Seaweed for Skin: What You Need to Know About Its Benefits
Seaweed for Skin: Your Skin’s New Best Friend
When you hear the word seaweed, you may think of the green, slimy stuff that you avoid whenever you head to the beach. Yet, seaweed could actually be the key to solving any of your skincare issues. It leaves your skin feeling silky, smooth, and fresh every single day!
A recent scientific study found that:
Algae provide the skin with moisture, promote blood circulation, activate the cell renewal and the metabolism, regulate the sebaceous gland function, drain the tissues, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and increase the skin’s resistance. [2,3]
It is no surprise that it is a common ingredient in a range of skincare products. Still not convinced? Here are five reasons why you should be using seaweed for skin treatments/care.
- Exfoliates by removing dead cells skin’s surface
- Adds plentiful moisture to skin
- Soothes red or irritated skin and helps treat acne and rosacea.
- Reduces or regulates skin’s oil production
- Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
All that said, you must find the right seaweed for your individual needs.
Red Seaweed
red seaweed | Rhodophyta
Red seaweed also contains large amounts of astaxanthin, which promotes healthy circulation. When using red seaweed for skin, you can expect:
- Increased water retention
- Strengthened skin elasticity
- Smoother, brighter skin
- Improved skin tone
However, the benefits of red seaweed do not stop there. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you’ll love the benefits associated with using red seaweed. It contains UVblocking properties, which protect you from sunburn or cellular damage. In fact, red algae are also known to protect fish from UV damage.
Green Seaweed
green seaweed | Chlorophyta
Green seaweed also contains a large amount of Vitamin E, which is great for hydration. Hydration is a necessary component of good skincare, and you are sure to notice positive changes as a result. Green seaweed is known to:
- Brighten and help even skin tone
- Increase hydration for youthful looking skin
- Reduce dryness and flaking of skin
- Minimize redness caused by acne and rosacea
- Soothe and soften skin
Seaweed can also reduce hyperpigmentation, especially on your face. This is because it contains vitamins B & C, which are antioxidants with powerful restorative qualities.
Brown Seaweed
brown seaweed | Phaeophyceae
Brown seaweed protects against infrared and blue light which prematurely age your skin. Brown algae also contains focodians. Focodians can greatly improve the appearance of your skin, for several reasons. They are known to:
- Support wound healing
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve elasticity
- Brighten your skin
- Eliminate free radicals
Brown algae is also particularly useful if you suffer from skin conditions such as acne. It can help reduce any symptoms you are facing, alongside stopping a break out repeating.
The Power of Seaweed for Skin
There are many reasons why you should use seaweed for skin. Whether you use a face mask or body butter, seaweed is a great way to restore your skin to its natural, healthy glow. Look for skincare products that include this powerhouse ingredient.
Filled with nutrients that nourish your skin, you really can’t go wrong. Investing in all-natural skincare products that include seaweed will provide visible results over time. Your skin will be better hydrated, appear smoother, more even in skin-tone, and more youthful in appearance. Ready to dive in?
Read our article on the surprising secrets of marine skincare to even learn more.
Seaweeds as Source of Bioactive Substances and Skin Care Therapy—Cosmeceuticals, Algotheraphy, and Thalassotherapy | read full study
- Joshi, S.; Kumari, R.; Upasani, V.N. Applications of algae in cosmetics: An overview. Int. J. Innov. Res. Sci. Eng. Technol. 2018, 7, 1269–1278.
- Schrammek. Beauty News: Algae in Cosmetics—The All-Round Talents. Available online: https://www.schrammek.com/beautynews/algae-in-cosmetics/ (accessed on 22 September 2018).
