Expert Advice | The Healing Power of The Sea

Sometimes in life the best remedies are the simplest ones. This is certainly true when it comes to this ancient treatment known to close pores, balance oil and rejuvenate skin; the power of seawater. Women have been swearing by the use of seawater for skin since the 4th century BC. There’s more than one reason it’s our favourite ingredient!

What are the benefits?

Let’s start by saying that anything that contains all 85 elements our bodies need is good in our book. Seawater contains all the essential vitamins, mineral salts, trace elements and amino acids found in the human body. As an added bonus, it’s rich in good bacteria and microorganisms that are kind to skin. As humans, we have the natural ability to assimilate all of these elements. Why? Because we actually share a lot of characteristics with the sea and our blood contains almost the same concentrations of minerals and vital elements as seawater. 

Skin-loving scrub

Seawater is a natural exfoliant and all that salt is perfect for ridding the skin of dead cells, toxins and impurities. What’s more, sea salt contains pore opening minerals allowing for deeper cleansing, better blood flow and an all-round glow!

If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, you’ll probably have already discovered these benefits for yourself. If you’re based further inland, though, there’s no reason you can’t fake it. Whip up some warm (not hot) water, and mix in around a tablespoon of sea salt. Use a cotton pad to gently apply to spots and blemishes and leave it to dry.

Glow replenisher 

As we’ve mentioned, natural sea salt contains many of the minerals our bodies need, like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium. All of these play a big role in keeping the skin cells healthy, helping them to heal any issues. If you’re low on minerals, you’ll notice pesky dryness, dullness, irritation and blotchiness. Contrary to popular belief, sea salt can help to naturally replenish the skin’s hydration and keep the outer layers looking happy and healthy.

The Dead Sea might be out of reach, but even a simple salt bath can start the healing and soothing process. All you need to do is run a deep, warm bath, pour 1kg of Epsom salts into the water and stir until it’s all dissolved. Massage the skin gently, before getting in and allowing the salts to do their thing.

Skin condition buster

Seawater is a miracle cure for a number of skin conditions. Its toxin-absorbing properties help to unclog pores and kill bacteria, thus tackling stubborn acne. Salt’s natural moisture-reducing abilities also help to regulate the overproduction of oil – a perfect cure for acne sufferers and those with shiny skin.

That’s not all though. Seawater is antibacterial, and works hard to treat infections and speed up the healing process.

Eczema sufferers also tend to find success with seawater treatments; many say Epsom salts have been hugely beneficial. Magnesium is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, and so helps to ease itching whilst drawing moisture away from skin, hindering bacteria and fungi from spreading.

Immune booster

Being rich in so many vital elements, it’s no wonder seawater has such incredible properties. On top of all the skin benefits, seawater is also a powerful supporter of the immune system. By opening up the pores, vital minerals are able to enter the body and expel toxins from the inside out.

And it’s not just seawater that has such great benefits, either. Sea air and sea mist are full of powerful antioxidants. Breathing these in enhances the immune system and therefore the overall health of each and every cell.

If that wasn’t enough, sea salt also contains iodine, a great antiseptic to fight infections, fungi and bacteria. This powerful mineral supports our immune system and boosts thyroid activity, so it’s as good for our bodies as it is for our skin!

Mind healer

Seawater also has important psychological benefits, which in turn have a big impact on the health of our skin and our bodies. Reducing stress and healing the mind is in fact one of the sea’s greatest gifts.

At The Skin Effect, our treatments are all influenced by the sea and its wonderful natural benefits. Like a swim in the ocean, we rejuvenate the skin with natural minerals. To see the power of the sea for yourself, get in touch with The Skin Investment Clinic and discover your glow.