“Ocean water contains high levels of salt, which has a drying and exfoliating effect on the skin. There are anecdotal reports of ocean water clearing up skin conditions like acne. The salt helps remove excess oil from the skin to dry out pimples,” Dr. Zeichner confirms to Teen Vogue.

Many people notice their skin clears up at the beach due to the unique combination of saltwater, minerals, and moderate sun exposure. Seawater is naturally rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and sulfur, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Saltwater also acts as a natural exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and "draw out" excess oils from pores. Furthermore, moderate amounts of UV light from the sun can have a mild immunosuppressant effect on the skin, reducing the inflammation associated with various rashes and breakouts. However, this is a delicate balance; too much sun can cause skin damage and "rebound" breakouts as the skin thickens to protect itself. Additionally, the "clearing" effect can be temporary, as the salt and sun can eventually dehydrate the skin. To maintain the benefits, it is important to rinse off the salt after a swim and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent the skin from overcompensating for the dryness by producing even more oil.