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    Why a dip in the ocean might be the secret to clear skin

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

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

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    45 Member Comments

    Sally10 3 Aug 2020 8:17 PM

    I live in Victoria, I can't get to the beach right now!

    nehatalwar 1 Aug 2020 6:36 PM

    I would start going to the beach more !!

    nehatalwar 1 Aug 2020 6:35 PM

    I would start going to the beach more !!

    Rpear 1 Aug 2020 4:04 PM

    Love the beach! Swims are so lovely too. I love to float in the water!

    perthchick 30 Jul 2020 3:14 PM

    My Dad swears by the ocean to heal everything. Got a cold? Gargle salt water. Got a sore, dip your sore into salt water.

    sootyblack_14 25 Jul 2020 12:33 PM

    YES!!! OCEAN SWIMMING!!! LOVE IT!!!

    Angage 24 Jul 2020 10:50 AM

    Heard of this salt water benefits before.Not sure we can go there near future.

    Jodes71 23 Jul 2020 4:01 PM

    Wishing I was at the beach right now

    Shop A Everyday 23 Jul 2020 12:33 PM

    Agh just the lovely warmer weather is a gorgeous thought

    Susmat 22 Jul 2020 9:14 PM

    It helps those with eczema

    ubd2u 22 Jul 2020 4:17 PM

    I remember in primary school, one kid in the class who had a lot of acne, spent the summer holidays at the beach and he came back looking great.

    I never seem to spend enough time in the water to get the glow

    AndreaJW 21 Jul 2020 6:29 PM

    I wonder if it would help my psoriasis and rosacea but I don't live near a beach to find out.

    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!

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