A dermatologist reveals why sun and saltwater are the secret to clear skin
Hailey Bieber is quickly becoming one of our fave IG skin-fluencers.
After giving us the greatest quarantine gift of all - sharing an acne-prone skin routine alongside husband Justin Bieber - she has now revealed another clever clear skin tip.
And the best part? It won’t cost you a single cent (unless of course you are paying for the island / superyacht / luxury hotel Hailey was on while revealing said tip).
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Sharing a photo of the ocean to her Instagram story whilst on vacation, Hailey revealed “my skin is always the best when I’ve spent time in the ocean.”
She then followed on to add that ocean water is an exfoliant, and the beneficial minerals found in sea salt water, (including magnesium, calcium and potassium) boast anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Image credit: @haileybieber
And while a dip in the ocean in the depths of winter might be a hard pill to swallow right now, we spoke to Melbourne based dermatologist Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan, to find out if this is a tip we should be back pocketing for when the warmer months roll around.
Dr Gunatheesan confirms that those suffering from acne and psoriasis are likely to see improvements when they swim in the ocean, but also that there may be another beneficial element at play: the role sunlight is playing in combination with sea water.
“It is thought that blue light, which is part of the visible light spectrum of sunlight, is absorbed by porphyrins produced by acne-causing bacteria.”
Another factor complementing the skin benefits of the ocean is “the combination of moderate exercise”, due to the fact that “exposure to nature and the meditative properties of the ocean work synergistically to reduce stress which then has a positive impact on our skin health.”
Image credit: @haileybieber
Two to three seaside sessions per week is the ideal frequency to reap the benefits and while Dr Gunatheesan recommends “15-20 mins for the optimal blue light exposure and the anti-inflammatory effects of sea water” she also warns not to over do it due to the “dehydrating effects” of salt water.
If you don’t have easy access to the ocean, or want to see results but aren’t ready to get in the water, Dr Gunatheesan says “some gentle early sunlight for a short period” may provide a similar result.
*This article has been updated since its original publication.
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85 Member Comments
Nothing like the natural environment to heal
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I haven’t been swimming at the beach for years. I’m definitely overdue for a saltwater swim but I hate wearing a swimsuit in public!
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Salt water helps with many skin issues. Saw it a lot growing up. People who had psoriasis for over 30 years and couldn't treat it , would be near gone once they had a swim in the sea a few times a week. My skin is worse than ever since not being able to get to swim in the last decade or so.
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I don't disagree, I just find the beach a bit messy and requires a lot of work after especially if you have kids.
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im not sure if i think she is a positive role model for young people....
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I love spending time at the beach and so do my dogs. Only problem is that the salt irritates my eyes (I don't swim, so it's just from being at the beach).
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it sure is, i use to love going to the beach, now i don't even own bathers
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If you have rosacea like I do then you're meant to avoid the sun
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I live near the beach yet I never go into the water, I don't have a bathing suit nor do I know how to swim.
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My skin always clears up after a few days at the beach, especially great for bacne.
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Yes I notice this. Especially when I was a teenager I loved how the swim in the ocean would help zap my pimples!
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Mmm makes me want to go to the beach :)
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I am a water baby and got the chance to swim in the ocean again after so long - loved it and was in there for over an hour. Would love to go more frequently.
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Yes! I used to have eczema and acne, ocean and sea water definitely were beneficial!
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I agree. Sun (in moderation) and ocean swimming have a wonderful effect on our physical and mental wellbeing.
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I love to go to the beach , here is one more reason to do it.
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Interesting, I love swimming in the ocean, so no arguments from me.
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Saltwater leaves a sticky feeling on my skin, I usually rinse it off after I've finished swimming.
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Totally agree with this, if I have a breakout and then go swimming it clears up so much quicker than normal.
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I completely agree - every time I go swimming in the ocean my eczema goes away and it helps clear up my skin
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My Mum has always promoted salt water and sea air to me from early in life. I wouldn't be able to take two to three seaside sessions per week as mentioned. Maybe two to three seaside sessions per year if lucky.
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