SEBDERMATOLOGY

TEST EXCERPT: Seborrheic dermatitis flares at night due to temperature changes and reduced evaporation.

Ocean swimming feels like one of summer’s simple pleasures — but if you have seborrheic dermatitis, you’ve probably wondered whether salt water will calm your skin or kick off a flare. The answer depends on several variables, and it’s meaningfully different from the chlorine question most swim guides focus on. Salt water, sunlight, and heat…

If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you have probably tested dozens of shampoos, adjusted your diet, and tracked your stress levels. Yet the flaking, itching, and redness keep coming back. One trigger that rarely makes the list is the water coming out of your showerhead. Hard water — tap water with high levels of calcium and…

Key Takeaways Salt water is a mixed bag: Ocean water may temporarily reduce Malassezia yeast on the scalp and face, but prolonged exposure strips natural oils and can worsen dryness. Sun exposure helps briefly: Short UV exposure often improves seb derm symptoms, yet sunburn and sweat-salt buildup trigger rebound flares. Timing matters most: Rinsing with…