Some people come home from a beach vacation and notice their skin looks clear and glowy. It’s not their imagination. Unlike table salt, sea salt comes with many nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and more. Saltwater minerals can provide certain benefits when it comes to skincare, but there are some potential downsides to keep in mind.
It may help treat psoriasis
Saltwater skincare is trending on social media, but the practice started a long time ago. Balneotherapy is a type of medical treatment that involves bathing in thermal mineral water. This could involve adding sea salts to a bath or dipping into natural salty bodies of water like the Dead Sea. Studies prove that balneotherapy can benefit people with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by breaking down psoriatic plaques, suppressing the immune system, and reducing bacteria on the skin that can cause a reaction.
Treats eczema
Deep sea water tends to retain more nutrients because of its purity and lack of sun exposure. A review from 2016 found that deep seawater can help treat people with atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome who suffer from mineral imbalances. Because of its essential mineral content, deep saltwater improved the participants’ eczema issues, such as inflammation, dryness, itchiness, swelling, and more.
Reduces skin allergic reactions
The same 2016 review found that deep seawater can help reduce allergic reactions. The research found that the water helped slow down the compounds in the skin that cause these kinds of responses. However, this study used actual seawater so it’s unlikely sea salt on its own could have this effect.
Exfoliates skin
Sea salt can work as a natural facial scrub to improve the complexion. “Salt acts as a mechanical exfoliant and scrub, removing dead skin cells. This leaves the skin feeling smoother, softer, and brighter. Through osmotic actions, salts absorb toxins and draw out dirt and oil. Improved pore size is another benefit,” says Snehal Amin, MD, FAAD., co-founder and Surgical Director of MDCS Dermatology to Healthline.
Treats acne
Saltwater may provide the best benefits for oily or acne-prone skin as opposed to naturally dry skin. However, saltwater face wash should be done only occasionally, according to Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center. And while it may help with acne, Shirazi doesn’t “consider it as a treatment for acne on its own”.
Heal wounds
It’s a common myth that swimming in the ocean can help heal wounds. While salt can help heal, the ocean and seas are also full of bacteria that can fester all sorts of infections in broken skin. Therefore, it’s recommended to clean open wounds with saline or antiseptic after swimming. However, a study using mice found that soaking wounds in 7% concentration of table salt can enhance healing. This supports the theory that salt can heal cuts and scrapes—just be sure the water is sterile first.
Potential detriments
Saltwater could be harsh and irritate the skin. Overusing it could damage the skin barrier. “This can worsen some skin conditions like acne and eczema, or potentially cause hyperpigmentation and scarring as a result,” says Shirazi. “It may also delay proper treatment and care from a dermatologist.”
For the same reasons, Amin recommends avoiding saltwater scrubs on the face. “Salt is corrosive and can damage the skin when applied in high concentrations for an excessive period of time. My basic advice is that a salt scrub is fine for the body but best to avoid for the face.”
How to make saltwater skin cleanser
- Boil 2 cups of tap water mixed with fine sea salt (not coarse salt). Remember, using more salt does not equate to more benefits.
- Allow the solution to cool completely before use. (Hot water can irritate and dry out the skin.)
- Pour it into a tightly lidded container.
- Store at room temperature until use.
How to use the saltwater cleanser
Gently wipe the skin with a cotton ball or pad soaked in the homemade salt wash. Alternatively, you can spray the wash onto the skin and gently dab the drippings with a cotton pad. Follow the wash with your favorite moisturizer to prevent dryness.
For persistent skin issues…
For people with dry skin, Shirazi recommends professionally formulated sea salt products. These tend to be safer than homemade solutions. But if you notice negative effects, stop using them. These effects can include, redness, itching, flaking, scaling, skin tightness, and patches of discolored skin.
If you have lingering skin concerns such as acne, inflammation, itchiness, and persistent dryness, consider seeing a dermatologist for professional help. They can help diagnose issues and recommend the best type of skincare for you.