Epsom Salt is a good way to slough away dry patches of skin and heal dry lips. Best of all, with everyone's budget stretched thin, you can get some at your supermarket or pharmacy for about what you'd pay for a cup of hot chocolate.

Here are some tips—including two videos—that explain more:

• To exfoliate: Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches, leaving skin silky smooth.
  
• To heal dry lips: Mix a few tablespoons of Epsom Salt with a teaspoon of petroleum jelly, apply to lips and rub lightly. This will gently scrub away dry skin on lips, and it will also help lipstick last longer and give lips instant plump.
  
• For a gentle facial: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.
• For a relaxing soak: Add 2 cups of Epsom Salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub; soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent.

Note: For human use, the Epsom Salt Council recommends only Epsom salt with the USP designation.