Is Sea Water Good for Your Skin?

Have you ever noticed your skin glowing after a quick dip in the ocean? If so, it’s not just your imagination! Sea water has been known throughout history as a natural skin remedy – but is this actually true?

Here in the UK, the coastline ranges from rocky to sandy, so are there any hidden downsides you should be aware of? Keep reading to learn the answer to this question, plus whether or not sea water is good for your skin, how it can help your skin, and how to use it safely for skincare.

Also known as ocean water, sea water is composed of sodium chloride (also known as salt), plus minerals and trace elements, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iodine. Due to its high saline content, it also possesses natural antibacterial properties.

When you combine all of these factors, sea water can support several different elements of skin health, including hydration, healing, and exfoliation.

Check out the ways that sea water can help your skin below!

In addition, the minerals in sea water may help even out impurities and toxins, leaving your skin refreshed and cleaner.

Salt acts as a natural and gentle exfoliant, so when you swim in the sea or splash your face with saltwater, it can help remove dead skin cells. As a result, it can unclog pores and lead to skin that feels smoother.

Saltwater has antiseptic properties, which can help kill bacteria that cause acne. If you experience oily or acne-prone skin , this is an excellent alternative to chemical treatments.

If you want to reduce inflammation, balance oil production, or promote healing, the magnesium in sea water is a huge help!

According to some UK dermatologists and skin therapists, sea water can relieve and soothe symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Due to its high mineral content, seawater helps alleviate itchiness and inflammation, but the results can vary depending on the individual.

Believe it or not, some elements in seawater help the skin retain moisture. Not to mention, the magnesium content can help improve skin barrier function, especially when followed by moisturising.

Several UK-based skincare brands now incorporate sea salt or other marine minerals into their formulas, leveraging the positive benefits of ocean-derived ingredients .

Sea water has several benefits, but if you use it excessively or incorrectly, you may experience some side effects, listed below.

If you have sensitive skin, saltwater can be drying – especially if you stay in the ocean for too long or fail to rinse off after swimming.

Not every beach in the UK has clean water. Sewage discharge and industrial pollutants contaminate some waters, and this can obviously do more harm than good for your skin.

Be sure to check the water quality reports from Surfers Against Sewage or the Environment Agency before hopping in! For drinking water safety, it is highly recommended to invest in a reverse osmosis water filter in your house.

Sea water is not a replacement for medical treatment! If you have a chronic skin condition, be sure to speak with your GP or a dermatologist before relying solely on sea water as a remedy.

Follow the tips below to enjoy sea water’s healing properties while also minimising the risks!

Only swim in UK beaches that have excellent water quality, including Porthcurno in Cornwall, Rhossili Bay in Wales, or Portstewart Strand in Northern Ireland. The UK Government’s bathing water quality map is a great way to find beaches with high ratings.

Just 10 or 15 minutes in ocean water is generally enough to reap the benefits. Rinse off with fresh water after swimming to prevent the salt from making your skin dry.

Lock in moisture by using a hydrating lotion or serum after exposure to the sea. Find products that have aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides – these can help rebuild the skin’s natural barrier.

In some cases, listed below, you should avoid sea water on your skin altogether:

• If you have open wounds or cuts, salt can sting and slow down the healing process.
• If you’re sunburned, salt water can increase dryness and irritation.
• Experiencing an eczema or rosacea flare-up? Sea water might worsen inflammation.

Looking for similar benefits of sea water without actually getting in the ocean? Consider the following:

• Sea salt-based skincare products

You can find many UK skincare brands that now sell serums, masks, and scrubs that contain marine minerals.

• Thermal water sprays

These are safe for sensitive skin and rich in minerals.

• Dead sea salt baths

Due to their high magnesium content, these are ideal for soothing the skin at home.

The short answer is yes – but with some caution. You’ll likely experience genuine skin benefits due to its natural mineral content, antibacterial effects , and exfoliating properties. On the other hand, be cautious when it comes to water quality and overexposure.

You probably don’t want to do this every day with sea water, but occasionally using sea water to wash your face can help exfoliate and balance oil levels. Be sure to rinse with fresh water afterwards, then apply a moisturiser.

Sea water is not a permanent cure for acne, but it can help reduce acne breakouts from the natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. See a dermatologist for severe acne.

Sea water does not impact your skin tone, but sun exposure at the beach can lead to tanning or spots. Use sunscreen while spending time outside to protect your skin!

Yes! You can create sea salt soaks or sprays to replicate some of the benefits of ocean water. Just be sure to use pure sea salt, not iodised table salt, and thoroughly moisturise afterwards.