Beauty Treasures from the Sea

When it comes to thinking about beauty products, chances are you think of name brands, lotions and cleansers available at the local drugstore or shampoos and conditioners sold by your hair dresser. Chances are you might be overlooking what’s under the sea.

It turns out that the sea is the birthplace to several beauty products and treatments. A variety of these products help the skin remain fresh and young (no wonder you can never tell a fish’s age), while giving yourself a sense of renewal.

In particular, seaweed, and the products derived from it, has become a bit of a magic serum when it comes to the skin. It is often utilized as a natural spa treatment, in the form of a seaweed rub for rejuvenating skin.

Seaweed & Kelp 

Everyone knows that vegetables are good for you, but not everyone knows that sea vegetables need to be included in a healthy diet. Kelp and seaweed are loaded with nutrients and are a source of essential vitamins. Kelp is a type of seaweed found in ocean waters all over the world. Seaweed is available in many varieties, including Wakame and Kombu, which are popular in Japanese cuisine, and Dulse, which can be found on the coasts of Ireland and the state of Maine.  Seaweed is an excellent source of minerals, but people with thyroid problems should seek medical advice before consuming kelp, which is high in iodine.

Vitamins

According to the European Food Information Council, seaweed is one of the few vegetables that contain vitamin B12, which is important for a healthy nervous system. Wakame seaweed is a good source of vitamin A. The B vitamins among it’s many functions are well renowned for their ability to combat stress and increase energy levels.  Kelp and other types of seaweed contain measurable amounts of vitamins C, E and K, as well as niacin, folate and choline. In fact, just an ounce of seaweed can provide you with nearly 14 percent of your recommended daily allowance of folate, and one ounce of kelp provides 23 percent of your daily vitamin K needs.

But seaweed is certainly not the only natural spa treatment available. When it comes to beauty, there is an ocean of possibilities, including:

Sea Salts: Sea salts are often derived from the Dead Sea, surrounded by the lowest known area of dry land on our planet. This region produces sea salts that are extremely high in minerals and nutrients. Many cleansers, exfoliating creams and natural spa treatments utilize sea salt as a beauty aide.

Kelp: Sometimes called seaweed, kelp is another natural spa treatment. Kelp can nourish and nurture your skin. Just using a little bit of kelp can help relax and renew your body. It is typically sold in strips and can be applied as a mask. Using kelp on its own, or with other beauty treatments, is an ideal way to keep your face looking and feeling fresh. Dr Stone, M.D swear by the Luxe Organic Cleanser and the Organic Seaweed Age Reverse Toner handmade with seaweed. It is a great anti-aging and skin brightener daily cleanser. 

The benefits of seaweed, or kelp, are not limited to the facial area. Full body, or partial body, seaweed wraps are also commonly used.

Bladderwrack Powder: Bladderwrack powder refers to a type of seaweed that grows along coastlines all over the planet. It is known to contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential to health. Though it can be ingested, Bladderwrack powder is often used topically and the powder can simply be added to other cleaning agents such as masks and wraps.

Irish Sea Moss: Irish Sea Moss is a type of marine algae found in shallow areas of the ocean. It is well known for soothing properties. Like kelp, bladderwrack powder and sea salts, Irish Sea Moss is also great in helping skin stay young and healthy.