results could be enhanced with the presence of certain minerals. The present study aims to characterize the mineralogical and chemical composition of salts produced in Portugal saltpans of two different areas, Ria de Aveiro and Ria Formosa and a commercial coarse salt subjected to purification. Potential positive and negative outcomes by dermal applications are assessed in this study. Samples show chemical and mineralogical composition variation. Further laboratorial analysis and results interpretation are being conducted.