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Sea salt is, as the name suggests, salt obtained from sea water. Unlike table salt, it is produced by evaporating seawater, and therefore may contain trace minerals like iron, potassium and zinc. It has a unique taste, and it is widely used for seasoning, preserving, and in cooking. However, in addition to its culinary uses, it can also be used for your skin. Today, many skincare products include sea salt as an ingredient for exfoliating and more.
Sea salt can be used as a potent exfoliant, removing dirt, grime and oils, and cleaning the pores on your skin. It can also be used to balance oil production, and reduce oiliness. (Don’t confuse Dead Sea Salt or Epsom Salt with sea salt. Each has unique properties.) To use, mix a teaspoonful in warm water, and mist onto your face. It’s that easy! Or, to find out if this would make an appropriate ingredient in your daily skincare regimen, click here to take the Skin Quiz.
Sea salt, while great for exfoliating, may be harsh on your skin. It may cause mini tears to form on the skin surface, through which bacteria can enter your skin and cause problems such as acne breakouts. Therefore, it may be a good idea to use a gentler exfoliator.
Pigmentation is simply skin’s coloration, determined by the amount of melanin produced by the skin cells. This umbrella term can include a wide variety of skin pigmentation disorders that can affect small or large areas of the skin. It includes genetic conditions, as well as environmental ones, such as sunspots or liver spots. Hyperpigmentation, for example, refers to a darkening of the skin, such as with age spots and sunspots.
To prevent discoloration from damaging UV, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like acai oil, alpha-lipoic acid, jojoba oil, green tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, caffeine, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is also a good brightening agent for hyperpigmentation. Hydrolyzed collagen also enhances the appearance of dull or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring the overall vitality of the skin.
Sea salt may be effective for pigmentation, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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