Should I wash my face with salt water?

Washing your face with salt water can help remove dead skin cells, making your skin softer and brighter, is this true or false? (My, 25 years old, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Salt acts as a mechanical exfoliant, leaving the skin smoother, softer and brighter. Through its osmotic action, salt absorbs toxins, draws out dirt and oil, and improves pore size.

However, salt is corrosive and can damage the skin when used in high concentrations for a long time. Washing your face with salt water can cause burning, dry skin, even aggravate some diseases such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis..., or can cause skin darkening if not done properly.

If you want to use a homemade salt water wash, boil 500 ml of tap water and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of sea salt or table salt (avoid using coarse salt). Store the mixture in a tightly sealed container with the lid slightly ajar. Once it reaches room temperature, close the container tightly and store it for washing your face. If you have dry skin, it is safer and better to use professionally formulated products.

When washing your face with salt water, gently wipe it with a cotton pad soaked in water. Apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to prevent dry skin. You can start by trying salt water washing once or twice a week to test your skin.

Never exfoliate when washing your face with salt water. Stop using if you notice any signs such as redness, peeling, tightness, itching, scaling, or discoloration. See a dermatologist immediately for treatment and proper skin care instructions.

MSc. Dr. Le Thao Hien, Department of Dermatology - Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital

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