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).
RELATED: Bobbi Brown's two toned concealer hack for brighter under eyes
RELATED: The natural solutions for blemishes you need to try
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.
You might also like
104 Member Comments
Just a quick word to tell everyone, I never believed until my life fell apart when my lover of 4years decided to call it quit. I was so devastated. After 9 months of emotional pain and languish, a friend of mine introduced me to a certain love spell caster, I was introduced to info.droosa.org@gmail.com and God so kind this Man brought my Lover back In less than 5 days, i saw wonders, my Lover came back to me and my life got back just like a completed puzzle… am so happy.. thanks to Mr OOSA for saving my life. Mr OOSA is the best online love voodoo spell caster I’ve ever met! whatsapp him on +1613-703-9066 Thanks, thanks thanks!!!!!!…………….
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
ARE YOU SICK OF ANY DISEASE WHATSAPP DR NCUBE ON +27657245603 his email is....... drncube03@gmail.com
herpes #ironfluorine #alkalineluxe #cellcharge #5gprotection #traceminerals #burdockroot #sebi #hsv1 #hsv2 #soursop #drsebi #drrobertmorse #israelite #irishseamoss #coldsores #genitalherpes #hapatitis #herpescure #herpessimplex #herpesdating #livingwithherpes #herpesgenital #hebrewisraelites #chlorophyll #psioriasis.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
oh my goodness, the best excuse to travel to the beach everyday. The thing is it can be a little tough to just stroll to the beach and back gotta dedicate certain amount of time
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I am Lerato and i want to quickly recommend DR NCUBE for a Job well done by curing me from the diseases that have be giving me sleepless night. I was once diagnosed with herpes and hiv Virus due to unprotected sex. I was ashamed to tell anyone, So i silently go in search on how to get cured and i met this man DR NCUBE and now i am completely cured. My mind is now at rest and i so much appreciate DR NCUBE for His good work. if you want to contact him, get him on WhatsApp... +27657245603 his email is......... drncube03@gmail.com
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
beach, here we come!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Yesterday the water at Shoal Bay was a bit on the chilly side but I still went in just up to my thighs. It was still nice to visit there for Valentines Day.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Aaaahhhhh these pics look sooooo nice! I’d absolutely love a trip to the beach right now! But here in Melbourne we are in lockdown.....again!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've also noticed this everytime I go to the beach, skin seems to clear up and acne fades away
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Interesting read! Who doesn't love the beach!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have just spent my summer holidays at the beach. Spent plenty of time in the sun and the sea but not sure it had many benefits for my skin. Being in Qld more worried about the damaging effects of the sun and used heaps of sunscreen which does not do great things for skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love going to the beach, feel so much better after swimming
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
When I went on a short vacation to the beach a few months ago, I definitely noticed my skin being smoother, softer and less irritated. This is good to know so I can justify going.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
More time in nature is what we all need
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
The ocean has been such great temp atm! Enjoying some gorgeous family swims together - with bonus benefits! I feel like I'm in a pod of dolpins when we all swim together lol
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Yes ocean temp at the moment on the Gold Coast is great and I love being in the water and not feeling cold. We went boating a lot and were thrilled to see lots of pods of dolpins playing around the boat. Such a bonus.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
love love love the ocean, the smell the feel of the cool salty water washing everything away, fresh air.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
This is very interesting
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Good idea. Will need to go to the beach soon
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Nothing like the natural environment to heal
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
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!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Wish I knew this sooner..
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
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.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I don't disagree, I just find the beach a bit messy and requires a lot of work after especially if you have kids.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0