Seaweed – an unexpected oceanic plant that is incredibly beneficial for the skin. Apart from its ultra-hydrating and antioxidant qualities, seaweed and many varieties of algae are chock full of anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, and its anti-bacterial properties make it an ideal ingredient for fighting everything from acne to sun-damaged and aging skin. Think about it – how many times have you been to the beach and your skin cleared up? Seaweed is nature’s skin purifier… is found in our Cleanse & Purify
There are many species of algae and seaweed in the world’s oceans, and most are highly nutritious – especially to the skin. It contains a perfect balance of minerals and trace elements that is entirely compatible with the human body – which is 70% water. That water is virtually identical in chemistry to seawater, which explains why this is an ideal solution to house active algae extracts.
To begin with, marine algae-like Laminaria offers a vast treasure of antioxidants that defend our skin’s cells from the attacks of ultraviolet radiation as well as free radicals and pollutants. Laminaria is giant kelp harvested off the coast of Iceland and the Brittany province of France. Kelp living in this pristine condition is renowned for its wealth of polyphenols—one of nature’s most potent antioxidants. Research conducted at Ohio State University and the University of South Carolina support the belief that brown algae polyphenols harvested from Laminaria provide strong anti-carcinogenic properties.
Beta and alpha-carotenes provide additional protection and give this kelp it’s characteristic brownish-green coloring. Other antioxidants found in our seaweed include super lutein, lycopene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and fucoidan. These are supported by marine ions of minerals and trace elements to neutralize free radicals before they can damage nucleic DNA.
Pollution and cigarette smoke are also contributing factors to skin aging. Seaweed provides defenses against the harmful effects of pollutants. Polysaccharides extracted from brown seaweed neutralize the impact of pollutants while providing calming anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin. Reduces redness, and the skin resumes a healthier radiant glow of youthfulness.
And when it comes to your skin’s hydration, marine polysaccharides provide super moisturization when found in moisturizers, lotions or rejuvenating serums. Simply said – seaweed is a vital element in affective skincare treatments and brings life back to the skin.
The effects of the sun are admittedly controversial. Today we told to avoid sun exposure at all costs, especially when preventing skin aging and skin cancer.
The fear of skin damage from exposure to the sun borders on the absurd as hype trumps logic. Evident by the escalating SPF values flooding the market. At one time, a total sunblock was SPF 15. Then shelves were filled with SPF 25’s and 30’s. Of course, this didn’t last long as the SPF 45’s, and 55’s began hitting the shelves for real total protection from the evil sun. And now we even hear of an SPF 100! It is hard to imagine how human’s ever survived exposure to the sun.
Of course, overexposure to the sun without protection can and does lead to wrinkles, brown spots, and eventually, the potential of photo-carcinoma (cancer). I do not mean to trivialize these dangers. Yet another school of thought takes a different viewpoint, one that points out the need for Vitamin D, which our bodies synthesize with the sun’s help.
Further, some point out the dangers of relying on sun care creams that depend on the “usual suspects;” conventional chemical blocks such as octyl methoxy-cinnamate and benzophenone-3. Some research suggests that these “blocks” fail to protect the skin from even as they prevent visible symptoms such as skin reddening and burns.
The sun; it seems we can’t live with it, and we can’t live without it. So what are we to do?
There is a need for protection without question. But how can we get our Vitamin D, avoid harmful chemicals, defend ourselves against UV damages, and photo-aging while enjoying the sun? Over sun exposure is a concern of spa resorts where guests tend to look forward to outdoor activities such as hiking, the beach, or the pool’s lazing.
First, let’s address protection against overexposure. The simple truth is that physical blocks work best. These sunblocks include clothing and especially hats. As far as SPF products are concerned, those with mineral blocks such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide provide the safest form of protection for the spa-goer who is about to spend hours exposed to the sun and the elements. Some products offer safe sun care that is available. However, for the casual exposure to the sun, which provides our much needed Vitamin D, there are other solutions from the sea. They offer a rich variety of marine nutrients to protect your skin organically.
Marine algae refer to all of the plants that dwell in the oceans; whether microscopic plankton that create the vast ‘meadows of the sea’ (James Lovelock) floating in our oceans; or the giant kelps that grow 6 inches a day and can attain a length upwards of 180 feet! Within their seawater environment where there is constant exposure to the intense ultra-violet radiation and harsh climate conditions, these marine plants have evolved a network of defense mechanisms adequate protection. These include anti-inflammatory polysaccharides, super antioxidant vitamins, and polyphenols, DNA repairing photolyase enzymes, and a concentration of vital marine elements all working in synergistic balance within a seawater medium.
Ingredient of The Week:
Ingredient of The Week:
Seaweed
Actions and Pharmacology:
Emily Fritchey “The Skin Whisperer”
on Cleanse & Purify