These days, salt water can be found in various products, such as bath soaks and skin care products. It has emerged as a wonderful natural ingredient that people swear by. However, can you use salt water for skin care? Well, there seems to be no harm in applying it on the skin. However, it may dry out your skin, so always follow it up with a moisturizer. We will delve deeper into the benefits of salt water for the skin and how to use it in this article. Keep reading!
In This Article
Is Salt Water Good For Your Skin?
Salt water offers many benefits to your skin and body. What makes salt water even more popular is the ease with which one can prepare it at home or source it from the sea. Salt water is a healing substance that can reinvigorate and rejuvenate your skin, hair, and nails.
The salt water from the deep sea contains many beneficial minerals, vitamins, and acids. Some commonly found minerals in salt water include potassium, magnesium, and sulfur, among others (1). Due to these nutrients, many ancient civilizations have used salt water to manage skin conditions.
Salt water benefits the skin, and its healing properties make it a crucial ingredient in many relaxing and skin care treatments like balneotherapyi XA traditional method of therapy for various conditions like itchy skin, body pains, or arthritis by immersing the body in mineral water. and thalassotherapyi XA Greek treatment method that uses marine substances like sea water and sand to alleviate stress, body pains, and various skin conditions. (2), (3).
Saltwater from the sea is also said to have a similar chemical composition to the body’s blood plasma. Therefore, it helps the body cells function well and restores cells that are not performing to their potential. However, there is not much scientific evidence to prove the same.
Benefits Of Salt Water For Your Skin
While salt water is hailed to be great for your skin, it is important to note that not a lot of scientific research or evidence exists to prove these benefits. All of these claims are based on anecdotal evidence. Here is what salt water claims to offer if you add it to your skin care regimen.
1. May Relieve Skin Conditions
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Salt water from the sea contains various minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc., all of which are said to have healing effects on dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasisi XA skin condition in which rashes and itchy, scaly patches build up on the affected area, causing bleeding and scabbing. (1).
People with dry skin must be careful when using salt water as it can dry out their skin even more. The best way to go about using it on dry skin is to follow it up with a moisturizing cream.
2. May Eliminate Acne
Acne is caused by a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (4). The salt in salt water has antimicrobial properties that may help fight this acne-causing bacteria.
Salt water is said to absorb the bacteria present in your skin, unclog your pores, and shrink them. It is also claimed to help detoxify your skin, reduce acne breakouts, and generally keep your dermis healthy.
Related: 13 Tips And Remedies To Prevent Acne And Pimples Naturally
3. May Heal Blemishes
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Salty water from the sea contains many minerals, including drying agents like sulfur (1). These minerals are commonly used in anti-blemish skin products. If you have acne and blemishes, taking a dip in the sea may be a good idea. A combination of the sun’s rays with salt water may help heal your blemishes. That said, if you decide to take a dip in the sea for your skin health, do not forget to put on a generous amount of sunscreen.
Apart from taking a dip, you can also bring in some seawater home in a bottle. Use it as a cleanser in your existing skin care routine.
Related: 19 Best Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Blemishes On Face
4. May Heal Wounds
Salt water from the deep sea (over 200 m of depth) has been found to heal wounds in a research setting (1). However, its application in real life for the same is not well-researched.
5. Acts As A Facial Toner
Salt water is an excellent facial toner. Applying salt water on your skin helps shrink your pores and removes oil from them, giving your skin a refreshing feel.
To use salt water as a facial toner, pour it into a bottle with a spray nozzle. The best time to use your salt water toner is after washing your face and before you apply makeup. This will ensure your skin remains oil-free and fresh throughout the day!
Related: Face Toner For Skin: Benefits, How To Apply, & When To Use Stylecraze Says Anecdotal evidence suggests that sea salt water can also help clear grease from the scalp. It may also help in removing flaky dandruff.
How To Use Salt Water For Skin
Salt is easily found in all households, and salt water is easy to prepare. Here are some ways you can use salt water to enjoy skin benefits:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Mask
If you want to reduce the redness and irritation on your face, here’s what you need to do:
- Mix a teaspoon of sea salt, few spoons of water, and some honey to create a paste.
- Apply this all over your face.
- Leave it on for around 15 minutes.
- Wash off the paste using warm water and pat your face dry.
2. Exfoliating Scrub
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Salt and salt water are both excellent exfoliators that help remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Salt water from the sea contains minerals that restore your skin’s hydration levels. You can make salt water at home or use salt water from the sea to prepare this scrub:
Mix a quarter cup of salt and some water or use a cup of seawater.
- Add half a cup of olive or coconut oil to the salt water. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oils.
- Apply this solution to your skin and scrub gently in a circular motion.
- Wash your face with cool or lukewarm water.
3. Comforting Salt Bath
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Using salt water to take a bath is comforting. Salt water removes excess oil from the skin, dirt, toxins, and dead skin cells from all over the body. Taking a salt water bath can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a tiring day. Just add 2-3 cups of sea salt to a bathtub of water and step in for a relaxing experience.
4. Facial Toner
Toner is an integral part of your daily skin routine. The main goal of the toner is to remove any excess oil from the skin, unclog the pores, and tighten them. You can prepare your own salt water-based facial toner at home:
- Mix one tablespoon of sea salt in one cup of warm water.
- Add a pinch of Epsom salt and dissolve both the salts.
- Pour this solution into a bottle with a nozzle spray.
Spray this toner on your face before applying makeup. Wipe the excess away with a clean cotton pad.
5. De-Puffer For Eyes
Your eyes can speak volumes about your mood and health. Unfortunately, puffy eyes and dark circles can add to your existing skin woes. Salt water is claimed to de-puff your eyes with its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Add one teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Mix the solution till the salt dissolves.
- Soak two cotton balls in this solution and lay them on your eyes for a few minutes. This is sure to soothe your eyes and reduce the inflammation around them.
Stylecraze Says You can make a body scrub for rejuvenated skin. Mix ½ cup salt, ¼ cup water, ¼ cup aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp dried lavender and 10 drops of lavender essential oil into a paste. Use it in your next home spa session.
Wondering if there are any side effects of using salt water on the skin? Find out in the next section.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Salt Water On Skin?
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As with any other substance, using salt water on the skin has some adverse effects. Though salt water is beneficial for those with dry skin, it can also dry out the skin further. Therefore, it is important that they follow it up with a hydrating product to prevent the skin from drying out excessively.
If you wish to take a dip in the sea for its skin benefits, it is essential to use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Salt water can be very abrasive on your skin. Therefore, make sure you wash it off thoroughly and always use a moisturizer after swimming in the sea or taking a salt water bath.
Infographic: Things To Keep In Mind While Using Salt Water
The many benefits of salt water application on the skin might tempt you to try it more frequently. However, there are certain things you need to be aware of before including salt water in your wellness regimen. Click on the infographic below to know the details.
Salt water offers multiple health benefits for not just your body but your skin as well. Anecdotal evidence suggests that regularly using saltwater for your skin may reduce acne breakouts and heal wounds, blemishes, and a host of skin conditions like eczema. Salt water is easy to prepare at home and can be used as a toner, anti-inflammatory mask, or exfoliating scrub as per your needs. Do remember to moisturize properly after using saltwater every time to avoid dryness and reap the benefits of using saltwater.
