I love a day spent in the ocean too — or at least, that is what Rachel Dube says about herself in her Byrdie piece on this trend, and she adds that she can vouch for what salt water does for her hair and skin. But is it really as good as everyone on TikTok makes it out to be? Salt water face washing has become a 2026 beauty trend, so it was only a matter of time before it caught our attention. The trend started on TikTok — somewhat unsurprisingly — and it has only picked up more and more traction since. The general idea is simple: wash your face with salt water to cut down on breakouts, inflammation, and oil production. The question is whether salt water on your face is actually good for your skin, and whether it really helps with acne and inflammation. Dube went straight to the dermatologists to find out if it checks out. Here is what they said, in the same order, with the same advice. I have not tried washing my face with salt water myself, and nothing here is my own experience; I am reporting what Dube and the dermatologists said.
In this article: what salt water is; the benefits; skin considerations; how to use salt water on your face; the side effects; the final takeaway; and frequently asked questions.
Meet the experts: Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and the founder of Shafer Clinic in New York City; Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of MDCS Dermatology in New York City; and Dr. Lauren Penzi is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin by Dr. Penzi in New York City. The article was medically reviewed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julia A. Siegel. Everything that follows comes from them, as reported by Dube.
What Is Salt Water?
Salt water is a mixture of water and sodium chloride — the stuff you know as table salt. You can also make it by dissolving salt in water, or by mixing sea salt into water. It is most commonly found in the ocean, but it also turns up in mineral-rich hot springs and in Dead Sea salt.
Dr. Garshick says salt water can help bring down oil production in the skin, which may be useful if your skin runs oily. The minerals in it — including magnesium, zinc, and calcium — can also bring anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits to the skin, she adds.
Dr. Penzi says salt water is often used to cleanse, exfoliate, and improve skin conditions like acne and eczema.
And Dr. Engelman explains that salt water works as a natural exfoliant: it can help clear away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve how your skin feels.
Benefits
Dr. Garshick says salt water on your face can be helpful, particularly if you have oily skin — it can help reduce oil production and clear out clogged pores, and it can also help exfoliate dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
Dr. Engelman adds that, on top of its antibacterial properties, salt water can also help calm the skin and bring down inflammation, which makes it a good option for people with acne-prone skin.
There is some research behind this too: in 2023, a review suggested that Dead Sea water has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects.
Dr. Penzi says salt water can help support a healthier skin barrier by reducing inflammation and preventing moisture loss. She also points out that, in some cases, salt water can help with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. But she adds a warning with it: it is important to be mindful of the type of salt and how concentrated it is, because using too much can cause dryness or irritation.
Skin considerations: if your skin is dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone, salt water may not be the best option for you. It can make existing conditions worse and cause irritation and dryness. Dr. Penzi adds that while many people may benefit from salt water, people with dry or sensitive skin should avoid it, because it can be drying.
Dube herself has dry skin, and she says she also thinks of salt water as a form of chemical exfoliant — so she plans to try it only once or twice a week, to see whether her skin tolerates it. But more on that later.
Dr. Penzi’s main rule is moderation. “The key is to use salt water in moderation,” she says. “Overuse can lead to dryness and irritation, so it’s important to use it only when necessary.”
How to Use Salt Water on Your Face
Dr. Engelman says you can either use salt water straight from the ocean, or mix it yourself at home. Her recipe is to mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of sea salt into 2 cups of warm distilled water. To make a larger batch, she advises combining 1 tablespoon of sea salt per cup of water with one gallon of distilled water.
Dr. Penzi says to apply the salt water to your face using your hands, massaging it gently into the skin, and then to rinse with plain water afterward.
After rinsing, she advises following up with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer — and always applying SPF during the day.
Dr. Engelman also says you can use Epsom salt as an alternative to sea salt.
Side Effects
Salt water has its benefits, but you should know about the possible risks too. It can irritate your skin, especially if your skin is dry or sensitive. Using it too often can also lead to dehydration and breakouts.
Dr. Engelman says that if you find you are experiencing irritation, stop using it and consult a board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Penzi agrees, and adds that it is important to be mindful of the salt concentration, because using too much can cause dryness or irritation. She also notes that people with sensitive skin or a compromised skin barrier should avoid using salt water on their faces altogether.
The Final Takeaway
Salt water can have some benefits for the skin — reducing oil production, improving texture, and soothing inflammation among them. But it is important to use it in moderation, because overuse can lead to dryness and irritation. And if you have dry or sensitive skin, it is best to avoid salt water and go for gentler alternatives instead.
FAQ
How often should I use salt on my face?
Dr. Penzi suggests using salt water on your face one to two times per week at most — any more often than that could disrupt the skin barrier and dry you out. “I do not recommend it for those with dry or sensitive/eczema-prone skin, as it can be too abrasive and harsh on the skin,” she adds.
What does salt spray do for your face?
While salt spray can give your hair the beachy waves of your dreams, it can also work as a toner or bring down oil production on your face. A quick spritz of salt spray — Dube mentions Derma Salt’s Natural Sea Salt Spray as an example — is a good option to test out before submerging your face in a salt water wash in the hope of reducing redness.
