Saltwater instead of skincare: another trend or natural remedy? If it were true, it would be a nice way to save some money

According to TikTok, washing your face with salt water is the simplest (and super affordable) trick to purify the skin, dry out blemishes, and improve texture. It’s one of those remedies that seems so essential it makes you think: if it’s natural, it must work. But skincare isn’t a minimalist fairytale, and natural is not automatically synonymous with effective. Before adding a pinch of salt to your routine, it’s worth asking what really happens to your skin when it comes into contact with salt water.

Can salt water really help improve your facial skin?

What happens when salt touches the skin?

On social media, videos circulate of people rinsing their faces with homemade salt water or, for the luckier ones, water taken straight from the sea, as if it were a kind of miracle toner. So what does salt actually do to the skin? As reported by PubMed, salt can absorb excess sebum and help remove impurities, leaving the face drier and more refined. As Healthline also explains, it works as a “mechanical exfoliant,” meaning it removes dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and making the skin appear smoother and brighter. Some experts note that it can be extremely helpful for those suffering from psoriasis or other mild skin irritations, thanks to the presence of minerals such as magnesium and zinc, which help soothe superficial inflammation and redness. Despite these benefits, salt water can still be harsh if used too frequently, especially for those with sensitive skin.

The risks of salt water on the face not to underestimate

As dermatologist Azadeh Shirazia explains to Healthline, salt water is naturally harsh, and using it too often can dry out the skin, irritate it, or compromise the skin barrier. Excessive use can worsen conditions such as acne, eczema, or redness, and even cause irritation, flaking, or dark spots. There are many other alternatives, such as fruit acids or shikimic acid, that can be used instead.

How to properly use salt water on your face, if you really must

If you really want to try the potential benefits of salt water on your skin, here are a few tips to avoid irritating your face. Less is more: washing once a week, at most twice, is more than enough. Never rub salt directly onto the skin: it should always be properly diluted in water so that it works gently without causing irritation. During and after application, carefully observe how your skin reacts: if you notice redness, dryness, or discomfort, these are clear signs that the treatment isn’t right for you. Consult a doctor before experimenting too much and in case of strong reactions.