Sea Salt Spray for Healthy Skin

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Sea Salt Spray for Healthy Skin

I’m a big fan of natural sea salt and magnesium. Not only is salt important in food but salt water is an increasingly popular ingredient in skincare products for healthier skin. This recipe combines magnesium with a saltwater solution to create a skin-nourishing sea salt spray.

Sea Salt and salt water have a long history of use in various beauty recipes and skin therapies. It even has its own name: thalassotherapy (aka the therapeutic use of salt water). Whether you have sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or dry skin, salt water for your skin may help.

Skin Benefits of Salt Water

Many people seem to notice less acne, a clearer complexion, and improved skin texture after using salt on their skin. Salt scrubs or a salt bath are some popular ways to include this in your skincare routine. I also like this gentle sea salt spray because it stays on the skin to continually nourish it.

So what makes ocean water so great for the skin? Since saltwater is naturally antimicrobial it can help with acne-causing bacteria. It’s also a rich source of naturally occurring trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. And if we’re talking about salt from the Dead Sea, that has a much higher proportion of various chloride and bromide salts and other minerals.

I mentioned before that salt scrubs are one popular way to get sea salt’s skin benefits. These help exfoliate dead skin cells, boost collagen, and can help with blackheads. Salt scrubs are often too harsh for the face though so I like to reserve these for body scrubs. You can still get many of the same exfoliating benefits from a saltwater skin spray.

Salt Water For Different Skin Types

Salt water may be trending when it comes to skincare but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. If you have dryness or certain skin conditions you may find it irritating. Many people though find that the salt’s healing minerals help with irritated skin. If you’re unsure you could try a test patch before rubbing it all over your face.

Some dermatologists recommend against washing your face with salt water, but I think that’s throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Cultures have used saltwater therapeutically for thousands of years. Studies have examined it’s benefits for musculoskeletal issues like arthritis and skin problems like psoriasis.

A 2005 clinical trial looked at the benefits of bathing in the Dead Sea on psoriasis lesions. Researchers reported a nearly 76% improvement in psoriasis symptoms. In a similar 2007 study psoriasis patients saw over 95% improvement in symptoms. Even more impressive, the results after treatment lasted for about 23 weeks with lingering positive effects for about 33 weeks.

Other studies have looked at saltwater for eczema. These studies report improved inflammation and less skin cracking for eczema patients.

Some people report good results for dandruff and reducing scalp buildup too.

Another study looked at using saltwater baths for EB, a rare but painful skin disorder that causes blisters. EB patients reported having 91% less pain and saw huge improvements in skin odor and discharge. While most of us won’t have to deal with this disease, it just goes to show how powerful saltwater for skin can be!

How Saltwater Benefits Oily Skin

One of the most popular ways to use saltwater washes is for oily skin. When our skin starts producing excess oil this can lead to pimples and breakouts. Because saltwater is drying and healing this makes it perfect for oily skin types. Plus it’s antimicrobial to fight pathogenic bacteria on the skin.

How to Use Salt Water for Skin

You don’t want to use too much saltwater though, especially if you have normal to dry skin types. Try following up your saltwater spray with a moisturizer for extra hydration. Some sources recommend starting out using a saltwater cleanser or toner just a few times a week.

Many people simply mix together tap water and table salt for a DIY version. This is not the same as getting the benefits of bathing in sea salt! I don’t eat table salt and it’s not my first choice for a salt spray either. This spray combines filtered or distilled water (or herbal tea) with mineral-rich sea salt or Himalayan salt. Something that’s finely ground dissolves more easily.

Don’t Forget the Magnesium

I also add Epsom salts or magnesium flakes to my salt spray. These are both great sources of magnesium and wonderful for the skin. While sea salt does have trace amounts of magnesium, adding magnesium really boosts the skin benefits.

Aside from its beauty benefits, this sea spray leaves skin feeling refreshed and light. It can serve as a facial toner or as an all-over skin nourishing spray. If you’ve never tried salt on the skin, I’d encourage you to try this simple and inexpensive recipe!

salt water for skin
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5 from 2 votes

Sea Salt Spray for Healthy Skin

Salt water for the skin is an ancient practice! This nourishing spray helps balance the skin with mineral-rich sea salt and magnesium.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cooling Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 ounces
Author: Katie Wells

Materials

Instructions

  • Add salt and Epsom salt or magnesium flakes to some water in a small pot. Heat gently and stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
  • Allow to cool and add essential oils if using.
  • Store in a glass spray bottle in a cool place.

