One of the most underrated ingredients you can use for your skin, salt water offers a host of benefits. Salt water, or ocean water, is known for its healing properties. You may have noticed a difference in your skin texture after a dip in the ocean. This is because of the various nutrients that salt water contains.
If you’ve been looking for answers to “is salt water good for your skin?”, your search ends here. Keep reading to discover the various benefits of using salt water.
Is Salt water Good For Your Skin?
Yes. Salt water is an unexpected skin healer and has a lot of other benefits to offer your skin. It contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and potassium that are proven to be effective in addressing varying skin conditions. Salt water also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties as well as beneficial amino acids.
5 Benefits of Salt Water for Your Skin
#1. To Relieve Skin Conditions
Salt water is rich in nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, selenium, sulfur, and zinc that have been proven to help improve various skin conditions. These minerals effectively fight acne-causing bacteria, heal skin infections, and can help alleviate skin conditions like psoriasis, inflammation, allergic reactions, and eczema.
Salt water is also better suited for those with oily skin as it helps reduce excess oil that can clog pores and result in acne and other skin problems.
For those suffering from eczema, incorporating salt water in your skincare routine can ease the itching and skin flare-ups thanks to magnesium’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
#2. To Heal Blemishes
Salt water has rejuvenating properties that can help with faster skin cell turnover, revealing brighter, softer, smoother skin. It can thus also help heal blemishes and spots to a certain extent.
It can also balance the skin’s pH, which can help prevent future breakouts.
#3. To Eliminate Acne
Salt water is antibacterial and can draw out dirt, impurities, and toxins from the skin. Its calcium and potassium content can dry out the acne-causing bacteria without causing excessive skin dryness. When used as a gentle cleanser, it may provide long-term skin benefits like vibrant skin and reduced breakouts.
#4. To Heal Wounds
The thought of applying salt on a wound can make anyone cringe, but salt water can actually accelerate the wound-healing process. Thanks to its excellent absorption capabilities, salt functions as a natural detoxifier. Salt water draws out the bacteria and toxins from a wound through a process called osmosis, effectively dehydrating the damaged cells and helping cleanse the skin and heal wounds or skin abrasions.
#5. Excellent Facial Toner
For people with excessively oily skin, salt water can be your best friend. Salt water has pH balancing properties and can help balance the oil and water content of your skin. Consistent use can help promote refreshed and smoother skin.
How to Use Salt Water for Skin
You can use salt water for several purposes.
Just make sure you’re using sterile salt water and not salt water directly from the ocean as ocean water can contain a lot of other bacteria you don’t want on your skin.
#1. As Cleanser, Toner, Facial Mist
Salt is a powerful ingredient that can help balance your skin’s pH. Wash your skin with salt water and watch your skin become brighter and softer by the day. Salt water can also help balance your skin’s oil production and reduce breakouts and acne.
You can also use a mixture of one teaspoon of sea salt or non-iodized salt with four cups of lukewarm water as a facial toner or mist. You can use this solution twice a day but not more than that. Make sure you don’t get the solution in your eyes. Remember, this is particularly good for those with oily skin; dry-skinned beauties should stay away.
#2. As a Body Scrub
Exfoliating your skin regularly can breathe new life into it. For an all-natural body scrub, combine a quarter-cup of salt with ½ cup of olive or coconut oil. Add a few drops of any essential oil of your choice. Mix and slather on. Scrub using a loofah or your hands to give yourself a rejuvenating massage.
#3. As a Balancing Mask
Salt water can rid your skin of impurities and bacteria, making it an excellent face mask. Just combine two teaspoons of finely ground sea salt with four teaspoons of honey (preferably raw). Apply this smooth paste on clean skin, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and wash off with lukewarm water.
#4. As a Salt Bath
One of the best ways to get all the benefits of salt water is from a salt bath. A salt bath can be very therapeutic while also effectively cleansing your skin of toxins, dirt, and grime.
The salt’s natural minerals can help rejuvenate your skin’s protective barrier and keep your skin moisturized and hydrated.
Add 1/3 cup of salt to tepid bath water and allow it to be completely dissolved. You can soak in this water solution for half an hour.
Side Effects of Salt Water on Skin
As with anything, overexposing your skin to salt water is not good, especially if you have dry skin. It can be irritating and can even dehydrate your skin further. If you are planning to use salt water in your skincare, make sure you use it in moderation. If you notice any redness or irritation, stop using it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Salt Water Cause Disease?
A bacteria called vibrio is commonly found in salt water, but it only poses a threat if you expose an open wound to ocean water or consume raw/uncooked fish.
2. Is Salt Water Good for Spot Removal?
Salt water can help fight off bacteria that may be causing acne. However, using salt water alone may not help if the skin condition is chronic.
