Does saline on the face work? See 5 benefits of the solution for your skincare routine

The use of saline on the face as an aid in the skincare routine has increased a lot, especially among bloggers and youtubers. But does it really work? Would it be possible to credit it with fighting dark circles, wrinkles and acne? Next, check out Dr. Juliana Palo’s answers to these and other questions related to the product!

Benefits of saline on the face

Physiological saline is a liquid formed by water, 0.9% sodium chloride, some salts and minerals. Widely used to treat infections, inflammation and to hydrate some skin regions, it can also be a great ally in your beauty routine. After all, in addition to being cheap, the serum is a product that has no contraindication and can even be used by children. According to dermatologist Juliana Palo, saline has several benefits for the face, such as helping to control oiliness, reducing dark circles and hydrating the skin.

Oil control: one of the biggest benefits of using saline on the face is that the product helps balance the pH of the skin. Thus, according to Dr. Juliana, “the pH of healthy skin is around 5.5, a value very similar to that of saline solution, which is 6. The application of products with a pH similar to that of the skin reduces the production of sebum throughout the day, controlling oiliness”.

Increases the durability of makeup: according to Dr. Juliana, the saline solution can work as a primer and be used before makeup, helping to increase the durability of foundation, concealer, powder, among others. “Thanks to its pH, saline can work as a primer, as it makes your skin more resistant and less oily throughout the day.”

Reduces dark circles and bags: the doctor also explains that one of the biggest benefits of saline is that it helps to reduce dark circles and bags.
However, it is essential that the serum is chilled to achieve the desired effect. “In addition to all that, we can use the serum to control dark circles, both those that form under the eyes and those that are vascular. For this, the secret is to leave the serum in the fridge and apply it to the region below the eyes, making a compress. In this way, the properties of the solution, combined with the temperature, help to contract the vessels that give rise to the pigments that form the dark circles”.

Removes chlorine from the skin: one of the advantages of using serum on the skin is that, thanks to its properties, it manages to remove excess chlorine present in shower and tap water. In this way, in addition to making the dermis more beautiful and healthy, it also prevents possible irritation caused by chlorine. “In some cities where the chlorine present in the water is relatively high, it can end up causing skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Therefore, saline is a great alternative to reduce this irritation, as it removes excess chlorine from the face”, says the dermatologist.

Soothes sensitive skin with rosacea: those who have sensitive skin and rosacea can also benefit a lot from the use of the serum. After all, the solution is composed of a series of mineral salts that help reduce irritation. “People with very sensitive skin or with rosacea also benefit a lot from using the serum, as it works like a thermal water, but with an excellent cost benefit”, declares the dermatologist.

Read Also: It's trendy to be yourself: 5 tips to discover your style

The use of saline on the face has a number of benefits for the skin, however, it is important to note that it is indicated as a product that helps in the treatment of some complaints, such as oiliness, for example. But, if used alone, without the accompaniment of any other treatment, the serum does not present any result, as in the case of hydration.

“The saline solution, by itself, has no hydrating property, but it can be added as a diluent to a hydration mask, replacing water and adjusting the pH of the mask to the pH of the skin”, explains Juliana.

5 doubts about the use of saline on the face clarified by the dermatologist

Despite having all these benefits, Dr Juliana Palo warns that, contrary to some information on the internet, saline is not efficient in the treatment of acne and dark spots on the skin, just as it does not help to prevent the appearance of wrinkles. and expression lines.

Does saline solution help lighten dark spots on the skin?

“There is no evidence that saline helps fight blemishes on the skin. When the patient has a dark spot, the first step is to understand its origin. In this way, the dermatologist can give an assertive diagnosis and, from there, define the best treatment for the problem. Either way, the serum is not effective in taking care of blemishes, regardless of where they come from.”

Does saline work for acne?

As for acne, the doctor clarifies that the use of the serum can work as a way to help balance the pH and, thus, reduce the oiliness of the face. But she stresses that the solution should not be used as the only form of treatment.

“The saline solution is not a treatment for those who have acne, but its use is interesting to equalize the pH of the skin. Thus, those who suffer from the problem can use the saline solution as the last step of facial cleansing, rinsing the face with the serum after using the soap”.

