Skincare hacks often go viral on TikTok, and the latest trend nearly broke the internet. Earlier this year, a TikTok user's video showcasing a DIY sea salt spray as a solution for acne amassed over 4 million views. The idea that clear skin could be achieved with just sea salt and water sounds tempting—but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. While sea salt may offer some skin benefits, it's far from the miracle acne cure it's been hyped up to be.
Type of Ingredient: A salt rich in naturally occurring minerals.
Main Benefits: While often touted for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, scientific evidence supporting these claims—especially for acne-specific benefits—is limited. However, it serves as a natural exfoliant when used correctly.
Who Should Use It: It's suitable for those with dull, rough, or dry skin. It may offer some benefit for individuals with oily skin and occasional blemishes, provided it’s used appropriately.
How Often Can You Use It: Usage frequency depends on your skin type and the method of application, but it can generally be used daily or a few times per week.
Works Well With: Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and soothing, anti-inflammatory agents such as niacinamide.
Avoid Using With: Retinoids, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid, as combining these can excessively dry out the skin.
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What Is Sea Salt?
Sea salt is derived from seawater and contains naturally occurring minerals like sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. While it’s widely used in cooking, seasoning, and food preservation, it also features in bath products and skincare. Not to be confused with iodized or table salt, sea salt has unique properties that set it apart.
Benefits of Sea Salt for Skin
Let’s start with an important disclaimer: Scientific evidence supporting sea salt's skin benefits is limited. There are no studies specifically examining its efficacy for acne treatment. Still, anecdotal claims suggest it might offer some advantages:
Natural Exfoliant: Sea salt’s texture makes it an effective physical exfoliant, which is why it's a popular ingredient in scrubs. Its use in managing psoriasis, as a small study published in the International Journal of Dermatology showing that bathing in magnesium-rich Dead Sea salts improved skin roughness, redness, and hydration in eczema patients. However, this refers to bathing, not scrubbing.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The high mineral content may contribute to its potential anti-inflammatory effects, though this remains anecdotal.
Oil Absorption: Sea salt absorbs excess oil, a factor in acne formation. Its potential antibacterial effects might also be helpful for acne-prone skin.
That said, the myth that sea salt balances skin pH is false, explaining that its alkaline pH (about 8) doesn’t support this claim.
Side Effects of Sea Salt
Dryness and irritation are the most common side effects, which can worsen inflammation or blemishes. Over-exfoliating, particularly by rubbing sea salt aggressively, can lead to irritation, micro-tears, and over-dryness.
How to Use Sea Salt Safely
Skip DIY Recipes: We advise against DIY skincare and recommends choosing products formulated with additional soothing ingredients.
For Acne-Prone Skin: Try a sea salt-infused face mist, used once daily. Avoid using sea salt as an exfoliant, especially on acne-prone areas. Remember, inflammatory or cystic acne requires more intensive treatment.
For Dry or Rough Skin: Sea salt scrubs can be effective for body exfoliation, but choose over-the-counter options with hydrating ingredients to prevent overdrying. Avoid using these on your face, as the skin is more delicate.
Bath Soaks: We suggest using sea salt-based bath soaks for breakouts on the body (like the back or chest) to avoid the abrasive effects of physical scrubs.
The key is to use sea salt thoughtfully and sparingly, tailored to your specific skin needs and concerns.
Recommended products
Osea Sea Mineral Mist is a great choice for those with oily or blemish-prone skin, offering the benefits of sea salt in a gentle, non-abrasive mist. It’s versatile enough to be used as a primer before applying moisturizer in the morning or layered under non-irritating skincare products at night. A little goes a long way—just a light spritz is enough to refresh and enhance your routine without causing irritation.
If you’re considering sea salt as an exfoliating ingredient, opt for a hydrating scrub like Goop G Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub. It features a blend of two types of sea salt along with three additional salts, complemented by a trio of moisturizing oils. For best results, use a small amount two to three times per week, and be sure to follow up with a lotion to keep your skin hydrated.
Saje Sleep well Restful Bath Soak combines sea salt and Epsom salts as its base, making it an ideal addition to your pre-bedtime bath. Infused with soothing valerian root, chamomile, and lavender, it helps you relax while allowing your skin to benefit from the nourishing properties of the salts.
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II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II
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