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.
Main image credit: @olivecookeHave you ever noticed the benefits of salt water on your skin? Will you give it a try?
I love the ocean and I do think personally my skin benefits from it!
I have always thought my skin appreciates time spent swimming at the beach
I’m excited to try!
Sounds good to me! Let’s go!
This makes sense.
Often beach holidays mean you are getting more sleep, more exercise and eating more salads. Add the salt water and a little sunshine to that and it makes sense that our skin reacts in a positive manner.
Don’t go to the beach often even though I live near them.
Good idea hope I can soon head to the beach.
That sounds like my Mum’s mantra. My Dad even sniffs salt water up his nose to clear a blocked nose during Winter.
My Mum has always promoted salt water and sea air to me from early in life. I wouldn’t be able to take two to three seaside sessions per week as mentioned. Maybe two to three seaside sessions per year if lucky.
Hmm true
I completely agree – every time I go swimming in the ocean my eczema goes away and it helps clear up my skin
Saltwater leaves a sticky feeling on my skin, I usually rinse it off after I’ve finished swimming.
Totally agree with this, if I have a breakout and then go swimming it clears up so much quicker than normal.
Interesting, I love swimming in the ocean, so no arguments from me.
definitely helps
I love to go to the beach , here is one more reason to do it.
I agree. Sun (in moderation) and ocean swimming have a wonderful effect on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Yes! I used to have eczema and acne, ocean and sea water definitely were beneficial!
I am a water baby and got the chance to swim in the ocean again after so long – loved it and was in there for over an hour. Would love to go more frequently.
Great article, I agree!
Mmm makes me want to go to the beach 🙂
Yes I notice this. Especially when I was a teenager I loved how the swim in the ocean would help zap my pimples!
My skin always clears up after a few days at the beach, especially great for bacne.
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.
If you have rosacea like I do then you’re meant to avoid the sun
it sure is, i use to love going to the beach, now i don’t even own bathers
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).
im not sure if i think she is a positive role model for young people….
I don’t disagree, I just find the beach a bit messy and requires a lot of work after especially if you have kids.
Count me in!
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.
Wish I knew this sooner..
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!
Nothing like the natural environment to heal
Good idea. Will need to go to the beach soon
This is very interesting
love love love the ocean, the smell the feel of the cool salty water washing everything away, fresh air.
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
More time in nature is what we all need
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.
I love going to the beach, feel so much better after swimming
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.
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.
Interesting read! Who doesn’t love the beach!
Great read
I’ve also noticed this everytime I go to the beach, skin seems to clear up and acne fades away
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!
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.
beach, here we come!