Have you ever returned from a beach vacation with your skin looking radiant and soft? If so, you might have wondered if it’s possible to recreate this effect at home.
Washing your face with salt water has been a popular social media skincare trend for years. Fans of the practice claim that washing your face with salt water can clear up acne and give you a fresh, beachy glow. But is this method safe for your skin?
Here’s what you need to know.
Salt’s Skincare Benefits
Salt has been a key part of skincare for thousands of years, evolving from ancient medical practices to modern beauty routines. Hippocrates, known as the “father of medicine,” pioneered thalassotherapy — the use of seawater to heal skin issues, boost circulation, and “detoxify” the body. Salt has been valued across civilizations — from Ancient Egypt to Medieval Europe — for its ability to exfoliate, disinfect, and soothe skin conditions. It also provides mineral nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and potassium that help balance, soften, and hydrate the skin. Due to its natural antibacterial properties, salt can help reduce bacteria that cause acne.
Like many skincare trends, salt water is regaining popularity thanks to social media. Many people who have used salt water to cleanse their skin say it helps reduce oil, brightens their skin, and clears up acne. However, this trend may not be suitable for everyone, and there are potential side effects to be mindful of.
Salt’s Skincare Risks
While salt water may offer some benefits, scientific evidence supporting its use in skincare is limited. Salt water won’t work for all skin types and should be used with caution. Some dermatologists suggest avoiding this trend altogether. Salt water may work for those with oily or acne-prone skin; however, it should not be used as the sole treatment for acne. Salt water can easily dry out skin and cause damage due to its abrasiveness.
Although salt water can help balance and reduce oil production, it should be used on a very limited basis (one to two times per week). When used too often, in high concentrations, or on the wrong skin type, it can do more harm than good:
Dryness and Tightness: Salt is very dehydrating. It draws water from the skin, which is why your skin may feel tight, stripped, or rough after repeated use. People often mistake the initial tightening for “clean skin,” but it’s actually a sign of lost moisture. This dehydration can worsen flakiness, cause dry patches, emphasize fine lines, and create a dull, tired appearance on the skin.
Irritation or Redness: Sensitive or reactive skin can quickly flare up when exposed to salt water. This may manifest as burning, stinging, itchiness, and red patches. Salt particles, particularly if undissolved, can act like abrasive physical scrubs, exacerbating irritation.
Skin Barrier Disruption: Your skin barrier is made of lipids, proteins, and ceramides that keep moisture in and irritants out. Salt water can strip away these protective components, leading to heightened sensitivity and increased breakouts. It can also worsen pre-existing concerns, such as eczema and rosacea.
Increased Hyperpigmentation: When your skin barrier is compromised, your skin becomes more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Salt-induced irritation can result in dark patches, uneven tone, persistent marks after breakouts, and discoloration in deeper skin tones. Using salt water to cleanse or tone your skin may also make it more sensitive to sunlight.
Final Thoughts
For some, the occasional salt water cleanse can be beneficial. Salt water gently exfoliates and may be especially useful for those with oily or acne-prone skin. However, it’s important to avoid using salt water too often, as it can dry out your skin and possibly make skin problems worse. If you’re interested in the benefits of salt water for your skin, I suggest using properly formulated products instead of DIYing your own salt water cleanser or toner (look into ocean-based brands like Earth Harbor or Osea). As always, consult with a dermatologist who can provide personalized advice.