Some important findings on the skin healing properties of Seawater

• Research in the International Journal of Dermatology, first published in 2005, noted that seawater, a rich source of magnesium, improves skin barrier function, promotes the retention of moisture in the skin and reduces inflammation in atopic eczema.

Ehrhardt Proksch MD, phD*, Hans-Peter Nissen phD, Markus Bremgartner MD, Colin Urquhart PhD International Journal of Dermatology Volume 44, Issue 2, pp 151–157, February 2005.

• Research published in the medical journal Skin Research and Technology indicates that seawater also has valuable healing properties for troubling skin conditions. Results of a study carried on volunteers with irritant contact dermatitis showed the salt and potassium chloride found naturally in seawater ‘seals’ the damaged skin, reduces TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) and speeds up the healing process. Minerals and amino acids naturally present in seawater help draw out impurities and as toxins are removed, healing time speeds up during flare ups.

Yusuke Yoshizawa, Hanafi Tanojo, Seong Jin Kim, Howard I. MaibachSkin Research and Technology Volume 7, Issue 1, pp 36–39, February 2001

Meanwhile, the British Association of Dermatologists has found that eczema in children improves when parents introduce sea swimming into their exercise regimen. A study conducted by the organisation into children with eczema caused by allergies found that seawater baths reduced their symptoms.