Is Seawater Good for Your Skin?

As far as we’re concerned, few things are quite as refreshing as a dip in the sea on a sweaty summer day. Aside from being great exercise, swimming in the ocean can help relieve stress, boost energy, and improve your mood. (Plus, it’s the key to those enviable, effortless beach waves you see models sporting in the summer months.) As if that weren’t enough, some even claim that a dip in salty water can help improve skin concerns such as acne or dryness. 

To find out whether there’s any truth to that claim, we tapped double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., FAAD. Learn how seawater impacts your skin and get the scoop on what to consider before diving in. 

What Are the Potential Benefits of Swimming in Salt Water?

Those who grew up going to the beach in the summer are probably familiar with the purported skin benefits of seawater. A dip in the ocean or sea is often touted as a quick fix for stubborn breakouts, itchy bug bites, and even irritation (looking at you, razor burn). And while it’s certainly not a cure for persistent skin concerns, there may be some truth to the claim that it can help. 

According to Dr. Lal, “seawater is rich in minerals such as zinc,” which he says “has healing properties.” Other minerals present in seawater include salt (of course), magnesium, calcium, potassium, and chloride. Theoretically, these minerals can help moisturize the skin, support the skin barrier, promote skin cell turnover, and soothe irritation, per a 2023 study published in Cosmetics. The salt in seawater can also act as a natural exfoliant to help promote smoother, softer-feeling skin. 

There’s a catch, though. While these minerals are present in all seawater, they’re fairly diluted at the surface. Moreover, the vast majority of research studying the effects of seawater on the skin focuses on the Dead Sea — which is significantly richer in minerals than your standard town beach. Anecdotal evidence may support the claim that ocean water helps alleviate skin concerns, but as of yet, there’s no conclusive evidence to back that up. 

Can Swimming in Salt Water Hurt Your Skin? 

While frolicking in the waves is generally considered safe for those with healthy skin, Dr. Lal says salt can be drying and exacerbate certain concerns such as eczema and psoriasis. It’s also worth noting that while the nutrients in seawater can benefit the skin, nutrients aren’t the only things housed in the sea. There are also countless microorganisms, bacteria, and in many cases, pollutants — some of which can irritate the skin or even lead to infections. 

Because it’s hard to tell exactly what is in the water you’re swimming in, it’s a good idea to sit out the ocean dip if you have any open wounds that could serve as an entryway for harmful bacteria. If you do want to swim, apply a water-resistant sunscreen prior to jumping in and remember to reapply after toweling off (because no matter what the label says, no sunscreen is actually waterproof). 

The Bottom Line

If you have healthy skin, swimming in the sea may temporarily make it feel softer or smoother, especially if the body of water you’re splashing in has a high concentration of minerals. And the mood-boosting benefits of a dip in the sea are certainly worth taking advantage of. But where your skin is concerned, you’ll get better — and more consistent — results using products designed to improve the look and feel of your skin. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite ocean-inspired picks to add to your routine this summer. 

For smooth skin: OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

Formulated with shea butter, mineral salts, and antioxidant-rich Gigartina seaweed, this luxurious body scrub gently exfoliates to help soften dull, dry skin. The moisturizing formula leaves skin feeling silky-smooth and nourished, and it boasts a relaxing lavender scent perfect for unwinding at the end of a long week.

For banishing breakouts: La Roche-Posay Effeclar Duo Dual Acne Treatment With Benzoyl Peroxide 

Seawater is unlikely to kick your blemishes to the curb, but this potent spot treatment can help. It’s formulated with 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and lipo hydroxy acid and helps reduce the number (and severity) of blemishes, including whiteheads and blackheads. You can use it as a spot treatment to target stubborn pimples or apply a thin layer all over to help promote clearer-looking skin.

For soothing dryness: Kopari Ultra Restore Body Butter

If you’re struggling with dry skin, try smoothing on a nourishing body butter when you get out of the shower — ideally, while your skin is still damp. We love this option from Kopari because it’s packed with nourishing ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid and coconut oil) yet boasts a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly. Plus, the sweet, coconutty scent is like a tropical vacation in a jar — minus the pricey airline tickets.

For barrier support: Selfmade Secure Attachment Comfort Serum+

Hydrate, strengthen, and help repair your skin barrier with this unique facial serum. It contains squalane and hyaluronic acid as well as what the brand calls “Anti-Fragility Bond Rebuilder” to help promote barrier repair. Apply it in the morning — alone or under makeup — for calmer, more balanced-feeling skin. 

For sun protection all season long: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen 

Whether or not you plan to hit the beach, it’s important to keep your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays during the daytime. We love this broad-spectrum sunscreen because it’s lightweight, oil-free, and suitable for all skin types. Plus, unlike some mineral sunscreens, it doesn’t leave a white cast, making it perfect for all skin tones, too.