Notes

To use: Shake well and spray on a cotton pad and use as a toner or lightly mist skin. I also love using this after swimming!

Add More Herbal Benefits to Your Spray

Soothing herbs like calendula, lavender, and chamomile are nice additions. You can make a tea with them, then strain and add your salt. This will last for about 1-2 weeks in the fridge. For a more shelf-stable version try adding some hydrosols. Simply dissolve the salt in 3/4 cup hot water, then add 1/4 cup hydrosol once the mixture has cooled.

Do you use salt water for skin health? Share your experience below!

Sources
  1. Harari, M., et al. (2007). The percentage of patients achieving PASI 75 after 1 month and remission time after climatotherapy at the Dead Sea. International journal of dermatology, 46(10), 1087–1091.
  2. Lucchetta, M. et al. (2007). Le basi storico-scientifiche della talassoterapia: stato dell’arte [The historical-scientific foundations of thalassotherapy: state of the art]. La Clinica terapeutica, 158(6), 533–541.
  3. Cohen, A. et al. (2005). Effectiveness of climatotherapy at the Dead Sea for psoriasis vulgaris: A community-oriented study introducing the ‘Beer Sheva Psoriasis Severity Score’. The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 16(5-6), 308–313.
  4. Kazandjieva, J., et al. (2008). Climatotherapy of psoriasis. Clinics in dermatology, 26(5), 477–485.
  5. Petersen, B. et al. (2015). Effectiveness of saltwater baths in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa. Pediatric dermatology, 32(1), 60–63.
  6. Nani, S. et al. (2016). Potential Health Benefits of Deep Sea Water: A Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, volume 2016.
  7. Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery Institute. (2020, February 25). Benefits of Salt Water for Skin.
  8. Villazon, L. (2014, February 18). How much salt is there in the Dead Sea? BBC Science Focus.

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

153 responses to “Sea Salt Spray for Healthy Skin”

  1. Ariel Avatar

    hey! so i’ve been using this for about a week and i’ve broken out all over my face- do you think that this just isn’t good for me or do you think it could be more of a detox reaction and that it’ll clear up once this first huge break out is over? i have no references for how sea salt should be affecting someone’s skin. other than the pimples i do notice that my complexion is more even and my skin feels loads better so i really hope that i don’t have to give this up!

  2. Belle Avatar

    Thank you Wellness Mama. I made this the other day and tried it this morning after reading one of the comments saying that it’s great to use as a makeup base. I have really oily skin and have used every known product made to keep it under control. It’s gross sometimes because my make-up would just wipe off. I have made and used some of your other recipes such as the body wash and sugar scrub. The oil on my face has reduced, my make up stays on, and my pores are getting smaller. I’m slowly moving towards homemade products because 1) I want to stay away from harsh chemicals and 2) making your own products is cost effective. I can’t wait to make small beauty kits for my friends to try.

  3. JoAnn Avatar

    Why do you use distilled water? Have always been told that it’s dead water and not to use for making herbal remedies. Bach’s being one of those sources.

  4. Yuri ochoa Avatar
    Yuri ochoa

    My children have developed weeping eczema in this past week. They have told me that it is contagious when it’s weeping and I was just wondering if after I spray this on the wounds if I should cover it back up or let it air dry and then put an emollient cream after the spray. What routine would you recommend?

  5. Joey Avatar

    Where do u buy the glass spray bottles? Can I buy the sea salt at the grocery store?

  6. Sylvia Avatar

    Add a few drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract for anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties. I was having a yeast problem especially in areas where I sweat a lot. A spray or two in those areas throughout the day, plus my new clean diet is relieving me of this problem. BTW, GSE in water will help eliminate some underarm odor during the day.

  7. Louise Avatar

    Can I just use the sea salt I find in the grocery store? I am on a strict budget.

