Eczema is a skin disorder that causes discomfort, like redness, itchiness, and inflammation. While it’s not easy to cure, managing flare-ups can help. Is ocean water good for eczema? Yes, “deep sea water is capable of treating skin problems,” says a 2016 study on Potential Health Benefits of Deep Sea Water. However, be mindful of potential side effects and use it carefully to support your skin's health.
Today’s blog will cover eczema triggers, how seawater impacts skin health, its benefits and risks, and expert tips for effective management.
Common Eczema Triggers and Irritants
According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), the exact cause of eczema is still unclear. However, it has been proven that both genetic and environmental factors can trigger and irritate eczema flare-ups or symptoms:
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Genetic factors: Patients have a family history of asthma, eczema, or allergies;
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Filaggrin gene (FLG): The FLG gene helps create a protein called profilaggrin found in the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis), which is key to keeping your skin barrier strong. If someone has a mutation in the FLG gene, their skin barrier can become weak, making it more likely to be dry, irritated, and prone to conditions like eczema. People with a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies are more likely to inherit these mutations.
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Skin barrier genes: Certain genes, such as ABCA12 and ceramide synthase, play a critical role in lipid synthesis and transport, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
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Immune-related genes: To maintain a healthy immune response in your skin, be mindful of factors such as T-cells (which have specific immune-related genes), immunoglobulins, and cytokines. Low T-cell levels, immunoglobulin deficiencies (which can cause allergic reactions), or excessive cytokines can disrupt the immune system and lead to imbalances.
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Environmental factors: Common triggers for eczema include allergens (e.g., dust mites, foods), detergents, solvents, and soaps, as well as others (stress, infections, and changes in weather).
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Immune system activation: Eczema causes the body to overreact to environmental triggers, potentially linking to skin damage and inflammation.
The Relationship Between Ocean Water and Skin Health
Ocean water, also known as “Dead Sea water,” is rich in magnesium salts. These salts “improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin,” as demonstrated in a study conducted by Proksch, Nissen, Bremgartner, and Urquhart, published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2005. That’s why bathing in saltwater has been lauded for alleviating eczema symptoms and preventing flare-ups from allergens.
However, the effects of ocean water on eczema might differ per each person. Some patients find relief, while others risk skin irritation. This is simply because no high-quality study has confirmed that ocean water works well on every eczema sufferer.
Can Ocean Water Flare Up Your Eczema?
Yes. According to the National Eczema Association, ocean water “can be soothing for some and painful for others.” Some individuals' skin may be too sensitive for swimming in the ocean, though it’s safe to try your tolerance first in a saltwater pool or lake. Monitor your skin's reaction before starting new water-based activities for eczema relief.
In addition, be aware of certain sunscreens that might cause adverse reactions, such as topical irritation and allergic reactions, which Dr. JiaDe Yu highlighted with NIH. This can damage eczema-prone skin and exacerbate eczema symptoms. “In rare cases, eczema is directly caused by exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight),” says the National Eczema Society.
Benefits of Salt Water for Eczema
Here are some outstanding benefits of using salt water including:
Water hydrates your skin
According to the National Eczema Association, although the water feels cold, your body tends to heat up and sweat during exposure. Thus, to keep your skin hydrated and safe, it’s recommended to increase your fluid intake before swimming in salt water. Always moisturize afterward to lock in hydration and soothe your skin.
Ocean water has a therapeutic effect on eczema
A study published in Clinical Trial Skin Research and Technology highlights that ocean water contains therapeutic properties (minerals), particularly sodium chloride (NaCl). This protects the skin barrier, heals the irritation, and helps with eczema symptoms. You don’t need to swim in the ocean to utilize these health benefits directly. A 2020 Korean pilot study on the therapeutic effects of saline groundwater found that baths in saline groundwater solution may be an alternative therapeutic strategy for treating atopic dermatitis.
Seawater’s anti-inflammatory effects
The International Journal of Molecular Sciences states that refined deep-sea water can benefit inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis.Water can help reduce the substances in the body that cause inflammation, which may help control the body's inflammatory reactions. As a result, you can soothe irritated skin and alleviate eczema symptoms.
Salt water helps exfoliation and skin renewal
“Salt acts as a mechanical exfoliant and scrub, removing dead skin cells. This leaves the skin feeling smoother, softer, and brighter”, says Snehal Amin, MD, FAAD. Amin, a board-certified dermatologist. That’s why the MDPI Cosmetics highlighted that salt water can enhance skin hydration and barrier function, contributing to a more rejuvenated complexion.
