DIY Sea Salt Spray for Acne and Clear Skin

Looking for a natural beauty treatment for acne-prone skin? This guide covers how to make a sea salt spray for acne and clear skin. Made using just three ingredients, it’s a simple yet powerful facial spray to banish breakouts and boost skin health.  

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my affiliate disclosure.

You may have seen sea salt spray go viral recently on Tik Tok and I admit it was a lightbulb moment for me.  I’ve used homemade acne remedies for years, however, find one of the best things for my skin is spending time in the sea. Nothing compares to that post-vacation glow so I decided to make my own sea salt facial spray to recreate those vacay vibes at home.

If, like me, you crave clear skin using natural methods (and on a budget) then this is the solution for you. Let’s combine the magic of salt water with skincare to help fight acne breakouts and target skin issues.

Why Sea Salt for Acne?

Like many people I had no idea sea salt could be used as a beauty treatment. However, after learning the benefits of salt water I cannot recommend it enough if you struggle with skin issues such as breakouts, excess oil, dryness, irritation and adult acne.  Here are some reasons why it should be added to your natural skincare routine:  

• Antibacterial properties: Firstly, according to studies, sea salt contains minerals that have natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. By spraying a mixture of sea salt and water onto acne-prone skin, it may help to reduce acne-causing bacteria.
• Exfoliation: Sea salt can act as a gentle exfoliant when applied topically, that’s why it’s the main ingredient in my DIY lemon salt scrub. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent the buildup of excess oil and debris. By clearing these impurities, salt water spray can promote healthier skin and reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts.
• Oil control: Sea salt has a natural drying effect. That’s why your hair goes straw-like after a swim in the ocean. This is good news for those with oily skin, however, as excessive sebum production is a common cause of acne. By using sea salt spray, you can help absorb these excess oils and prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
• Soothing and anti-inflammatory properties: Acne is often accompanied by inflammation and irritation. Sea salt has soothing properties that can help calm redness and inflammation associated with acne breakouts. It may also aid in speeding up the healing process of existing acne scars.
• Mineral nourishment: Many of us struggle with magnesium deficiency which can heighten skin issues. Thankfully, sea salt is rich in magnesium as well as other minerals such as potassium and calcium, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. These minerals can help nourish the skin naturally and support the skin’s overall health.

Epsom Salt Baths

While this guide covers how to make a sea salt facial spray, I also recommend trying Epsom salt to improve acne breakouts. I like using Epsom salts in a detox bath or in my DIY lavender bath salts. Bathing in Epsom salts can help improve skin hydration, and well-hydrated skin is generally healthier and more resistant to breakouts.

Stress can also cause acne as it triggers hormonal changes and increases inflammation in the body. A relaxing Epsom salt bath can do wonders for reducing stress, drawing out toxins and impurities from the skin, and overall supporting your skin’s natural healing process. I also recommend adding these essential oils to your bath to boost your mood, soothe skin and more.

Homemade Sea Salt Spray Recipe

Although the benefits of sea salt are extensive, it could not be easier to make your own DIY sea salt spray for acne at home. You simply need three ingredients and a spray bottle, shake to dissolve then you’re good to go.

Ingredients

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tbsp sea salt (ideally dead sea salt)
• 2-3 drops tea tree oil (helps to soothe irritated skin and can help to unclog pores)
• Spray bottle

Directions

1. Start by ensuring that your spray bottle is clean and sanitized. Wash it with warm, soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
2. Add the distilled water to the spray bottle followed by the sea salt and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is one of the best essential oils for clear skin as it has antimicrobial properties and can help fight acne-causing bacteria.
3. Secure the spray bottle’s lid then shake the mixture well to dissolve the sea salt. As a tip you may want to use warm distilled water to help the salt dissolve faster.
4. Before applying the sea salt spray to your face, I’d recommend you do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of the spray to the inside of your forearm or behind your ear, and wait for a few hours to see if there are any negative effects.

How to Use This Sea Salt Spray

1. For best results, it’s important you prep your skin before using this sea salt spray. Follow your usual skincare routine, starting by washing your face as normal. I like to use a natural DIY face wash to minimize irritation.  Followed by a natural facial toner and, finally your usual serum or moisturizer.
2. Wait a few minutes after you moisturize before you apply the sea salt spray. 
3. Spritz the sea salt solution onto your skin, especially on acne-prone areas. You can either spray it directly on your face or use a cotton pad to apply it onto your skin.
4. Depending on your preference, you can choose to rinse off the sea salt spray or leave it on the skin. I find that leaving it on allows the minerals to benefit the skin further.

How Often Can You Use This Spray?

• Sensitive and Dry Skin: Start with every two days and work up to daily if your skin tolerates it well. If your skin gets dry, switch to every 3-4 days. 
• Normal to Oily Skin: Apply it once a day to begin with, then gradually increase to twice a day (morning and night) after your skincare routine. 

Storage Tips

Storing your DIY sea salt spray properly is important to maintain its effectiveness. Remember to always inspect the spray bottle and its contents before use. If you notice any changes in color, smell, or consistency, it’s best to discard the mixture and prepare a fresh batch.

