This Sea Salt Spray Is Going Viral For Clearing Acne — But Does It Really Work? 

Ever come back from the beach with noticeably clearer skin? You're not imagining it: Not only is the post-vacation glow very much real (considering stress and acne go together like sunglasses and SPF), but the salty ocean water may have some skin-healing properties, too. 

It's something this TikTok user noticed after returning from her most recent getaway—and so she decided to bring the beach to her bathroom with a DIY sea salt toner. The video (and her glowing complexion) practically made tidal waves—it currently has 4 million views and counting. 

"Sea salt water can help dry out pimples," says holistic plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, M.D., in a duet video, similar to how a spot treatment can contain drying agents to draw out all the sebum and gunk from a blemish. (It's also why your hair may feel a bit strawlike after a dip in the ocean, as saltwater can yank precious oil and moisture from your strands.) Sea salt also has some antimicrobial properties1, which may make it a helpful remedy for acne-causing bacteria. 

Some limited data even touts sea salt for balancing inflammation, which can be helpful for those tender, puffy pimples. Especially if you use magnesium-rich types of salt: One study found that bathing in a magnesium-rich salt solution was effective for reducing dry skin and inflammation. Anecdotally, some people who suffer from eczema and psoriasis have also found salty ocean water helpful for calming flare-ups; the National Eczema Association even recommends adding 1 cup of table salt to your bathwater to ease flare-ups.