Acne is a common skin problem that affects many people. One natural remedy that’s getting attention is salt water. Some believe it can reduce pimples and calm inflamed skin, thanks to its natural cleansing properties. But does salt water help acne? Take a look at its possible benefits and downsides, how it works, and tips for using it safely.
What Does Salt Water Do to Your Skin?
Saltwater, especially from the ocean, is known to be good for your skin. It contains sodium chloride and minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which can affect your skin in different ways:
Fights Bacteria
Salt contains natural antibacterial qualities that can help treat acne-causing germs. When you use saltwater on your skin, it can reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria, making your skin clearer. This is why many people notice fewer breakouts after swimming in the ocean, where the saltwater helps kill off harmful bacteria.
Exfoliates
Salt is a natural exfoliator, which means it helps to exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Salt prevents clogged pores, which can contribute to breakouts, by removing these dead cells. Exfoliating with salt can leave your skin feeling smoother, brighter, and fresher, while also reducing the chance of new pimples forming.
Reduces Oil
Saltwater has a drying effect on the skin, which can be especially helpful for those with oily skin. Excess oil is often a culprit in causing acne, as it can mix with dirt and bacteria to clog pores. By using saltwater, you can lower the oil on your skin’s surface, reducing the chances of breakouts and leaving your skin less greasy.
Soothes Irritation
Saltwater is also known for its soothing properties. It helps calm irritated and inflamed skin by reducing redness and swelling. If your skin is inflamed from acne, sunburn, or other conditions, saltwater can provide relief by soothing irritation and promoting healing. It’s a gentle way to restore balance to your skin without harsh chemicals.
Treats Eczema
A 2016 review found that deep sea water, rich in nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and zinc, may help treat eczema. Coming from over 200 meters deep, it has fewer bacteria and plankton. The review showed it improved symptoms of atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome (AEDS), including inflammation, cracking, swelling, dryness, and itching.
Does Salt Water Help Acne?
Yes, salt water can help reduce acne for some people. Here’s how it works:
- Helps control oil production by balancing oil levels, which prevents clogged pores.
- Cleanses thoroughly, removing dirt, sweat, and bacteria from your skin to keep it fresh.
- The minerals in sea salt, such as magnesium and calcium, speed up healing by promoting faster recovery of blemishes. Some reports suggest that applying magnesium to the skin may help reduce inflammation.
- It balances your skin’s pH, which can reduce breakouts.
Additionally, ocean water can clear acne for some people, as it provides natural exfoliation through the salt and waves, helping to remove dead skin cells. Moderate sun exposure can also reduce inflammation, which may temporarily improve acne.
However, too much sun can cause sunburn and increase the likelihood of skin damage. While ocean water may offer short-term benefits, it is not a reliable treatment for acne on its own.
The Risks of Using Salt Water for Acne
Salt water does have some benefits, but there are also risks to using it as an acne treatment:
- Frequent use of salt water can irritate your skin and damage its protective barrier. This can exacerbate acne, particularly in people with sensitive or dry skin.
- While it may reduce oil at first, too much salt water can strip your skin of moisture. When this happens, your skin might produce even more oil to compensate, which could lead to more breakouts.
- Not all ocean water is clean. Swimming in polluted water can expose your skin to harmful bacteria and irritants that might worsen acne.
Take note, using salt water on your face daily is not recommended. While it might offer short-term relief, it can cause redness and irritation, damage the skin barrier, and even lead to more acne due to increased oil production. It’s best to use salt water occasionally and combine it with skincare products specifically made for treating acne.
Washing Your Face with Salt Water for Acne
There isn’t much scientific research on using saltwater in skin care. If you’re unsure, it’s best to talk to a dermatologist first.
Here are some tips for using saltwater:
- Start by using saltwater 1-2 times a week and see how your skin reacts.
- If it dries out or irritates your skin, stop using it.
- Choose sea salt over table salt, as it may have more beneficial minerals.
- Use fine salt granules instead of coarse salt.
- For your face, apply a small amount of saltwater with a cotton pad, but don’t scrub.
To make your own saltwater solution:
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add one teaspoon of sea salt.
- Let the mixture cool.
- Keep it at room temperature and use as needed.
Alternatively, you can find skin care products that already contain sea salt.
If you want to use salt as an exfoliant, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following precautions:
- Avoid exfoliating if using products like retinol or benzoyl peroxide, which can make your skin sensitive.
- You should gently exfoliate your skin, especially if it is dry, prone to acne, or sensitive.
- Gently exfoliate in small, circular strokes for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Don’t exfoliate on sunburned or broken skin.
- Always apply moisturizer after exfoliating.
- Do not overexfoliate, and stop if your skin becomes inflamed.
Saltwater Can Reduce Acne, But It Has Risk
Saltwater can be helpful for acne, but it’s important to use it carefully. While it can reduce oil, exfoliate, and soothe irritation, too much can dry out or irritate your skin. The key takeaway is that clear skin isn’t about relying on one treatment, but about finding a balance and using products that suit your skin’s needs.