Is Seawater Good for Your Skin? Here’s What Happened When I Tried It

I’ll admit it: I used to think seawater was just something I had to rinse off after a beach day. But after hearing all the hype about how amazing it is for your skin, I decided to look into the science—and try it out for myself. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot more to the ocean than just sand and waves.

The Skin-Deep Benefits of Saltwater

Healthy skin is more than just a good moisturizer and SPF. It starts with the skin barrier—the outermost layer that protects against damage and moisture loss.¹ And believe it or not, seawater can help fortify that barrier. Packed with minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium,² it nourishes the skin while also calming inflammation.

I have acne-prone skin, so I was especially curious about seawater’s effects. After a few dips in the ocean (and skipping my usual face wash), I noticed fewer breakouts and a smoother texture. That salty tingle actually helped dry out active pimples—without stripping my skin.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Koffeure Salon (@koffeure)

What’s in the Water?

Seawater isn’t just salt—it’s a cocktail of trace elements that can promote healthy skin cell function. Magnesium can help with hydration and reduce inflammation,³ and sulfur (yes, it smells) has antibacterial properties.⁴ Together, they can balance your skin’s pH, fend off infections, and even help with eczema and psoriasis.

And here’s something I didn’t expect: after a week of swimming in the ocean, my skin glowed. The increased circulation from swimming and the gentle exfoliating effects of the salt left it looking fresh and radiant.

Take a look at how it worked miracles for this Reddit user as well.

[Skin Concern] The ocean always seems to do miracles for my skin, how do I simulate those conditions when I’m away from the ocean?
by inSkincareAddiction

Seawater and Your Immune System

The skin is part of your immune system—it’s your first line of defense. Seawater may help support that system by creating a healthy environment on your skin’s surface. The minerals in seawater promote the growth of beneficial microbes that act as natural protectors.

When you’re immersed in cold seawater, it can also give your immune system a little kick. I felt more energized and resilient after morning dips—even when the water was cold!

Cold Water + Skin = Natural Therapy

And speaking of cold water, there’s a trend around cold water therapy. Jumping into cold ocean waves might seem extreme, but it turns out it can boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and activate brown fat (which is good for metabolism and overall health).⁵ Plus, there’s nothing like a cold swim to clear your head and shake off stress.

After my first cold water swim, I felt more alert and even a little euphoric. That’s thanks to a rush of endorphins that cold water can trigger.

Bonus: less stress means fewer stress-induced breakouts.

i would highly recommend giving sea water a chance.
byu/Dazzling-Anywhere-13 ineczema

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

As much as I’ve come to love the ocean for my skin, there are a few precautions to take. First, not all seawater is created equal. Polluted beaches can harbor bacteria that can irritate your skin or cause infections,⁶ especially if you have open cuts or sensitive areas.

Also, saltwater can be drying if you’re in it too long. I always make sure to rinse off with fresh water after a swim and apply a good moisturizer. And of course, never forget sunscreen. Sun and salt can be a harsh combo if you’re not careful.

Final Thoughts

So, is seawater good for your skin? In my experience absolutely—when used mindfully. Whether you’re looking to calm acne, improve skin texture, or just feel more alive, the ocean might have more to offer than you think. Just remember to listen to your skin, moisturize after, and enjoy the refreshing benefits of nature’s biggest spa.

Would I recommend it? 100%. Just bring your towel, your SPF, and an open mind. Your skin—and your mood—might thank you.

References

1. [Online]. Cloudflare. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/skin-barrier-what-to-know (Accessed: 2 August 2025). ↩︎
2. B. Sissons, (2022). Is saltwater good for your skin? Benefits, tips, and more [Online]. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-salt-water-good-for-your-skin (Accessed: 2 August 2025). ↩︎
3. R. Ajmera, (2018). What Are the Health Benefits of Magnesium? [Online]. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-benefits (Accessed: 2 August 2025). ↩︎
4. K. Nicol, (2004). The use of sulfur in dermatology [Online]. PubMed. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15303787/ (Accessed: 2 August 2025). ↩︎
5. Cold and Exercise: Therapeutic Tools to Activate Brown Adipose Tissue and Combat Obesity [Online]. PMC . Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6466122/ (Accessed: 2 August 2025). ↩︎
6. (2022). Health risks which may be encountered on beaches [Online]. Marinet. Available at: https://www.marinet.org.uk/campaign-article/health-risks-which-may-be-encountered-on-beaches (Accessed: 2 August 2025). ↩︎