Living near some of Florida’s best beaches, many of our clients often ask whether or not the saltwater is good for their skin and hair. The good news is that Sarasota locals and visitors alike can enjoy some surprising benefits from taking a refreshing dip in the ocean – but all that salt, sun and sand can also bring a few downsides.
Here, we break down some of the biggest benefits and a few drawbacks of saltwater for your skin and hair and what you can do to revive dry or lackluster skin after the beach.
Benefits of Saltwater for Your Skin
There are a few notable benefits of spending some time in the sea. First, saltwater is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium, which can help to exfoliate the skin and may even have some antibacterial benefits.
Researchers have also found that seawater can have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, making it beneficial for soothing mildly inflamed, irritated or itchy skin.
Because of these exfoliating, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, some people find that exposure to ocean water can be beneficial for skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.
The Downsides of Saltwater for Skin and Hair
While there are quite a few benefits, saltwater can also take a toll on your skin, especially if you’re in and out of the Sarasota surf regularly. Salt draws moisture out of the skin, which can leave it feeling tight, dry and flaky if not rinsed off.
If you dye your hair, you may notice that saltwater (combined with sun exposure) fades or alters your hair color more quickly. This is because salt and UV rays can both strip pigment and weaken hair strands.
Additionally, the sun’s UV rays can reflect even more strongly off of the surface of the water, increasing the risk of sunburn and sun damage to your skin. Combine this with the fact that sunscreen can also rinse away when immersed in water for long periods of time, making sun damage that much more of a concern when swimming. This can accelerate signs of aging and contribute to issues like dark spots, dry skin and redness.
How to Protect and Rehydrate Skin After the Beach
To help keep your skin and hair looking and feeling soft, smooth and healthy after spending time in the waves, rinse off saltwater and sand as soon as possible and apply a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type.
You might also consider in-office treatments for added hydration and radiance and to revive dull or lackluster skin caused by the salt, sand or sun. Some of the best skin treatments to deeply hydrate the skin or address sun-related concerns like dark spots, flaking and redness include:
- HydraFacial®. This is a three-step treatment that exfoliates, extracts and deeply moisturizes the skin for an instant glow-up.
- Chemical Peels. Customizable peels help to remove dry, damaged skin from the surface to improve skin texture, tone and clarity.
- BBL Photorejuvenation. These gentle light treatments effectively improve dark spots, redness, visible veins and other imperfections in skin tone.
- Skinvive™. This microdroplet injection hydrates the skin from the inside out, immediately creating a smooth and refreshed appearance.
Ready to restore your post-beach glow? Contact us online today or call our Sarasota office at 941-955-8384 to schedule a personalized skin consultation.