Read Also: Facial moisturizer: recommendations for use and the best for each skin

Does saline help fight and prevent wrinkles and expression lines?

The dermatologist also explains that the use of serum is not efficient to fight wrinkles and expression lines. According to her, “the wrinkles and expression lines are formed by repeated movements of the muscles of the mimic of the face and also by thinning of the skin, a result of the loss of collagen. The saline does not stimulate the production of this collagen and does not help to relax the muscles of the face, so it has no effectiveness against the signs of age”, she explains.

Does saline help to cleanse the skin more deeply?

Despite helping to remove excess chlorine present in the water, saline does not help to cleanse the skin more deeply. Dr. Juliana explains: “the serum does not help to clean the skin more deeply, as it does not contain any cleaning agent in its composition”.

Can you use the serum on the eyebrow?

The doctor claims that there is no problem in using the serum on the eyebrows, as the solution does not contain substances that can irritate the skin or the eyes. However, she warns that the serum works only as a product to clean the region and avoid irritation after doing the eyebrow, for example.

“Saline saline is great for soothing brow skin after tweezing or waxing. But it does not help in the growth of hair in the region”.

5 ways to use saline on your face

Because it has a number of benefits for the skin, there are several ways to use saline on the face. Doctor Juliana Palo explains the 6 main ways. Check out!

1. As a primer before makeup

To use the serum as a primer, the tip is to leave it in the fridge and apply to the face with a cotton pad, letting it rinse naturally. “Another way to use the serum as a primer is to apply it with the help of a spray bottle, before makeup”, adds the doctor.

2. In the homemade hydration mask

Serum can help to enhance the moisturizing effect of face masks as it helps to equalize the pH of the skin and that of the mask. “Saline solution is a great hydrating ingredient, so you can add it to your homemade hydrating mask recipes, diluting it in the mask or using it as a main ingredient.”

3. Cold compress under the eyes

To combat dark circles and bags caused by sleepless nights, doctor Juliana Palo gives the tip: “leave the serum in the fridge and then make a cotton compress under the eyes, right in the dark circles region. Let it act for 20 minutes. No need to rinse.”

Read Also: Braided hairstyles: 105 ideas to inspire you

The doctor also states that this procedure can be done daily in the morning or at night before going to bed, since there is no contraindication to the use of serum in the eye area.

4. To finish facial cleansing

By helping to remove excess chlorine from the skin, the serum can be used to rinse the soap off the face. “Those who have sensitive skin and live in places that have a lot of chlorine in the water can use the serum to remove excess chlorine from their face. However, the interesting thing is not to use the serum after the water, but to replace it, as a finalization of the cleaning”.

5. As thermal water

Thanks to the mineral salts present in the solution, the use of the serum can be a great way to fight irritations on the face. It can be used both to prevent and treat these irritations, as well as after waxing the upper lip and eyebrow, for example. “Put the serum in a spray bottle and apply it all over your face or just the irritated area. In this case, you can also use a cotton ball”, teaches the doctor.

6. To close pores and reduce oiliness

For those who have oily skin with many pores, the secret is to use the cold saline solution. “With the help of a cotton pad, apply the cold serum on the face, giving a few light taps on the skin. Then, let the solution dry naturally”, concludes Juliana.

Where to buy: saline is a product with a great cost-benefit and can be found in pharmacies. However, you can also find it in markets and beauty stores.

According to doctor Juliana Palo, these are the main ways to use saline on the face. The dermatologist also adds that, to be effective, the serum must be used no later than 15 days after opening and must be kept in the refrigerator. “After 15 days open, the whey can lose all of its salts and minerals and thus will lose all of its benefits.”

Cautions and Contraindications

Because it is a product that has a composition very similar to that of the skin, the serum does not cause any type of allergy or irritation, after all, the skin is already used to these substances. Therefore, there are no contraindications to its use.

Did you see how saline can be a great ally in your skincare routine? In addition to presenting a series of benefits, it has no contraindications and has a great cost-benefit. If you enjoy methods that help your skin care routine, as well as homemade recipes, see everything using cornstarch on your face can do for your skin.