How to Get Rid of Pimples: Can Salt Water Really Do the Trick?

TikTok is becoming a go-to resource for fun, at times with unbelievable skincare and beauty hacks. Among the latest to go viral is salt water, which is supposedly a good acne treatment — but can it get the job done? Moreover, do you have to go to the beach, or can you make this stuff at home? Learn how to get rid of pimples by reading the article below.

To better understand how to get rid of pimples, you look at what they are. Pimples are a symptom of acne, a skin condition affecting the hair follicles and oil glands. Along with comedones like blackheads and whiteheads, pimples are also small pustules caused by clogged or inflamed pores.Acne-prone skin is also usually oily because the excess sebum produced by the skin can plug the pores, along with bacteria, dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells.

There is truth in the popular Insta-caption “vitamin sea,” after all. The Department of Dermatology at the University of Kiel found that the skin can benefit a lot from salt water that’s straight out of the ocean. Their study revealed that magnesium, a common mineral in seawater, can improve the skin’s texture, soothe inflammation, and hydrate and moisturize the skin.

Another study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complement Alternative Medicine notes that the calcium, potassium, chromium, selenium, zinc, and vanadium in salt water are also good for eradicating pimples. These minerals combat acne-causing bacteria and skin infections, and speed up the skin’s healing process.

Moreover, the salt in seawater helps cleanse and disinfect the pores and mildly exfoliate the skin, which is why your skin looks amazing after going to the beach. However, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warns that while it can be effective and relatively safe, you shouldn’t do it every day. Seawater and salt water are different, and washing your face with the latter, which is highly corrosive, can damage the skin barrier.

When it comes to getting rid of pimples, going for tried and tested treatments is still your best bet. The AAD states that proper cleansing and exfoliation can get rid of acne. You want to keep oil and bacteria from clogging the pores and prevent breakouts by keeping the skin clean. Exfoliation also helps because it sloughs off dead skin, which, if left on the epidermis, can congest the pores.

Mechanical exfoliation is not advisable for broken skin, so avoid physical scrubs for now. The Journal of the American Medical Association recommends using salicylic acid or topical retinoids to aid in skin renewal, minimize oil production, and heal the skin. JAMA notes that you'll need to stick to an anti-acne routine for two to three months before your dermatologist can assess if it’s working.

Meanwhile, at home, you can incorporate acne-fighting products into your skincare routine. Eskinol Pimple Relief Facial Wash helps cleanse and brighten pimple-prone skin. It also contains cica and green tea extracts, which soothe inflammation and restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

For bigger pimples, apply Eskinol Pimple Relief Spot Gel Corrector to help dry and minimize them. For even toned skin and refined pores, use POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Acne Control Facial Foam, which also has niacinamide. Avoid picking at your pimples if you want them to heal faster.

Social media floats a lot of content on how to get rid of pimples, but some of them are just too good to be true. To be safe, always consult your trusted dermatologist before trying a skincare trend, and do your research before applying any treatments or products to your skin.