The Truth About Ocean Water and Your Skin
Shared from MYSA
Historically seawater is known to cure both bodily and soul ailments. The whole story began with English doctors who began endorsing cold water healing as enhancing circulation, treating diseases, and treating melancholia. The healing abilities of the sea continue to inspire our minds and soul to relax and rejuvenate. Some reported enhancing skin conditions during a swimming trip. Although the water in the ocean has many benefits, it has certain dangers.
Salt water has multiple health benefits
You can remember when your mother said you should wash the cut from ocean water. The phrase "never put salt on wounds" originated in the ancient usage of using salt for saline treatment. What can be good for your body for repairing wounds? The National Institute for Health recommends using salty or saline solution (salt water) or soapy water to clean the surgical wound. However, while it does not mean you need to scrub cuts in ocean water—remember these possible contaminants—it suggests salt is effective for health purposes.
Promote circulation
One of the benefits of salt water is that it can help improve circulation. This can be helpful if you struggle with conditions like Raynaud's disease, which causes blood vessels to narrow and limits blood flow. Soaking in a warm salt water bath can help improve circulation and ease the pain. Being in and around the ocean is beneficial, not just for your skin, but also for your overall health and well-being.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Another benefit of salt water is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety. It's proven that people who bathed in seawater had lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress. There are also many anecdotal reports of people feeling more relaxed after spending time in the ocean.
Strengthen your immune system
One of the benefits of salt water is that it can help strengthen your immune system. Some studies found that people who swam in the ocean had a higher concentration of certain immune cells, including natural killer cells and T helper cells, which are responsible for fighting infections.
Reduce respiratory symptoms
If you suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies, salt water can help. The salty air can help reduce the inflammation in your airways and make it easier to breathe.
Why is ocean water good for your skin?
Ocean water is a saltwater solution that is made up of water from the ocean and salt. The concentration of salt in ocean water can vary depending on where you are, but it is typically around 3%. Besides that, ocean water contains not just salt, but also rich minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, selenium, sodium, and sulfur, that our skin needs.
Skin benefits of ocean water:
ability to cleanse and detoxify the skin
removes impurities and dead skin cells
unclogs pores, and helps to control acne breakouts
anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated skin
help to hydrate and moisturize the skin
rejuvenates your skin tone
calms irritation
healing benefits
While you might not think of ocean water as being particularly cleansing, it actually can be good for your skin. The salt in ocean water can help to remove impurities and dead skin cells from your skin. In addition, the minerals in ocean water can help to control acne breakouts, hydrate your skin, and even tighten pores.
Potential dangers to your skin
Even though there are many health benefits, there are also some dangers of swimming in the ocean. The main danger is contamination. Or to be more precise - ocean bacteria. Namely, there are many types of bacteria and viruses that can live in salt water, including E. coli, salmonella, and shigella. These contaminants can cause skin infections, stomach flu, and respiratory illnesses. If you have an open wound, it's especially important to be careful, as salt water can further irritate the wound and delay healing. Always protect your skin with sunscreen and remember to reapply when needed. Another danger is sun exposure. When you're swimming in the ocean, you're also exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays. Therefore, it's important to wear sunscreen and reapply it regularly to protect your skin from damage.