Is Washing Your Face with Salt Water Good for Your Skin?

Occasionally splashing your face with salty water can exfoliate and slough away dead skin cells. That said, doing it too frequently may strip moisture and dry out your complexion.

Have you ever come back from the seaside with skin (and hair) that looks luminous and soft? You may have wondered whether you could recreate that effect at home by rinsing your face or misting your hair with seawater.

Chances are you’ve seen TikTok clips claiming that washing your face with sea salt water clears acne and restores that fresh-from-the-beach glow. But is it worth trying? Is all that salt harmless for your hair and skin?

Before you ditch your usual cleanser for a splash of ocean water, pause and read on to learn what dermatologists advise about applying salt water to your face — and what it may and may not do for your skin.

Why would you wash your face with salt water?

Salt water’s cleansing and antiseptic properties have been appreciated since ancient Egyptian times, explains Snehal Amin, MD, FAAD. Amin, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder and Surgical Director of MDCS Dermatology, notes that salt water often leaves skin feeling smoother and less oily after a beach day.

What benefits can salt water offer the skin?

“Salt functions as a physical exfoliant, sloughing away dead cells. This results in skin that feels smoother, softer, and appears brighter. Via osmotic effects, salts can draw out grime, oil, and some impurities. You may also notice pores looking smaller,” Amin says.

However, before you start buying large quantities of salt, be aware that washing your face with salt water should be an occasional practice, advises Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center.

Undoubtedly, many people would welcome cleaner, softer, and smoother-looking skin with less noticeable pores. Both experts agree that salt water tends to be most useful for those with oily or acne-prone skin, though it isn’t a standalone acne cure.

“I don’t view it as an acne treatment by itself,” Shirazi stresses.

Possible drawbacks of washing your face with salt water

Although you may encounter online tips or viral clips promoting homemade saltwater as a quick fix for various skin issues, the reality is more nuanced.

Washing your face with salt water can be irritating and aggressive, Shirazi warns, and overuse may damage your skin’s barrier.

“This can exacerbate certain conditions like acne and eczema, and could lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring. It may also postpone appropriate care from a dermatologist,” she cautions.

Salt is drying and can provoke irritation and flakiness if used too much.

Shirazi suggests opting for professionally formulated products if you’re prone to dryness — these are gentler and may outperform plain salt water.

If you try a saltwater facial rinse, watch for signs of irritation and dehydration. It’s wise to stop using salt if you notice any of the following:

• discoloration
• flaking
• a sensation of tightness
• itchiness
• scaling or peeling
• changes in pigmentation, such as dark or ashy patches

Saltwater mix versus real ocean water

Another factor to consider is that a DIY saltwater blend might not produce the same results as the real thing.

Homemade saltwater doesn’t replicate all the components found in ocean water.

Sea water holds more than sodium chloride — it contains minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are likely contributors to the skin benefits and aren’t easy to recreate at home, notes Shirazi.

How to try washing your face with salt water

If you decide to experiment with salt water, don’t overdo it, as repeated use can cause dryness and harm your skin. A sensible approach is to try a saltwater rinse once or twice weekly at first to observe your skin’s reaction.

Amin also advises avoiding vigorous scrubbing when using salt on facial skin.

“Salt is abrasive and can injure the skin if applied in high concentrations or for too long. My general guidance is that a salt scrub is acceptable for the body but best avoided on the face,” Amin says.

To prepare a simple saltwater solution, Amin suggests the following method:

• Boil 2 cups (500 ml) of tap water with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of fine sea salt or table salt. Don’t use coarse salt and keep the salt concentration low.
• Allow the mixture to cool in a loosely covered but still ventilated container.
• When it reaches room temperature, seal the container tightly.
• Store at room temperature.

Tip: Sea salt may be preferable to table salt, since it retains trace minerals due to less processing.

A 2023 review indicates that Dead Sea salts can contain magnesium, which may support skin barrier function, hydration, and help reduce inflammation.

Prefer not to DIY?

If making your own solution isn’t appealing, many skincare brands now offer products featuring sea salt.

Common formats include:

• cleansing washes
• toners
• moisturizers

To gently use salt water on your face, try one of these approaches:

• Lightly rub your face with a cotton ball or pad soaked in your saltwater solution.
• Spritz the salt water over your face and softly blot away any excess with a cotton pad.

Some final precautions to preserve delicate facial skin:

• Let your saltwater mixture cool before applying — hot water can burn or further dehydrate and irritate skin.
• Adding extra salt won’t boost benefits.
• Follow a saltwater rinse with a moisturizer suited to your skin type to help combat dryness.

When to see a dermatologist

Saltwater rinses aren’t usually the solution for persistent skin problems such as:

• acne
• inflammation or uneven pigmentation
• chronic dryness or sensitivity
• itchy, irritated skin

Book an appointment with a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and targeted treatment instead.

If you notice prolonged dryness or irritation after using salt water on your face, consult a dermatologist for advice.

A dermatologist can diagnose and treat skin concerns and provide tailored guidance on identifying your skin type and caring for it appropriately.

Bottom line

A dip in the ocean can leave skin feeling wonderful, but trying to duplicate that seaside magic at home with DIY ocean water may not deliver the same results.

Still, salt water can offer some advantages for the skin.

If you try it, be conservative with frequency and concentration to avoid drying out your skin. If you need help managing acne or other skin issues, a dermatologist can provide professional support.