Is it advisable to wash your face with salt water?

 

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“Washing your face with salt water cleans skin pores, removes blackheads, and whiteheads, and gives you healthy and glowing skin,” the caption to the post on the Beauty Remedies page read.

Is it really advisable?

There are two types of salt therapy. The dry one is called ‘halotherapy ‘ and the wet one is called ‘wet salt therapy’. “In Halotherapy, dry salt is administered in settings with specialised equipment known as a halo generator. While in wet salt therapy, salt is used in diluted solution form for gargling, drinking, bathing, and nasal rinses,” said Dr Vandana Punjabi, dermatologist and trichologist at Khar, and Nanavati Hospital.

“Most scientific evidence suggests the usefulness of Halotherapy in the treatment of dermatological conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, bacterial infections etc. This reduces intensity of the dryness, and redness and stimulates regenerative processes in the skin,” said Dr Punjabi.

Dr Manasi Shirolikar, consultant dermatologist and founder, drmanasiskin.com listed some pros and cons that one should know before swapping out the daily cleanser for salt water.

Pros

Antimicrobial properties: Salt water has natural antimicrobial properties that can help combat certain bacteria on the skin, potentially reducing acne breakouts and preventing infections.

Gentle exfoliation: Salt particles can act as a gentle exfoliant, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells and promoting a smoother complexion.

Balancing oil production: Salt water may help regulate the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. This can be beneficial for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.

Cons

Drying effect: Salt water can be dehydrating for the skin, stripping away its natural oils and causing dryness, especially for individuals with dry or sensitive skin.

Disruption of the skin barrier: Prolonged or frequent use of salt water can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function, leading to increased sensitivity, irritation, and potential inflammation.

Risk of over-exfoliation: While gentle exfoliation can be beneficial, excessive or aggressive scrubbing with salt water can damage the skin’s protective barrier, leading to redness, flakiness, and even micro-tears.

Potential for skin irritation: Some individuals may be more sensitive to salt water, experiencing stinging, burning, or itching sensations on the skin.

It may cause long-term harm for acne-prone skin or individuals with eczema, said Dr Shirolikar. “It’s important to note that the effects of salt water on the skin can vary from person to person. Factors such as skin type, sensitivity, and overall skin health should be considered. As a dermatologist, I recommend personalised skincare approaches tailored to individual needs, and consulting with a professional for guidance on suitable cleansers and skincare routines.”

Can you wash your face with salt? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

According to Dr Punjabi, while studies have also shown that bathing in Dead Sea salt solution reduces skin roughness and inflammation, there is little or no evidence for the use of the common salt solution to improve skin conditions. “In fact, washing your face with salt water can be harsh and irritating and overuse can compromise your skin barrier, worsening acne and eczema. Also, salt should not be scrubbed onto the skin as this can lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin,” said Dr Punjabi.

“I advise my patients that it’s better to stop using salt on your face if you notice any redness, itching, flaking, peeling, skin tightness or dark skin patches,” added Dr Punjabi.

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