How to Protect Your Skin from Drying Out After Swimming in the Sea - Dermatologists’ Tips
Summer without the sea isn't real summer for many, but if you've ever spent a day at the beach, gone swimming, and felt your skin tight and dry afterwards, you're not alone.
While most of us accept this as “normal after the sea,” science has now explained exactly why this happens and what you can do to save your skin that same evening.
Salt Equals Skin Dehydration
New research published in the journal "Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials" reveals what actually happens when we bathe in saltwater.
Scientists analyzed how freshwater and seawater affect the skin, and the results are clear: seawater significantly increases skin stiffness and creates what they call “drying stress.” In short, that’s why our skin feels tight, dry, and sometimes peels after swimming in the sea, reports Index.hr.
“Salt draws moisture from the upper layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, causing it to feel dry and tight,” explains study author Dr. Guy K. German, professor of biomedical engineering at Binghamton University in New York.
Salt Damages the Skin’s Natural Barrier
But it's not just dehydration. Dermatologists point out that salt disrupts proteins on the skin's surface, making it rough, sensitive, and prone to peeling.
“Microscopic salt crystals remain on the skin and continue to draw moisture even after you've dried off,” says Dr. Gary Goldenberg of Mount Sinai Hospital. He adds that frequent exposure to saltwater can cause irritation, inflammation, and severe dryness.
Dermatologist Dr. Ife J. Rodney notes that this further damages the skin's protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to UV rays, allergens, and bacteria.
What to Do Right After Swimming in the Sea?
If you thought beach showers were just for rinsing off sand, think again. Rinsing with fresh water right after swimming in the sea helps your skin recover.
“That’s why many beaches have showers—use them immediately after swimming in the sea,” says Dr. German.
When you get home, shower with a gentle soap. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.
Choose lotions with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These help retain moisture and restore your skin’s barrier function.
You can also protect yourself before heading to the beach.
“Before applying sunscreen, first use a rich moisturizer,” advises Dr. Rodney.
The goal is to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, so the salt will have a harder time drying it out.
