Should you wash your face with salt water?

Washing your face with salt water can help exfoliate the skin (eliminate dead skin cells), manage certain skin conditions and reduce the signs of aging. That said, washing with salt water may not suit everyone’s skin and can worsen certain conditions.

Potential advantages of salt water on the skin

1. Exfolie the skin

The external layer of the skin (the epidermis) is made up of four layers. The skin cells are constantly formed in the deepest layer and move to the outside throughout their life cycle, dying within 30 to 40 days (a process called desquamation). Dead skin cells accumulate on the outer layer and end up glowing.

Salt in salt water acts as a physical exfoliant (rather than chemical), eliminating dead cells from the skin of the surface of the skin. The exfoliated skin seems more fluid, softer and more brilliant and revealing younger cells.

2. Help treating eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition that causes itching and scaly skin. Some evidence suggest that rinsing with salt water can help relieve these symptoms.

In a study, the researchers found that salt water rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium, selenium and zinc effectively managed eczema and prevented the skin from separating. They attributed this to the capacity of salt water to reduce inflammation and support the outer layer of the skin which protects and retains humidity, known as the skin barrier.

3. Amplaces the symptoms of psoriasis

The bath in water with salt is a long -standing treatment of psoriasis, and some research suggests that it is effective. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes itchy and discolored eruptions (gray, purple, red or pink – depending on the complexion) with white flakes. These plates often occur on the scalp, face, knees and elbows.

A study revealed that the bath in mineralized sea water (sometimes of the dead sea) was effective for psoriasis, especially when combined with phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet bi). Study researchers believe that exposure to salt and light has had an anti-inflammatory effect, modulated the immune function and helped the skin to keep humidity.

4. Offer anticitable advantages

Salt water bath is a common treatment in health and beauty spas because it can help with signs of aging.

There are several potential mechanisms for this purpose, which probably work together. The researchers discovered that this type of salt water reduced inflammation to the skin, exfoliated the skin and helped the skin to keep humidity. Consequently, the integration of swimming in your routine can help reduce wrinkles, stains, crow’s feet or other signs of aging.

5. Can reduce light acne

Salt water can reduce inflammation and can have antimicrobial properties, which can help fight acne. It also works as an exfoliant and can help withdraw from dead skin cells that could otherwise obstruct pores and cause eruptions.

However, salt water can also irritate the skin and worsen certain cases of acne, so talk to a health care provider to know if salt water is good for your skin.

Disadvantages and side effects

Although it is generally not harmful, washing your face with salt water can have drawbacks. Salt can affect the natural skin barrier, potentially irritant.

This can lead to:

• Dry or squamous skin
• Increase or aggravating the symptoms of acne, eczema or psoriasis
• Increased risk of infection, delayed healing
• Irritation, itching and swelling
• Sun sensitivity

Who should be washing with salt water?

Washing the face with salt water may not be for everyone. It can be better suited to those who have more oily skin because it unites skin oils and can affect the skin barrier.

It is also known to worsen skin conditions such as acne or eczema. If you try to wash with salt water, pay attention to the reaction of your skin and stop using it if it becomes very dry or if the conditions aggravate.

How to use salt water on your face

There is no defined way to wash your face with salt water; Using it can take tests and errors. This is what can help:

• Make a solution:: Add the salt to boiling water and gradually let the solution cool. The exact concentrations vary, but most of the studies have used 5 grams (g) of salt (just over 1 teaspoon) at 500 milliliters (about 2 cups) of water.
• Salt types:: Choose your type of salt, taking note that different types contain different minerals; For example, Epsom salts are higher in magnesium, while table salt has less minerals than sea salt.
• Start: Wash your face with salt water no more than twice a week to see how your skin reacts. Washing too often can dry the skin or exacerbate skin conditions.
• Do not rub:: Be soft with your face when using salt water or salt products to protect yourself from irritation. Wipe up lightly, dab with a cotton ball or use a spray bottle when applying salt.

Skin care tips

Certain lifestyle habits and the adoption of a skin care routine can greatly contribute to preserving the health and appearance of your skin. Here is a quick overview of the basics of skin care:

• Sweet cleaners:: Avoid hard chemicals or alcohol in facial cleaners. Use soft and non -abrasive cleaners to support the skin barrier.
• Use your hands:: Since ticket vests and sponges can irritate the skin, apply the cleaners using your fingers, moving and then on the skin in a circular movement.
• Rinse and dry: After applying the cleaner on your face, rinse with lukewarm water and gently tap your skin without rubbing.
• Hydrate: Apply a moisturizer to treat dry or itchy skin after washing your face. Be soft when you apply the product to the skin around the eyes.
• Don’t do too much: Wash more than twice a day – yield and night – and after perspiration, to avoid skin irritation.
• Does not smoke:: Smoking has a significant impact on skin health; It increases the signs of aging (wrinkles), affects the healing of wounds and can worsen certain skin diseases.
• Wear a sunscreen: Before going out, apply a sunscreen to protect your skin from ultraviolet sun (UV) rays. Use a wide spectrum and water resistant sunscreen with a 30 or more sun protective factor (SPF).
• Manage stress: Increased stress can worsen skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Take stress management techniques such as walking, bathing, meditation, yoga or light exercise.
• Stay hydrated: Drink a lot of water to keep the skin healthy and bouncing; Avoid drinks like alcohol and caffeine, which can act as diuretics, Elimination of body and salt from the body.

When to see a dermatologist

Another key element in the management of your skin is when you get help. See a primary care provider or a dermatologist (skin specialist) if you experience the following:

• Eczema or symptoms of psoriasis that persist or worsen, despite treatment
• Fever, irritation, pain or other signs of skin infection
• Stains on the skin growing, change color, itch or bleed
• Symptoms that disrupt your daily activities

Summary

Salt water has long been used to support skin health. Recently, he drew attention as a means of treating skin conditions and improving facial appearance. Although more research is necessary, there is evidence that washing the facial of salt water can be useful for certain skin concerns. However, depending on your skin type, salt water can worsen conditions or lose humidity.