Does Salt Water Help Acne?

From homemade mud masks to must-have serums, there’s never a shortage of the latest sensation in the skincare world. And when you’re prone to all types of acne, you’re usually willing to try just about anything to improve your complexion in hopes of healthier, more radiant skin.

Enter salt water, the newest skincare phenomenon that you can find almost anywhere, whether you’re spending the afternoon at the beach or rustling up your own mixture at home. But when it comes down to it, there’s one question on everyone’s mind—does salt water help acne?

It depends on several factors, like your skin type and the kind of salt water you’re using. Today, we’re diving into the waters to discuss whether salt water helps acne-prone skin and sharing tips for incorporating a DIY blend into your weekly skincare routine

Types of Salt Water

To understand whether salt water helps acne, you have to first understand the different types of salt water available to you:

• Ocean water – The ocean isn’t exactly keeping it a secret—sea water is very salty, containing approximately two teaspoons for every single cup of water [1]. But sea salt isn’t like your average table salt. It’s made of minerals including: chloride, sodium, sulfate, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. [2]:
• DIY salt water – If you’re not right around the corner from the nearest beach, don’t fret. You can easily make your own mixture of salt and water at home. There are two types of salt to choose from: sea salt and table salt. Sea salt undergoes minimal processing and contains more minerals [3]. In contrast, table salt comes from salt mines, and processing eliminates any trace of minerals from it [4].

Cleansing with Salt Water: Does It Help?

While more research is needed to prove the effectiveness of salt water on acne-prone skin, sea water contains a multitude of the minerals mentioned above, and these minerals may contain beneficial properties for acne, such as:

• Antibacterial properties that help diminish some acne-causing bacteria [5]
• Natural exfoliating properties to remove dead skin cells from the epidermis [6]

Additionally, the origin of your seawater will determine the amount of minerals it’ll have. For instance, seawater found far below the ocean’s surface contains a higher concentration of nutrients. That’s because it’s harder for the sun’s rays to penetrate that deeply, leaving the nutrients intact [7]. 

While you probably won’t find yourself diving that deep into the water’s depths anytime soon, your skin can still soak in some of these helpful minerals when swimming in ocean water near the shore.

However, some people may find salt water irritating to their skin. Since salt or sodium chloride has the ability to absorb water from its surroundings, it may be too drying for certain skin types, including those prone to acne breakouts [8].

If you decide to add saltwater to your weekly regimen, it’s important to use a daily moisturizer with SPF, at least SPF 30, each morning. It’ll help keep your skin barrier hydrated and protect your face from the sun’s UV rays. 

In addition, be sure to incorporate a night cream. Keeping your skin moisturized overnight can help your body from producing too much sebum (a natural oil). If your pores become blocked with excess sebum, you may experience more acne blemishes [9]. 

Tips for Using a Salt Water Rinse at Home

While salt water may not be a treatment for an acne breakout on its own, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it alongside your other skincare products. 

Here are some tips to help you make the most of a DIY salt water solution:

• Opt for sea salt when mixing your blend. It has more traces of minerals, which could make it gentler on your sensitive skin.
• Let the mixture completely cool before applying it to your face to avoid irritation or burns.
• Apply the mixture to a cotton ball or cotton pad, and gently rub it onto your face.
• Use the rinse once or twice a week to avoid overdrying your skin.
• Monitor your skin for any signs of irritation, and stop using the solution if you notice sudden redness, itching, or peeling.

Say Goodbye to Acne with PROVEN

Finding an effective acne treatment can feel nearly impossible. With seemingly infinite options to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?

At PROVEN, we understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to skin concerns, and that’s why we don’t offer endless products to choose from. Instead, we take the guesswork out of the equation by creating a personalized three-step skincare routine with your skin in mind. After you complete a quick skin quiz, we’ll formulate a facial cleanser, moisturizer, and night cream that contain the exact ingredients you need to address your specific skin concerns, keeping your unique skin type in mind.

Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Make it simple by taking our skin quiz to find your PROVEN formulation today.