Seaweed is something that’s present in a lot of food we consume and relish. We like it in salads, as a snack chip, and wrapped around sushi rolls. But did you know that seaweed is a fantastic skin-care ingredient as well?
Seaweed is a potent plant that has over 30,000 species and is abundant in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and proteins. Intrigued? So are we. Hence, we’ve gathered all the information so that you can learn more about the magic this botanical ingredient can have on your skin. Read on!
What Is Seaweed?
The term “seaweed” refers to a variety of marine plants and algae that can be found in lakes, rivers, and oceans. Many spend years of their lives studying the advantages of seaweed extracts in skincare and beauty products. Seaweed is arguably the most advantageous and widely accessible natural component for skincare in the world. Seaweed’s chemical makeup is what makes it such a fantastic ingredient. Seaweed may absorb minerals from seawater through active transport and absorption because it is a very potent concentration of seawater. Some seaweeds have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, and lipids as a result of these processes, all of which are advantageous for the skin.
Seaweed can be used in a wide range of skincare and beauty products, including cleansers, toners, moisturisers, serums, and masks, as well as makeup like lip gloss and foundation. This is because there are so many distinct species of seaweed.
What Are The Benefits Of Seaweed?
Seaweed has a wide range of therapeutic and skincare benefits that can treat everything from excess oil to fine lines and wrinkles. Seaweed can help people with dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin as well as those looking for anti-aging qualities.
Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells:
Corallina Officinalis, a red seaweed that produces calcium carbonate, has detoxifying properties that aid in gently exfoliating dead, loose skin cells from the skin’s surface.
Regulates Oil Production:
Several types of seaweed have been demonstrated to reduce oil production, while others have been shown to reduce the bacteria responsible for acne formation, making them prospective ingredients with anti-acne properties.
Moisturises The Skin:
Seaweed is rich in polysaccharides like alginic acid, which help to trap moisture in our skin. These polysaccharides work in conjunction with the important fatty acids found in seaweed to support the health of our skin’s barrier.
Reduces The Signs Of Ageing:
Seaweeds like Laminaria Digitata are a potentially abundant source of natural antioxidants like Vitamin C and amino acids like glycine, which encourage the creation of collagen that reduces wrinkles and provides the appearance of plumper, younger-looking skin.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Although there are no documented adverse effects, dermatologists advise spot-testing for a few days on the underside of your arm if you have sensitive skin. Similar to most skincare treatments, using a seaweed-containing treatment may not necessarily result in immediate improvements, but continued use over time will deliver visible results.
Here’s How To Use Seaweed
The magic of seaweed is that it addresses a wide range of skincare issues—antioxidants fight ageing, humectants hydrate the skin, Vitamin B complex calms the skin, and so on. Many popular beauty products, including cleansers, moisturisers, anti-aging treatments, and scrubs, contain seaweed extracts. You can use any of these products in your skincare routine in the right order, day or night. You can use organic kelp powder in your own homemade mask if you have it on hand.
Your skin will thank you for diving into the ocean.
Featured Image: Instagram