Here are my top tips for storing your homemade salt water facial spray:

• The best bottle: Opt for a spray bottle with an airtight seal and a fine misting nozzle. This will help prevent air exposure and maintain the freshness of the ingredients. It’s also important that the bottle remains dry. Moisture can cause the ingredients to break down or promote the growth of bacteria. So keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use.
• Keep it in a cool, dark place: Like all DIY beauty and skincare products, your sea salt spray is best stored in a cool area away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and light can degrade the effectiveness of the ingredients over time.
• Use within a reasonable timeframe: Homemade skincare products, including sea salt sprays, typically have a shorter shelf life compared to commercial products. It’s best to use your sea salt spray within a few weeks to a month. Don’t forget to write the date of preparation on the bottle to help you keep track of the storage time and know when it’s time to make a fresh batch.
• Refrigerate: To extend shelf life, you can also store it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature can help preserve the ingredients and provide a refreshing sensation when applied to the skin. Just double check your spray bottle is made of materials safe for refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of salt like table salt?

When choosing a salt for a sea salt spray to help with acne, it’s best to opt for unrefined sea salt rather than table salt or other processed salts. Unrefined sea salt retains its natural mineral content, which can provide additional benefits for the skin.

There are different kinds of sea salt depending on where they are sourced from. Here are a few types that are commonly used in skincare:

• Dead Sea salt: Derived from the Dead Sea, Dead sea salt is known for its high mineral content, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It has been praised for its therapeutic effects on various skin conditions, including acne.
• Himalayan pink salt: There are many benefits of Himalayan salt. It is renowned for its distinctive pink color and mineral-rich composition. It contains minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium, which can be beneficial for the skin.
• Celtic sea salt: Celtic sea salt is hand-harvested from the coastal regions of France. .It is typically gray or off-white in color and offers a natural source of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes are crucial for maintaining hydration, nerve and muscle function, and pH balance.

Can I use tap water or filtered water?

I would recommend using filtered water for this facial spray. It provides an extra layer of assurance that your sea salt spray is as pure and gentle as possible, which is especially important when dealing with acne-prone skin.

Here is why I recommend using filtered water:

• Chlorine and impurities: Tap water often contains chlorine and other impurities that may be harsh on the skin. Chlorine in particular, can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its balance, potentially heightening acne symptoms.
• Mineral content: Filtered water typically has a lower mineral content compared to tap water. While minerals can be beneficial for the skin, excessive amounts or specific mineral compositions may not be suitable for everyone. By using filtered water, you have more control over the mineral content of the sea salt spray.

I’m lucky to have a Berkey water filter at home but if you don’t have access to filtered water, you can boil tap water and let it cool before using it in your sea salt spray. Boiling water can help reduce the chlorine content and kill some bacteria present in tap water.

Will this sea salt spray make my skin dry?

Sea salt has a drying effect due to its ability to absorb moisture from the skin. It can help reduce excess oil and sebum, which is beneficial for those with oily or combination skin types. However, if you already have dry skin or if you overuse the sea salt spray, it can dehydrate your skin and potentially lead to dryness, tightness, and flakiness.

Pay attention to how your skin reacts. If you notice excessive dryness, irritation, or discomfort, it may be necessary to discontinue or reduce its usage. To prevent excessive dryness when using this sea salt spray for acne make sure to limit how often you use it (especially if you notice the symptoms mentioned above) and adjust the salt to water ratio if needed. Everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s important to adjust the solution to what works best for you.

Can I use sea salt spray on my body?

Yes. This sea salt spray for acne can be used on both the face and body. Acne can occur on various parts of the body, such as the chest, back, shoulders, and arms, so using  it on these areas may provide similar benefits as using it on the face.

Can I use this sea salt spray with other acne treatments?

Yes, you can use sea salt spray in conjunction with other acne treatments. However, it’s important to consider a few things before you do. Firstly, before using any new products or combining treatments, it’s a good idea to perform a patch test. If no negative reactions occur after 24-48 hours, it’s generally safe to proceed.

Some acne treatments, such as certain prescription medications or topical creams, may have specific instructions or guidelines regarding their use alongside other products, so always double check. If you plan on using multiple acne treatments I also recommend you start with the lightest product first (likely this sea salt spray) and progress to thicker or oil based treatments. This layering order will maximize absorption and benefits of the sea salt spray.

Finally, when introducing new products to your skincare routine it’s vital to do it gradually. This will not only allow you to monitor your skin’s reaction but also to test which products are having the best affect. If you throw a whole heap of acne treatments at your skin at once, it will be tough to pinpoint which is helping or hindering your skin health.

How long does it take to see results?

Sea salt sprays work by helping to exfoliate the skin, reduce excess oil, and potentially kill acne-causing bacteria. However, the effectiveness can vary from person to person. Some people find their skin improves within a few days or weeks, while others may require more time.

It depends on your skin type, how severe your acne is and how frequently you use the spray. I always say consistency is key when using any skincare product. If you don’t see any improvements after several weeks of consistent use or if your acne worsens, it may be beneficial to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and recommend alternative treatments if necessary.

As a tip, if you find you’re struggling with acne scars, I’d recommend using aloe vera to speed up results. There are so many benefits to using aloe vera for acne scars, not to mention that it’s far less aggressive than store-bought alternatives.

More Posts You Might Like

• 10 Natural DIY Skin Care Recipes
• DIY Pumpkin Seed Oil Face Serum
• How to Make The Switch to Non-Toxic Makeup

Have you tried Sea Salt Spray for Acne? Don’t forget to comment below to let me know how it went. You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.