Potential Risks for Eczema on the Beach
While ocean water can be beneficial for some, potential risks and triggers must be recognized to prevent eczema flare-ups, as concluded by PubMed Central:
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Open wound irritation: A high amount of salt can irritate the skin, cracking or opening sores, which is significantly severe when you suffer from eczema.
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Skin overdrying: Spending time in ocean water can enhance hydration but lead to dryness on your skin—which is easily found in individuals with dry skin, where the salt may strip away natural oils for moisture retention.
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Allergy: While rare, some individuals may have allergic reactions to certain minerals, worsening eczema symptoms or triggering new skin disorders.
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Contaminants: Seawater sometimes contains pollutants or harmful bacteria, which can damage skin conditions, including eczema.
Tips for an Enjoyable Beach Day With Eczema
The tips below can help you enjoy a more comfortable beach day, even with eczema symptoms.
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Checking the seawater quality: Ensure the water is clean to avoid swimming in polluted areas, which could worsen your eczema.
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Watching out for the sun: Control the time your skin spends under UV light to prevent the risk of irritation and redness.
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Selecting sunscreen: Be mindful of sunscreen ingredients that could irritate your skin, avoiding potential flare-ups.
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Staying away from the sand: Protect your skin from the hot sand by sitting or lying on a towel or blanket
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Wearing lightweight clothing with long sleeves: This helps protect your skin from the sun and keeps your body hydrated.
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Get out the water and rinse off when itching: If your skin starts itching, leave the water and rinse off to prevent further irritation, which can trigger flare-ups in eczema-prone skin.
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Take lukewarm showers: Showering in lukewarm water can help cleanse and soothe your skin.
Use Phoilex for Instant Eczema Relief
The answer to “Is ocean water good for eczema?” varies depending on individual factors such as genetics, current skin condition, and environmental triggers. While ocean water may provide relief for some, it can also cause irritation or long-term skin damage for others.
Along with following the tips mentioned above, try skincare products made from natural and safe ingredients to help manage eczema symptoms. Phoilex’s Active ReLeaf Spot Gel is a great choice for your skin—a serum that can help soothe itchy skin and eczema discomfort.
References:
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Mohd Nani, S. Z., Majid, F. A. A., Jaafar, A. B., Mahdzir, A., & Musa, M. N. (2016). Potential Health Benefits of Deep Sea Water: A Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, 2016. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/6520475
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Nemeth, V., & Evans, J. (2022, August 8). Eczema. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/
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Proksch, E., Nissen, H.-P., Bremgartner, M., & Urquhart, C. (2005). Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin. International Journal of Dermatology, 44(2), 151–157. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02079.x
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Hewett, L. (2018, July 18). 5 things you need to know before you swim with eczema. National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/blog/swimming-eczema/
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Association, N. E. (2021, May 28). Yes, your sunscreen might be causing your eczema to flare. Here’s why. National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/blog/sunscreen-avoid-flaring/
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Developers, B. (2020, February 11). Sun and eczema. National Eczema Society. https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/sun-and-eczema/
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Yoshizawa, Y., Tanojo, H., Kim, S. J., & Maibach, H. I. (2001). Sea water or its components alter experimental irritant dermatitis in man. Clinical Trial Skin Research and Technology, 7(1), 36-39. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11301639/
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Yoo, J., Choi, J. Y., Lee, B. Y., Shin, C. H., Shin, J.-W., Huh, C. H., & Na, J.-I. (2020). Therapeutic Effects of Saline Groundwater Solution Baths on Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1–5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/8303716
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Chun, S.-Y., Lee, K.-S., & Nam, K.-S. (2017). Refined Deep-Sea Water Suppresses Inflammatory Responses via the MAPK/AP-1 and NF-κB Signaling Pathway in LPS-Treated RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(11), 2282. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/11/2282
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Snehal Amin, MD, FAAD | in Midtown East and Upper East Side, New York, Commack, Hampton Bays, Plainview and Smithtown, NY and Englewood, Clifton and Marlboro, NJ | MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. (2024). Mdcsnyc.com. https://www.mdcsnyc.com/provider/snehal-amin-md-faad
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Dai, D., Ma, X., Yan, X., & Bao, X. (2023). The Biological Role of Dead Sea Water in Skin Health: A Review. Cosmetics, 10(1), 21. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/10/1/21
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Cathal O’Connor, McCarthy, S., & Murphy, M. (2023). Pooling the evidence: A review of swimming and atopic dermatitis. Pediatric Dermatology, 40(3), 407–412. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10946598/