How to Get Rid of Pimples Naturally (Sea Salt Method)

Download Article
Download Article

If you’re looking for a natural way to treat a pimple, sea salt may be an ingredient worth exploring. Pimples are often caused by oils clogging your pores, and salt naturally absorbs moisture. As a result, sea salt may be able to speed up the healing process. However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a ton of clinical data proving that sea salt is going to get rid of your pimple. All things considered, sea salt isn’t going to do any harm to your skin, so feel free to mix up a face mask or exfoliating wash with sea salt if you’re looking for something natural to speed up the healing process for your pimple.

Question 1 of 8:

Is sea salt good for pimples?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid185486-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most of the research on acne and salt focuses on Epsom salts and Dead Sea Salt, but the premise behind sea salt, in general, makes sense. Acne is often caused by a buildup of oils in the skin, and salt dries skin out and absorbs oils, so it makes sense. There isn’t any conclusive evidence that sea salt will do anything for your pimple, but it’s probably not going to hurt anything. [1]
    • If possible, use Dead Sea salt instead of regular sea salt. Unlike the standard stuff, there’s a lot more scientific evidence that Dead Sea salt is going to be good for your skin! [2] Unfortunately, Epsom salts probably aren’t going to have as big an impact. [3]
    • The difference between sea salt and regular table salt is that sea salt is made by evaporating salt water, while table salt is usually mined underground. [4] They have the same nutritional value, but sea salt carries all kinds of minerals, like calcium and potassium, which may give your skin a healing boost. [5]
    2. Advertisement
Question 2 of 8:

How do you make a sea salt mask for acne?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid185486-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In a bowl, mix 1 tsp (5.5 g) of sea salt with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of Manuka or medical honey. Rinse your face and then gently work the honey and salt into your skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and then wash the honey-salt mixture off of your face with cold water. This may help with your pimple by reducing inflammation and removing any excess oils that may be clogging your pores. [6]
    • It’s possible that this works mainly because of the honey; the sea salt may not actually be the key ingredient here. Unlike salt, honey has a proven track record of reducing inflammation and soothing skin. [7]
    • Manuka and medical-grade honey are scientifically proven to contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes them great options for skincare health! [8]
    • You can buy Manuka honey from most organic grocery stores, while medical-grade honey is often sold in pharmacies. You can also buy them online.
    • Keep the salt and honey away from your eyes.
Question 3 of 8:

Will exfoliating with sea salt help a pimple?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid185486-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There aren't many studies that prove this is effective, but you can try it if you’d like. Mix 1 cup (275 g) of sea salt with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apricot kernel oil or sweet almond oil. If you’d like, mix a few drops of rosemary or geranium essential oil to the salt and oil. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly and hop in the shower. Gently rub the oily salt into your pimple using soft circular motions and rinse it off before you get out. [9]
    • The essential oils may have some minor antimicrobial properties, but they aren’t a cure for your pimples and the impact is mostly going to be minimal. [10] If you don’t have any rosemary or geranium essential oils, just use the salt and carrier oil.
    • If the essential oil irritates your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and discontinue use.
    • Don’t use this scrub near your eyes, mouth, or nose.
    2. Advertisement
Question 4 of 8:

Will a salt bath help with acne on my back?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid185486-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Soaking in a bath will definitely help you relax, which is great if stress is making your acne worse, and the salt is unlikely to harm your skin. Unfortunately, the only studies on this tend to focus on dry skin and Dead Sea salt baths. While Dead Sea salt baths do appear to be good for your skin, there’s no way to know if regular sea salt baths will improve acne. [11]
    • If you want to try a sea salt bath, pour 1/3 cup (82 g) of sea salt into the water while the tub is filling up. Hop in and relax in the warm water for 10-30 minutes before rinsing off. [12]
    • Don’t worry about the salt water drying your skin out if you’re only bathing for 10-30 minutes. So long as you moisturize after you get out, it shouldn’t be a big deal.
Question 5 of 8:

Is sea salt the best salt for acne?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid185486-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sea salt may be helpful for pimples or it may not. Most of the research on this subject focuses on Epsom salt and Dead Sea Salt. Of those two, it looks like Dead Sea salt might be very beneficial for your skin; it can reduce inflammation, improve dry skin, and revitalize your skin barrier, which is likely going to help with any pimples you get. [13]
    • Dead Sea salt refers to any sea salt that has been extracted from the Dead Sea. You can buy this stuff online or from some specialty skincare stores.
    • You could use Dead Sea salt the same way you’d use sea salt in a face mask or exfoliating wash.
    • The other salt often used for skin issues is Epsom salt. While bathing in Epsom salt may help you relax and you may experience some benefit, there isn’t a whole lot of proof that Epsom salt does anything for your skin. [14]
    2. Advertisement
Question 6 of 8:

