The Sea and Your Skin: Can Sea Water Really Help Eczema?

“I went to the beach, and for the first time in weeks, my eczema felt better.” If you have ever had that moment of relief while standing ankle-deep in the ocean, with salty breeze on your face, you are not alone. Thousands of eczema sufferers worldwide swear by the healing properties of seawater for eczema. However, is it just in their heads, or can seawater genuinely help soothe eczema? If you, too, have the same doubts, let’s dive deep into the questions and explore the answers we really need. 

The Sting Behind the Itch: Eczema’s Daily Struggle

Also known as atopic dermatitis, Eczema affects over 230 million people globally, with about 10%-20% children and 3% of adults experiencing it in some form. Let us tell you it’s not just dry skin; it’s an inflammatory skin condition that causes intense itching, redness, flakiness, and often, the perils of emotional distress. 

People try everything, from steroid creams to oatmeal baths and strict skincare routines. However, when relief remains out of reach, some look to nature, and what’s more natural than the ocean? 

What’s Really in Sea Water for Eczema?

More Than Just Salt.

Before we talk about skin, or is sea water good for eczema, let’s talk a little bit about chemistry. Sea water isn’t just salty water; it’s a cocktail of minerals and elements, many of which are known for their therapeutic benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the sea water is really composed of and the benefits of sea water for skin-specific concerns:

Sea water for eczema is a healing question circling on Reddit or other platforms, because as you can see, this is a composition that your regular tap water doesn’t provide. 

So, Can Sea Water Help Eczema?

For those with genuine concerns about natural remedies for eczema with ocean water, let’s break it down for both science and real-life experience.

• Natural Exfoliation and Cleansing

Sea water eczema treatment works because it acts as a gentle scrub. The salt in the ocean water helps slough off dead skin, unclog pores, and remove impurities. For eczema-prone skin, this can be immensely helpful, but only if it is done gently and in moderation. 

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Another reason why ocean water for eczema is considered beneficial is that minerals like magnesium have anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, some small studies have shown that swimming in the sea with eczema can improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation in eczema patients. 

Source: A 2005 study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that participants who bathed in Dead Sea salt solution for 15 minutes daily over three weeks saw significant improvement in skin barrier function.

• Antimicrobial Effect

Open eczema wounds are vulnerable to bacterial infections, especially caused by Staphylococcus aureus. However, salt water for eczema is beneficial because it has natural antibacterial properties that tend to reduce bacterial load. But, again, this works best only when the patient has mild flare-ups and unbroken skin. 

But Wait… Sea Water Can Also Sting

Here’s something you need to know: while some people swear by seawater for soothing their eczema, others experience increased burning, dryness, or irritation after a dip. Why? Because salt in the sea can act as a double-edged sword if you have:

• Open sores or cracked skin- Sea water may sting or worsen the irritation. 
• Highly sensitive skin- The salt may strip natural oils and dry it out further. 
• Long exposure in the sun and sand- This can lead to flare-ups despite the seawater. 

Thus, how your skin reacts largely depends on the severity of your eczema, your skin type, and how you treat your skin post-swim. 

How to Safely Try Sea Water for Eczema Relief?

If you are curious and planning a beach day, here’s how to go about it wisely with some eczema skin care tips:

• Patch test first: Dab a little sweater on a small eczema patch, and wait for a few hours to see how your skin reacts. 
• Keep it short and sweet: Don’t soak too long because just 10 to 15 minutes is more than enough. 
• Moisturize Immediately: After rinsing off with fresh water, lock in moisture using a thick, eczema-safe moisturizer, like our Calming butter for eczema relief. 
• Avoid Sand Rubbing: Sand might exfoliate, but for eczema skin, it can feel like sandpaper. 
• Mind the Sun: Sunburn can worsen eczema, so use mineral sunscreen that’s eczema-friendly and doesn’t irritate your skin. 

The Verdict: A Salty Maybe

So, can sea water really help eczema?

Yes- for some.

No- for others.

But it's not a cure. It’s a natural remedy that may offer relief, especially when used mindfully and alongside your skincare routine. If your skin loves the sea, then maybe your beach vacations double up as eczema therapy. If it doesn’t, don’t worry, there are many ways to manage eczema that don’t involve a flight ticket.

Looking for eczema-friendly skincare products for your skin that can hydrate and nourish? Join the plant-powered wellness revolution with Drought Secret, and go back to time-tested natural remedies made using pure ingredients. 

Key Takeaways

• Sea water contains minerals like magnesium, calcium, and zinc that can soothe inflammation.
• It may help with gentle cleansing, mild antibacterial action, and temporary relief.
• It’s not for everyone;  people with sensitive or broken skin should be cautious.
• Moisturizing after a swim is crucial.

FAQs

1. Is Ocean water good for eczema?

It can help soothe mild eczema due to its minerals, but it may irritate broken or sensitive skin.

2. Can eczema be caused by mold?

Yes, mold exposure can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups in sensitive individuals.

3. Does chlorine water from pools affect eczema?

Chlorine can dry out or irritate eczema-prone skin, so rinse and moisturize immediately after swimming.

4. Is sun exposure good or bad for eczema-prone skin?

Moderate sun exposure may improve symptoms, but overexposure can dry and inflame the skin.