Written by OSEA Staff | Published August 6, 2025
We’ve all heard of the benefits of vitamins A, B, and C—but at OSEA, we also believe in the power of Vitamin Sea. It’s a belief that originated over a hundred years ago. In the 1920s, our founder Jenefer’s grandmother, Elsa, suffered an injury that left her bedridden. She began swimming daily in the Long Island Sound and, within a few months, experienced a remarkable recovery. Elsa credited her healing to the rich minerals and trace elements in the saltwater and seaweed.
She went on to start New York’s first Polar Bear Club, swimming over 300 days a year, and lived well into her 90s. Following in her grandmother’s footsteps, Jenefer founded OSEA in 1996—rooted in self-care, wellness, and her family’s multigenerational belief in the healing power of the sea.
Today, the ocean is not only the source of our ingredients, it’s our deepest inspiration. And now, science is beginning to catch up with what our family has long believed intuitively. So what exactly are the benefits of swimming in the ocean? Ahead, five powerful ways it can enhance your well-being.
1. Swimming in the Ocean Can Benefit Mental Health
Ever notice how watching the waves can be mesmerizing? Much like cold plunge therapy, immersing yourself in the ocean can create a meditative state, triggered by changes in breathing patterns and a slower heart rate. We all know how deep breaths help us stay calm during moments of stress. Swimming—whether in the ocean or not—requires its own kind of breathwork, as we inhale and exhale in a steady, regulated rhythm. It teaches us to be fully present in the moment, grounded in breath. After all, we cannot swim until we can breathe.
2. Salt Water Can Support Healthy Skin
Saltwater has been used for centuries to support the skin. Rich in skin-loving minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, it has a mineralizing effect that supports a healthier-looking complexion. Since 1996, we’ve harnessed the power of these sea minerals to create our seaweed-based skincare. Seawater is also the foundation of spa and wellness treatments known as thalassotherapy, a term that comes from the ancient Greek word thalassa, meaning both “ocean” and “goddess of the sea.”
Fun fact: Human blood plasma has a concentration of salt and other ions that is remarkably similar to seawater.
3. The Physical Benefits of Swimming in the Ocean
Running, hiking, and jumping are all incredible for your health, but they can sometimes put undue pressure on our bones when done excessively. Unlike on-land exercise, the weightlessness of swimming in the ocean takes that pressure away. This unique form of movement pairs cardiovascular fitness with physical recovery, making it especially beneficial for anyone recovering from injury.
4. Swimming Is Good for Your Brain
Some studies suggest that swimming can improve attention span, short- and long-term memory, and even stimulate brain pathways that suppress inflammation. The best part? You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to reap the benefits. One study found that even after just 20 minutes of moderate-intensity breaststroke, cognitive functions were improved.
5. The Ocean Has a Grounding Effect
Walking barefoot in the sand or standing in the surf can have a deeply grounding effect—physically, emotionally, and energetically. Some believe that direct contact with the earth helps neutralize free radicals through a process called “Earthing,” or grounding. The idea is that the sand and saltwater offer a natural source of negative electrons that support overall well-being. While there is limited scientific research to support Earthing, one thing is clear: connecting with nature—barefoot, unplugged, and entirely present—has undeniable mental and physical benefits.
Can’t make it to the ocean? You can still enjoy many of the benefits of the sea from the comfort of your own home. Try a mineral-rich soak with our Gigartina Therapy Bath, or create your own DIY mineral blend using Epsom salts, baking soda, and Dead Sea salts. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and soak your cares away.
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