Marissa Carter, owner of south Dublin salon – Carter Beauty reveals the science behind Speleotherapy and why the tides are turning as our attitude to salt changes.

“The use of salt as a treatment therapy is known as Speleotherapy. Salt is used by salons and spas not only for the obvious reason that it is one of the most vigourous, effective methods of exfoliating the skin but because of its ionic charge! As complicated as this sounds it really is a simple science… computers, televisions, mobile phones, smoking, exhaust fumes all emit harmful positive ions that can contribute to such conditions as hay fever, asthma, seasonal affective disorder, depression and chronic fatigue, to name but a few. Positive ions wreak havoc with your skin, exacerbating many conditions including aging, acne, dry, congested, dull lifeless skin. Ionised salt (sea salt is the best) is negatively charged and cleans the air of dust, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, smoke, odour and mould spores. High concentrations of negative ions are essential for high energy and positive mood. This explains why walking on the beach and inhaling the salt air makes us feel so great!

In the high country and near the sea, fresh air carries around 4,000 negative ions per cubic centimetre whereas in big cities, during rush hours and traffic jams, the negative ions do not exceed more than 100 to 120 ions per cubic centimetre. The presence of negative ions in the atmosphere, create a state of well-being.

Salt grottos (rooms with ionisers that emit negative salt ions) are probably the most common form of using salt as a therapy in spas while salons are more likely to use a salt scrub which will neutralise harmful positive ions found on the skin.

Carter Beauty Sea Salt and Essential Oil Body Polish buffs your skin of impurities and debris leaving your skin silky smooth. The beauty of this scrub is that there is no need to apply body lotion or moisturiser afterwards. The salt is dissolved by bathing while the essential oils form a baby soft film on your skin.

I strongly believe that where exfoliation is concerned – sea salt scrubs are the way forward. They offer so many more benefits to the client than the typical kernel/pumice scrubs. As the technological world rapidly expands so too does our exposure to harmful positive ions which means that now more than ever we need to embrace the use of salt to cleanse and rejuvenate our minds and bodies.”

Carter Beauty Tropical Touch Lime & Coconut Body Oil - €30.00

• Recommended by Triona McCarthy Sunday Independent Life Magazine, Mairead Nic Giolla Phadraig Chic Magazine & Rowena Independent Health & Living Magazine.

Directions: Product is solid or semi solid at room temperature and should be stored at room temperature. Use approximately one tablesoon of product to moisturise entire body. Best applied to damp skin after shower or bath. Ingredients: Pure coconut oil, Lime essential oil.   Rowena of Independent Health & Living Supplement 1st September 2008 wrote... Keep that holiday feeling going a little while longer with Carter Beauty Lime & Coconut Oil, a divine blend designed to keep skin silky smooth. Lime is great for circulation while coconut is renowned for it's healing properties and is particularly good for those with dry skin. So far, so good but be warned this is a body oil with a difference. It's solid at room temperature, but a little really does go a long way - one tablespoon is enough for your entire body. It's part of a range of natural, plant based beauty products designed by Marissa Carter who owns Carter Beauty & Acne Clinic in Dun Laoghaire. Tel: 01-2808880. Triona McCarthy Sunday Independent Life Magazine 17th Aug 2008 wrote... Marissa Carter from Carter Beauty & Acne Clinic in Dun Laoghaire, has devised and developed a range of signature beauty products loaded with natural and herbal antioxidants and natural vitamins and herbal ingredients to help strengthen and nourish skin. The Tropical Touch Lime & Coconut Oil, right, €15, is a favourite: not only does it smell divine but it's economical, one tablespoon will moisturise the entire body! My lil' sis, Trish is a big fan of the range as all the ingredients are completely natural plant based without petroleum or coal tar chemicals, artificial colours or fragrances. They're not tested on animals and have no animal content, while the packaging is fully bio-degradeable and recyclable. Carter Beauty & Acne Clinic, 46A Patrick St, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Tel: 012808880 or see www.carterbeauty.com Mairead Nic Giolla Phadraig of Chic Magazine wrote... Coco loco for body oil...Our favourite product of the spring is the Carter Beauty Tropical Touch Lime & Coconut Body Oil exclusively available at Carter Beauty & Acne Clinic. The oil, created by beauty supremo and therapist extraordinaire Marissa Carter, comes in a gorgeous jar and is solid at room temperature. A tantalising mix of lime & coconut, the scent is intoxicating and leaves the skin silky soft. Get ready for everybody's reaction, as this truly is a compliment in a jar! It is available from Carter Beauty & Acne Clinic, Patrick St, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01-2808880.