“Ocean water contains high levels of salt, which has a drying and exfoliating effect on the skin. There are anecdotal reports of ocean water clearing up skin conditions like acne. The salt helps remove excess oil from the skin to dry out pimples,” Dr. Zeichner confirms to Teen Vogue.
This is because beach water contains high levels of salt, which, according to Ware (2020), has both ``a drying and exfoliating effect on the skin''. In other words, the high concentration of salt in the water assists in the removal of excess oil from the skin and dries out any pustules.
Because salt water has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it can help soothe and calm inflamed skin. Swimming in salt water can also help to remove dead skin cells, improving the skin's appearance and temporarily relieving itchiness.
Sunlight rays
Ultraviolet light is the sunlight ray that is emitted from the sun. Ultraviolet light has the ability to provide positive effects on skin, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
“Moderate sun exposure can have positive effects on the skin, such as increased vitamin D synthesis. Additionally, being on vacation often means less stress and more relaxation, which can have a healthy impact on our overall wellbeing and, consequently, our skin's appearance.”
You might have heard people with conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis say sunshine improves their symptoms. There is believed to be some science behind this. In fact, there's a number of theories as to why sun exposure might help some skin conditions.
“Ocean water contains high levels of salt, which has a drying and exfoliating effect on the skin. There are anecdotal reports of ocean water clearing up skin conditions like acne. The salt helps remove excess oil from the skin to dry out pimples,” Dr. Zeichner confirms to Teen Vogue.
Jennifer Holman, a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler in Texas. “However, anecdotally, I have a lot of folks with inflammatory skin conditions, acne and things like that, that do see some improvement when they take trips to the beach and spend time in the ocean,” Holman said.
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.
That's right – taking a dip in the sea is actually good for your skin. One of the most common benefits of salt water on skin is exfoliation. A swim in the ocean allows the salt to scrub away dead skin cells and open the pores. There aren't many all over natural ways of exfoliating, so lap it up.
Salt, bacteria and microplastics
A thorough rinse with fresh water after a surf is essential to wash away this corrosive residue.
Salt water acts as a natural shampoo, stripping the hair of excessive oils and sebum, allowing you to enjoy non-greasy hair for longer.
The beach has natural reflectors with the light-colored sand and water, so you'll get extra exposure just by being there, so don't pick mid-day to start with. Sitting under an umbrella may protect you from the direct mid-day rays, but remember those rays are reflecting and bouncing off surfaces around you.
A breath of fresh sea air
Not only do they accelerate your ability to absorb oxygen, but they also naturally increase your levels of serotonin, the key hormone that stabilises your mood, feelings of wellbeing, and happiness.
Ocean water quality is often poor in areas where there is less ocean circulation, or for several days after heavy rain storms. Regardless of known outside factors, the public should check quality levels before entering the water.
Healthy minerals: There are numerous minerals present in the sea, from calcium to magnesium, which can have a potentially nourishing effect on the skin. Oil remover: The drying effect of saltwater can reduce oil in the short term, which may initially help the appearance of acne.
In fact, dermatology providers caution that the high salt content of salt water may actually be drying and potentially irritating to your skin, possibly making your pimples worse instead of better. So, while a dip in the ocean might feel refreshing, using salt water for acne may not be the best solution.
Experts tend to agree that sun exposure may initially improve the appearance of acne by drying out sebum. Plus, when your skin is tanned, pimples and acne marks may look less noticeable. But these effects are short lived. In fact, the drying effect of sun exposure can ultimately make acne worse.
Salt water also draws excess oil from the skin, which will dry up troublesome pimples for a clearer, healthier-looking complexion. Combine this with the benefits of the sun's rays for acne-prone skin and you can be sure that a summertime trip to the beach is a wonderful acne treatment!
US Dermatology Partners notes that swimming in the ocean can help exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation, which can improve side effects of skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
When the sun hits your skin, your brain is triggered to release a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting your mood and helping you feel calm and focused.
Some people find that spending time in the sun during the summer months also helps to improve their skin. This may be because the anti-inflammatory effects of UV light help to reduce swelling and redness.
Anti-inflammatory UV light. Surprisingly, ultraviolet light (the type emitted by the sun) can have a positive effect on the skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. “Some people find that the vitamin D from the sun during the summer can help to clear acne.