Does the ocean or sea help your skin?
If you live by the ocean or sea, or just have any experiences when you have gone in the past, I'd love to hear about them!
I am going on vacation tomorrow for the first time in 6 years and just curious to hear your guys' experiences and any tips you may have? 😀
Does getting in the water help your skin or hurt? Does it help flare ups at all? Any favorite sun screens or other tips? Anything you'd like to share is appreciated!
, my experience is that the coast is a friend to my skin. I grew up in a dry prairie province, and my eczema improved a lot once I moved to Vancouver on Canada's west coast. The humidity helps keep "dragon dry" skin at bay for me (or away from bay?😉) My family also has a beachfront cottage in the nearby Gulf Islands. When I spend time there, going in the water has a healing effect for my skin. I just make sure to rinse off well with fresh water after (the remaining salt can be too drying and make me itchy) and moisturize well. Enjoy your vacation...and hopefully you get some great sunblock suggestions to keep your skin protected. thank you so much for sharing and the well wishes. I am glad to hear you noticed improvement when changing climates! I really enjoyed going in the water and can't wait to go again sometime! -Nina (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)
In the past I have found that despite the burning pain from the salt water that my skin seemed to improve when going in the ocean regularly. However I can’t tolerate chemical sun blockers as they instantly burn my skin and don’t seem to provide any protection. I actually burn more where I apply than where I don’t. Previously I used natural zinc cream which provided a bit more protection but now I find removing the cream far too harsh for my skin. I burn within minutes of going in the sun, so unfortunately I am stuck and have to just stay indoors now. I wish there was an alternative but it seems it is either chemical blocker or zinc barrier. I wear long sleeve rashy, hat etc but my face is the worst and I can’t protect that without a cream.
, As a child living on the East coast, when we used to go to the beach, I would always rub the salty sand on my hands, even if it was too cold to swim. That beautiful sand helped so much! Hope you find something soon that might help for your face. Wishing you well, Cora Lyn, AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member
The only time my son clears up is when we are by the coast. We are considering moving closer to the beach for this reason. Harry doesn't have to go in the water, the air is much better for him. As for flaring up, it depends on what he wears as swimming bathers make him flare. The salt and also sun dries his skin, so he needs to be washed and creamed up straight after and then he is better than before we went 😀 Emma (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member) I'm so glad it helps him! The air alone is definitely a game changer in my experience too. Nothing quite like some fresh ocean air 😁 Any places in mind you would like to or are considering moving to? -Nina (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member) We live in Sydney, Australia. So the Mid-North coast in NSW is best for him. - Emma (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)
I always found, while salt water stings initially, after a few days my skin improves!
Hi @Nigel, this is the same with my son. His skin only improves when around salt water. But since he is 3, I didn't know it stings. That's good to know. I'm glad it helps you! Emma (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)
It definitely stung a bit at first, though honestly not as bad as I initially thought it might. Unfortunately I ended up flaring up halfway through, but I think it had more to do with the sun/heat and the fact that I basically haven't left my room in 6 years prior, so it was a lot of changes for me. Either way, it was much needed! I'm glad to hear it helps you as well! -Nina (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)
