Saltwater may benefit the skin, although there is little scientific evidence to support its use in skin care.
Seawater may contain beneficial nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc, and have antibacterial properties. Soaking in mineral salt water may help relieve some skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
Epsom salts are also high in magnesium, although it is unclear how much of this the skin absorbs.
Benefits of saltwater for skin
Helping treat eczema: According to a 2016 review, water from deep in the sea may benefit certain skin conditions, such as eczema.
The review defines deep sea water as coming from a depth of more than 200 meters (m). Water from this depth may have greater benefits than other types of water due to its purity and high nutrient content.
People with atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) may have mineral imbalances that include some toxic materials, such as mercury or lead. Deep sea water may help to restore the balance of essential minerals and reduce toxic minerals. Deep sea water does not get much light from the sun and contains little to no bacteria and less plant plankton, which means it retains many nutrients.
The same research found that treating people who had AEDS with deep seawater helped improve symptoms.
Reduce allergic skin reactions: Research has found that deep sea water may help reduce allergic responses in the skin. Deep sea water reduced antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) that cause an allergic reaction. People should note that manufacturers remove salt to make it safe for consumption. This means that other properties in seawater are responsible for these benefits rather than salt.
May help treat psoriasis: Balneotherapy is a therapy that aims to treat certain medical conditions by bathing in thermal mineral waters. Balneotherapy includes bathing in natural saltwater sites such as the Dead Sea or adding sea salts to a bath. Balneotherapy may help treat plaque psoriasis and provide benefits for people with psoriatic arthritis.
Exfoliates the skin: Saltwater may work as a mechanical exfoliant on the skin. Exfoliating the skin removes dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. This may help prevent a buildup of dead skin cells, which can cause some types of acne. If people have blackheads, it is best they avoid scrubbing the skin. Salt scrubs may not be suitable for every skin type or more delicate areas of skin, such as the face. If people are unsure about using a salt scrub, they can talk with a dermatologist.
May increase magnesium levels: Magnesium is an essential mineral for overall health. Magnesium may also help to benefit the skin, as it supports cell function and cell repair and helps activate vitamin D. Some reports indicate that topical magnesium may help to relieve inflammatory skin conditions.
Should you use saltwater as part of a skin care routine?
There is little scientific research about incorporating saltwater into a skin care routine. If people are unsure whether saltwater will benefit their skin, they can consult with a dermatologist.
Anecdotal evidence suggests the following methods for using saltwater in skin care:
- start by using saltwater 1-2 times a week to see how the skin reacts
- if saltwater dries out or irritates the skin, discontinue use
- choose sea salt over table salt, as it may contain beneficial trace minerals
- use fine salt granules instead of coarse salt
- to apply to the face, try applying a small amount of saltwater onto a cotton pad and wipe the face with it
- avoid scrubbing the face
To make a saltwater solution, try the following:
- boil two cups of water
- add 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- allow the mixture to cool
- store at room temperature and use as necessary
Alternatively, people can look for skin care products that contain sea salt.
If using salt as an exfoliating scrub, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends the following precautions:
- Take care with or avoid exfoliating if using other products that can make the skin more sensitive, such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide products.
- Mechanical exfoliation may irritate dry, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.
- In some cases, mechanical exfoliation may cause dark spots on the skin in dark skin tones.
- Apply a scrub gently to the skin, using small, circular motions for around 30 seconds, before gently washing off with lukewarm water.
- Avoid exfoliating on sunburnt or broken skin.
- Apply a moisturizer after exfoliating.
- Avoid over-exfoliating and stop if there is any irritation.
Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-salt-water-good-for-your-skin?
How to safely exfoliate at home. (n.d.).
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
How to treat different types of acne. (n.d.).
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/types-breakouts
Nani, S. Z., et al. (2016). Potential health benefits of deep sea water: A review.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2016/6520475/
Gröber, U., et al. (2017). Myth or reality — transdermal magnesium?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579607/