Can sea salt make you break out?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid185486-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Salt absorbs moisture. If you eat too much sodium, it can dehydrate your skin and make it harder for your body to retain water. As a result, your skin may become dryer, and you may notice more pimples popping up. [15] Read the labels on the foods you eat to ensure that you don’t consume more than 2,300 mg of salt per day if you want healthy skin! [16]
    • You should also avoid eating too much sugar, too many foods on the high end of the glycemic index, too much dairy, and any saturated fats as well, since these ingredients and foods can cause you to break out. [17]
    • If you are cooking something that calls for salt, use sea salt! There’s some evidence that it’s better for your health than the standard table salt. [18]
Question 7 of 8:

What’s the best natural way to treat acne?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid185486-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sea salt is an option with unproven benefits, but you may have better luck with a few other options. Pimple-fighting gels that contain 5% tea tree oil appear to be just as effective as lotions that contain 5% benzoyl peroxide—the most popular ingredient in pimple-fighting formulas. [19] You could also dab aloe vera onto your pimple to reduce inflammation and find some relief.
    • If you experience any itching, burning, redness, or dryness, wash the gel off and stop using it.
    • Don’t make your own tea tree oil treatment; any gel you buy in a store is going to be regulated and safe for your skin.
    • Any pimple-fighting product that contains 5% bovine cartilage may be equally as effective as the tea tree oil gel if you use it twice a day. [20]
    2. Advertisement
Question 8 of 8:

Can I pop a pimple if it won’t go away?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid185486-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Pimples-Naturally-%28Sea-Salt-Method%29-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It can be tempting to mess around with your skin when you’ve got a pimple, but letting the pimple be is the best way to accelerate healing. Touching your pimple may irritate it and make it appear bigger, and you may introduce germs or bacteria to your skin that can slow down the healing time. Popping your pimple may also cause scarring, so don’t fiddle with your skin! [21]
    • It’s okay to wear some makeup if you want to disguise the pimple while it heals. Just make sure you wash your skin to get rid of the makeup when you get home. [22]

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • It often takes acne treatments roughly 4 weeks to work. Don’t assume that your pimples are going to disappear after one treatment! [23]
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Your Skin Glow in Minutes
      How to Safely Pop Blackheads & Whiteheads with a Comedone Extractor
      The Best Ways to Get Rid of Pimples and Reduce Acne Fast
      How to
      Treat Pimples with Fucidin
      What to Do After Removing a Pimple Patch (+ Tips for Next Time!)
      How to
      Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne
      How to
      Use Biore Pore Cleansing Strips
      How to Create a Hot Compress for Acne Treatment and Skin Health
      How to Treat Acne Using Tomatoes
      How to
      Make Your Own Pore Strips at Home
      How to
      Get Rid of a Hard Pimple
      How to
      Treat Acne with Cucumber Juice
      How to
      Reduce Sebum Production
      How to
      Get Rid of Forehead Acne
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.today.com/health/9-surprising-ways-salt-can-restore-your-skin-body-1d80257289
      2. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15689218/
      3. ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2012.00731.x
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/sea-salt/faq-20058512
      5. ↑ https://www.today.com/health/9-surprising-ways-salt-can-restore-your-skin-body-1d80257289
      6. ↑ https://www.herzindagi.com/beauty/salt-honey-face-mask-bright-glowing-skin-removes-blemishes-article-160203
      7. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
      8. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
      9. ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2019/03/18/natural-skin-care-strategies/
      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/
      2. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15689218/
      3. ↑ https://www.today.com/health/9-surprising-ways-salt-can-restore-your-skin-body-1d80257289
      4. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15689218/
      5. ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2012.00731.x
      6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/want-healthy-skin-limit-these-5-types-of-foods/
      7. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/want-healthy-skin-limit-these-5-types-of-foods/
      9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5328355/
      10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/expert-answers/natural-acne-treatment/faq-20057915
      11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/expert-answers/natural-acne-treatment/faq-20057915
      12. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/DIY/wont-clear
      13. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-dermatologists-advice-on-how-to-get-rid-of-a-pimple/
      14. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/DIY/wont-clear

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get rid of pimples using sea salt, start by dissolving 1 part sea salt in 3 parts hot water. You can also add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, green tea, or honey to the mixture to help make your skin even healthier and clearer. Next, apply the mixture to your face using your fingers, being careful to avoid your eyes. Then, leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off your face. Finally, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer so your skin doesn't get too dry, and repeat once a day. For more tips from our Naturopathic Doctor co-author, like how to use a sea salt soak for body acne, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 518,614 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anna Eze

        Apr 10, 2017

        "I thought this was amazing.The explanations were very clear and it was even more helpful with the images drawn to ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement