A TikTok skincare hack that involves rubbing seawater and and sand over you face has gone viral with more than two million views- but could it actually do wonders for your skin?
The journey to clear and blemish-free skin can often be a long and expensive one. Whether it’s cleansers, serums, exfoliators or various different strange-sounding acids our skincare routines are seemingly getting longer and longer with no end in sight.
So when one influencer claimed to have ditched their entire routine for simply a splash of seawater and a gentle scrub of sand, it was only natural that it soon blew up online, gathering millions of views on TikTok.
The creator claimed the natural solutions were the key to her clear skin, she added: “I haven’t washed [my] face once this week, and just have given [themselves] daily sea scrub facials. Not a pimple in sight”.
But surely the murky Atlantic water couldn’t actually work wonders? Well, the answer is unsurprisingly more complicated than the five-second clip made out.
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Seawater can have some benefits, it’s a natural exfoliant so similar to your expensive charcoal scrub, it can remove dead skin cells making your skin feel smoother and softer.
The sea can also be high in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium which can help nourish your skin and help combat certain conditions. However, despite the potential benefits a skincare expert has come out to warn anyone looking to ditch their regime for ocean water.
Chartered chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, Bruce Green admitted on the surface it may be a good idea: “While the idea of a sea scrub facial sounds natural and indulgent, directly scrubbing your face with sand or saltwater from the ocean can do more harm than good.
“Seawater does contain minerals like magnesium and calcium that can benefit the skin by reducing inflammation and balancing oil. However, the ocean is not a sterile environment.”
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The sea can be much dirtier than you think, and once the particles get into your skin, it can soon trigger breakouts. The chemist added: “Many popular beaches have been shown to contain traces of faecal matter, pollutants, and even antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), which can lead to serious skin infections.
“Sand is also highly abrasive and can cause microscopic tears in the skin barrier, leading to sensitivity and breakouts. While marine-based skincare ingredients are trending, I would strongly recommend opting for professionally formulated products that safely harness oceanic elements—rather than risking your skin’s health at the shoreline,” Green added.
“Look on your facial skin as the bonnet on your favourite car. You polish it with care and lovingly, you certainly don’t rub sand onto it.”
Commenters under the original post have also warned against the sea technique. One person wrote: “Omg please be careful, my friend did that and got a staph infection! It looks so nice though”.
While another added: “Omg please be careful, my friend did that and got a staph infection! It looks so nice though.”
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