With summer in full swing, we find ourselves spending more time at the pool and beach. With salt-water pools and naturally salty ocean water, you may be wondering if salt water is good for your hair and skin.
Skin
Salt water is full of vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are especially beneficial to those with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Salt water has healing properties. Ever heard of taking a salt water bath? Or doing a soak in Epsom salt? Salt water helps to detoxify the skin, treat injuries, and reduce swelling.
Hair
The nutrients present in salt water work well at breaking down your hair’s natural oils. So if you’ve got overly oily hair, salt water can help keep your hair’s oil levels balanced.
Salt water opens up your hair’s cuticle which means damage for colored hair. Salt will cause your color to fade and look dull.
Salt water is dehydrating. Because of osmosis, salt water actually pulls water out of your hair’s strands. This will leave hair feeling dry and dehydrated.
In summary:
Pros – salt water is full of vitamins and minerals, has natural healing properties, helps balance out oily hair
Cons – its dehydrating and damages colored hair
What can you do?
Rinse hair with plain water before taking a dip in the ocean
Use a leave in conditioner before and after spending the day at the beach
Use hair products with SPF to protect your strands from harmful sun rays