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).
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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.
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123 Member Comments
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!
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I've also noticed this everytime I go to the beach, skin seems to clear up and acne fades away
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Interesting read! Who doesn't love the beach!
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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.
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I love going to the beach, feel so much better after swimming
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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.
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More time in nature is what we all need
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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
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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.
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love love love the ocean, the smell the feel of the cool salty water washing everything away, fresh air.
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Good idea. Will need to go to the beach soon
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Nothing like the natural environment to heal
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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!
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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.
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I don't disagree, I just find the beach a bit messy and requires a lot of work after especially if you have kids.
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im not sure if i think she is a positive role model for young people....
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I love spending time at the beach and so do my dogs. Only problem is that the salt irritates my eyes (I don't swim, so it's just from being at the beach).
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it sure is, i use to love going to the beach, now i don't even own bathers
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If you have rosacea like I do then you're meant to avoid the sun
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I live near the beach yet I never go into the water, I don't have a bathing suit nor do I know how to swim.
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My skin always clears up after a few days at the beach, especially great for bacne.
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