THE BENEFITS OF MARINE ALGAE
Seaweed is perhaps the most beneficial and abundant
ly available natural ingredient for skin care on the planet. The makeup of seaweed is what makes it such an amazing ingredient. Algae are a very powerful concentration of seawater and are able to absorb minerals through absorption and active transport of seawater.
Due to these processes, some algae have a dense concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins and lipids, all of which have benefits for the skin.
Through research, scientists have been able to identify more than 13 different types of marine algae that can be used to create a number of beneficial cosmetic effects. One type of seaweed, Laminaria Digitata, for example, is a natural source of 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 42 trace elements. Because there are so many different species of algae, it can be useful for all types of skin care and cosmetic products, cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, and cosmetic masks like powder and shine lips.
The benefits of seaweed
Many experts agree that seaweed has a ton of skin benefits and healing properties, covering everything from excess oil to fine lines and wrinkles.
• Regulates oil production: Because algae contains proteins, vitamins and minerals, it can help regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands. This means that the skin is protected from chafing and less prone to oil.
• Decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Sea algae like Laminaria Digitata are among the richest source of natural antioxidants (like vitamin C) and amino acids (like glycine), which promote production collagen to smooth wrinkles and give the appearance of plump, younger-looking skin.
• Acne, Rosacea and Sensitive Skin: Seaweed can help soothe skin conditions associated with inflammation, such as acne and rosacea. It has anti-inflammatory properties and contains natural minerals like magnesium and zinc, which are known to help improve the appearance of redness on sensitive and hypersensitive skin. It also protects the skin from harsh environmental conditions by creating a protective barrier, keeping acne and other skin conditions at bay.
• Brightens the skin: Seaweed helps reduce dark spots by promoting pigment production or by promoting the way in which pigments are carried through the skin.
• Exfoliates dead skin cells: the detoxifying benefits of Corallina officinalis (a red algae that forms calcium carbonate) are noted to help gently remove dead and loose skin cells.
• Hydrates the skin: seaweed not only contains essential fatty acids which help maintain the skin barrier, but it is also rich in polysaccharides such as alginic acid, which help to retain moisture in our skin.
• Detoxifies: The benefits of seaweed for the skin don’t stop at the face, some of the most valuable products use the algae to plump, detoxify and rehydrate the skin all over the body. Take detoxifying bath salts for example: they are not really salts! They are made from crystallized seaweed from unpolluted waters off the Brittany coast of France and contain powerful minerals to help draw toxins from the skin. Infused with essential oils, these bath salts are ideal for renewing and regenerating the skin after outdoor exposure or once a week.
• Protects the skin: Algae shaving cream puts the algae to work, keeping the skin supple and achieving a perfect shave. A thick, silky layer of seaweed collagen plumps the skin and protects the delicate lipids on your skin’s surface while you shave. The gelatinous layer of algae can protect the skin from small cuts that might occur when shaving with water alone.
Some types of algae
• Fucus Serratus also called Fucus or Serrated Kelp
This amazing plant survives by filtering the ocean for nutrients and, as a result, amassing a huge amount of minerals and vitamins. Used for hundreds of years in algae baths, the oils from these algae have had truly remarkable effects on the skin, hair and body. The antioxidant compounds found naturally in this seaweed have long been known to have pronounced anti-aging, conditioning, restorative, and moisturizing effects.
• Laminaria Digitata
A brown algae found in shallow marine environments. This algae offers moisturizing, nourishing and anti-oxidant properties. Natural sources of 12 vitamins including B12, C, E, K and beta-carotene, 18 amino acids and 42 trace elements. Essential fatty acids help maintain the skin barrier while alginic acid, a polysaccharide, helps lock moisture in the skin. It is known to help increase cell proliferation.
• Codium Fragile
A green algae anchored to rocks 1 cm to several meters in size found in shallow marine environments with branching cylindrical fronds. It restores hydration to the skin while balancing and repairing the skin barrier. This algae hydrates, nourishes and is a powerful antioxidant.
• Ascophyllum Nodosum also known as Black Goémon or gnarled algae
A brown algae, which thrives in the shallow marine environments of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and alginic acid. Helps retain moisture and rich in antioxidants to prevent damage.
• Ulva Compressa
Green leaf and tubular algae that soothes, reduces desquamation, regenerates and activates microcirculation and oxygenates cells. It reduces puffiness or any swelling of the skin.
Seaweed and cosmetic products
The wonder of seaweed is that it targets a wide variety of skin care issues, antioxidants are anti-aging, humectants act as skin moisturizers, vitamin B complex is soothing, and more. Seaweed extracts are popular ingredients for many beauty products like cleansers, moisturizers, anti-aging products, scrubs. Dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin as well as those looking for anti-aging properties will benefit from algae.
Some links:
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