  8. Tiyay Avatar

    What kind of chamomile tea to use this recipe. And where to buy Epsom. This my first time planing to make homeremidies. Looking for relieves for my etchy skin and sensitive skin since I have a celiac disease.

  9. Rong Avatar

    Can I use Dead Sea Salt in place of Himalayan Sea Salt or would it be too harsh?

  10. Pei Jet Avatar
    Pei Jet

    just tried this and I add a teaspoon of witch hazel extract to it. Hope that this will reduce my acne..

  11. Lora Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    I love your recipes! I have a jar of “Magnesium Bath Crystals” that says it is magnesium chloride salts. I noticed that the links in your recipe lead to products that are Magnesium sulfate. What is the difference, and can I use what I have in this recipe? Thank you!

    1. Zoe Good Avatar

      Some may not realize or know that your skinand hair is 4.5 to 5,5 acidic. Salt is alkaline. But salt is also a product that helps to heal.

  12. Kay Avatar

    Katie, is that a glass bottle with the spray top? I too would like a link to where you found that. I’ve been looking for a while, for my homemade liquid soap, and haven’t found any yet.
    Thanks!!

  13. Krystal Avatar

    So I live in South Florida and am a few minutes from the beach. If the water report is agreeing; could I use the beach water; (which my family has always claimed to have healing powers) and add the oil and Epsom?

  14. Anne Avatar

    This intrigued me so I just made it. I used Himalayan salt, some Epsom salt and Tea Tree oil. I didn’t need the fragrance of the other oils so I thought since the tea tree oil is good for acne and such that it would be a good add. I can’t wait to get on a good cycle to see how it works! 🙂

  15. Ana Avatar

    hello. oil cleansing or sea spray? which one is good for whiteheads? its have been 2 years the whiteheads keep staying on my face especially on my nose. please help me

    1. amanda Avatar

      Make sure yoy are using the right oils that balance you skins sebum. You want to find oils that have a high amount of linoleic vs oleic. :). I had the same problem till i found a blog that explained things. Oils like saflower, pumpkn seed, evening primrose seed, or grapeseed, are good ones for acne because they disolve sticky sebum that causes clogged pores. Hope this helps. 🙂

  16. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    I am just curious, I am struggling with deodorant alternatives and I thought to myself what about a deodorant himalayan salt spray…That way I could keep it with me in a handy squirt bottle if it fades throughout the day and not have to use antiperspirant.

    I am wondering what you think? I bought the salt rock and it tends to irritate my skin a little when rubbed on, thought this problem might be fixed by spraying on diluted with distilled water and maybe a drop of lavender oil or fresh rosemary infused water… any thoughts?

    1. amanda Avatar

      The best deoderant ive ever used is baking soda mixed your favorite lotion. I just put a small amount of lotion in my palm, sprinkle a little baking soda, and mix. I also just discovered that if you add just a little betonite clay to the mix it helps absorb moisture and you stay dry. I dont notice ANY odor throughout the day. Its amazing. I always mix it fresh everyday in my hand so it doesnt lose any potency. 🙂

    2. Roberta Avatar
      Roberta

      Hi Stephanie, I make my own deodorant that has a sea salt base. I add a few other things as well (witch hazel, grapefruit seed extract, essential oils etc). It works great. The salt kills the bacteria that create the smell, it’s as simple as that. No white marks, no stains. Sometimes in the heat of mid summer, it may have to be applied again mid day, but it’s worth it to me.

  17. Trina Avatar

    My eczema flare led me here, and I’m glad it did! I usually use lemon juice on my chapped and wounded hands, but find that the juice is so severe, it makes my skin unbearably itchy! I scratch until my hands are wounded all over again.

    This sea salt spray ‘seals’ the wounds within minutes without the severe itching! It makes your skin feel a little numb, not unlike a wound’s reaction to salt water. I plan to follow it up with some aloe gel to moisturise the healed skin. Thanks for the ‘recipe’! I’ll keep a bottle of this by my bedside to control my eczema.

  18. Rebecca Avatar

    Thank you. I made today for my daughter. I will let you know how it works. Also, I saw the homemade salve. I am going to fnd the ingredients and make that also.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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