I read recently in Elle Magazine that Cleopatra so valued the beauty-enhancing waters of the Dead Sea that she urged her lover Mark Antony to conquer the region so she’d have an unlimited supply.

Wow, what a Diva.   

When I was 16 my parents took my sisters and me to the Dead Sea. I was too teenage-cool back then to see that bobbing in those biblical waters could actually be, like, an experience of a lifetime. 

It’s funny how you circle back on certain things. Lately I’ve been reproducing the Dead Sea for long soaks in my tub. It would be nice to say this comes from my love of history, but it doesn’t.

It’s just really good for you.

Dead Sea salt is comprised of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and bromides which infuse skin cells with nutrients and boost cell metabolism, balancing the skin and reducing inflammation.  And, the high concentration of magnesium in Dead Sea salt (40% more than ocean water or table salt) draws water to skin, and that increases the moisture content of the epidermis.  This is no joke - there is research to back this stuff up.   

The net-net:  the mineral compounds in Dead Sea salt are soothing and hydrating, which means my skin looks younger and even more beautiful.  Perception is reality, right?

This worked for Cleo.  And this works for me.  Who needs Mark Antony.

* Skip the airfare and order your own 25 lb. bag of Dead Sea salt (free shipping) from Salt Works.