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    A dermatologist reveals why sun and saltwater are the secret to clear skin

    17 Jul 2020 2:20 PM | Posted by
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    bh's Ruby Cotton
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    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.

    Main image credit: @olivecooke
     
    Have you ever noticed the benefits of salt water on your skin? Will you give it a try?

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    83 Member Comments

    Eskimo82 20 Jul 2020 6:59 PM

    I have to agree, my skin always improves so much when I swim at the beach regularly.

    Ellyloves 20 Jul 2020 3:07 PM

    I might go to the beach more

    maggieball 20 Jul 2020 2:52 PM

    I do love the ocean, but I don't suppose any of us are going on a resort vacation for a while.

    jupiter 20 Jul 2020 10:59 AM

    Yes I can confirm that a swim in the sea did help clear up my acne. Sadly we don't live near to the beach!

    onlyoni 20 Jul 2020 8:38 AM

    Gee, I remember more than 45 years ago my brothers' doctor telling them to take a dip in the ocean a few days a week to clear up their bad acne ... and it certainly did wonders.

    lindylou 19 Jul 2020 9:58 PM

    There are so many reasons why an ocean dip could be good for you that it’s hard to pinpoint just one or a few, however if it works for you then go for it.

    “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.” This sentence doesn’t actually say if that’s a good or bad thing. I googled it and it is because this results in the release of free radicals which can destroy the bacteria, but can also be bad for your skin.

    Sparkle 77 19 Jul 2020 2:31 PM

    The beach......it could be a very long time until I see the beach again!

    It could be the ocean or the fact she is just more relaxed when she is on holidays? Whatever works I say go for it :)

    clearcrystalwater 20 Jul 2020 7:47 AM

    I agree Sparkle - relaxing on holidays always improves the skin - I've noticed that too.

    Sparkle 77 21 Jul 2020 4:01 PM

    The skin, the mind and everything really!

    Now I really want to go to the beach, lol.

    cityglenda 19 Jul 2020 10:55 AM

    My Nana & Mum both push salt water as a cure all. If I have a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water. If your body is super tired run a warm bath and add salt and soak in until your muscle feel good.
    Swimming in the ocean isn't new. A lot of countries do this at the beginning of their Summer.

    Wn0873 19 Jul 2020 10:05 AM

    This is not new and I don't know why anyone would need some questionable celebrity to tell them this.

    LadyLola 18 Jul 2020 8:42 PM

    Sea air and water seems to help in so many ways- Cant wait till we can travel again.

    IndieAna 18 Jul 2020 3:42 PM

    It's been so long since I have been to the beach!

    Sparkle 77 21 Jul 2020 4:02 PM

    Same here Indie!

    Jay.dogga1986 18 Jul 2020 3:28 PM

    Love it

    S-P 18 Jul 2020 1:24 PM

    A quick dip in the ocean is a wonderful tonic for the mind and body (skin especially).

    Shop A Everyday 18 Jul 2020 12:45 PM

    I use to love swimming in the beach, haven't been for so many years niw

    Margi59 18 Jul 2020 12:38 PM

    Definitely sounds like a great idea to keep your skin clear and cleansed just remember to wear Sunscreen. Tend to stay away from the beach.

    RalucaP 18 Jul 2020 12:20 PM

    It definitely has some benefits.

    Meedee 18 Jul 2020 12:15 PM

    My Gran always used to tell me that going for a swim in the ocean was good for my skin and also to rub my skin with wet sand was great for getting rid of dry skin on my feet.

    Seashells 18 Jul 2020 10:55 AM

    Can't say I've noticed any skin benefits from swimming in the ocean, but I have noticed some mood benefits whenever I look at pictures of water, such as the 2nd image down in the article. Has me reminiscing about my last OS trip, where I went to the Caribbean. Fun times!

    Ethelinde 18 Jul 2020 12:44 AM

    I miss swimming. Even in a pool. I also really love the ocean.

    Rose_P 17 Jul 2020 9:32 PM

    I would love to have a swim in the ocean right now. Somewhere nice and warm with beautiful crystal clear water.

    clearcrystalwater 17 Jul 2020 9:03 PM

    Without a doubt seawater easily has helped my skin when it needed a boost. My local beach has currently become more ocean than beach due to the king tides tho! The million dollar homes along there are having their 'fall' currently. Biggest king tide ever!!

    Miss19 17 Jul 2020 7:48 PM

    I found that every time I would go swimming in the ocean the eczema on my hands would disappear. It's amazing

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