It’s widely believed that regularly swimming in the sea can do wonders for your health.
Luckily, for those of us who live in Spain, at least near the coasts, we have plenty of chances to do just that – but is it always good for you?
According to experts quoted by EFESalud, sea water has proven benefits for the skin.
The fact that it carries salt makes it a great exfoliator, aiding conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
It can also have antiseptic and antibiotic properties, meaning it can help heal small wounds, cuts and scrapes.
Another plus of contact with sea water is how it aids the absorption of vitamin D.
The combination of sun exposure and contact with salt water ‘stimulates the internal synthesis of the vitamin’, which helps maintain the skin’s vitality and elasticity.
However despite its countless benefits, health experts warn swimmers should take precautions.
Spending too much time swimming in the sea, particularly in hot and sunny conditions, can cause skin irritation.
Medical experts advise washing well after a day at the beach and removing all traces of salt and sand to help avoid this – before applying moisturising creams or natural remedies such as aloe vera.
And although salt water is thought to be healing, people with infected wounds should not bathe in the sea.
The water can actually worsen the infected areas due to the presence of marine bacteria, with experts advising the use of warm water and salt at home instead.
