Algae and Sea Minerals

Miracles from the Sea: Algae and Sea Minerals in Skin Care

Originally popularized in France, the therapeutic use of seawater, seaweed, algae, mud, sand and other marine extracts is called thalassotherapy. Thalassotherapy’s popularity has spread across the world, because it is believed to tone, moisturize, revitalize skin and improve circulation, as well as help with relaxation, reduce the appearance of cellulite, boost the immune system, reduce stress and high blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.

Thalassotherapy treatments now are offered in spas across the world. Baths or showers of warmed seawater, the application of body wraps containing marine algae or seaweed, seawater jet pools, marine mud baths, hydro-massage, and seawater steam (or sea fog) rooms all are gaining in popularity. In addition, many cosmetic and skin care companies are creating products with marine extracts, including algae, seaweed, marine mud and more.

While this may seem odd on the surface, algae—those mainly aquatic life forms that range in size from single-celled organisms to various seaweeds including the giant kelp—has been found to have numerous skin care benefits. For starters, it regulates the production of sebum, an oil secreted by the skin’s sebaceous glands that lubricates and protects the skin from moisture loss. While a certain level of sebum is necessary for healthy skin, too much can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Algae also has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, be a great source of vitamins and may stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for firm skin.

When used in hair products, algae and sea minerals hydrate, nourish, soften and add shine to the hair while also treating the scalp.

Phytomer has long been recognized worldwide as the leader in marine-based beauty therapy. Formed in 1971 in Saint Malo, France, Phytomer led the way in marine cosmetics and skin care. Its first creation, Oligomer Sea Water Bath Lyophilized, is a 100% freeze dried seawater concentrate that remains one of the companies most popular products. To this day, Phytomer is the only company in the world to employ lyophilization, a freeze drying process that preserves the delicate structure of the seaweeds, ensuring that they are as fresh for you as they are in the sea itself.

Their LiftDeclic Firming Contouring Emulsion is a gel formulated with four marine extracts that helps to reduce the formation of excess fat and minimize the appearance of fatty areas, stimulate collagen production for firmer skin and lift sagging skin. The Sublime Youthful Firming Day Cream uses a unique blue micro-algae extract to fend off dangerous free radicals while leaving the skin feeling supple and looking luminous.

Babor is another skin care line that has begun heavily using marine extracts in their products. Their Algae Active Fluid uses a cultivated algae plankton to create smooth and supple skin and the active marine ingredients are rich in precious trace elements. The Body Line Thermal line of products has been created with algae and other sea minerals, vitamins and natural extracts to restore youthful-looking skin. Check out the Body Line Thermal Lifting Body Cream with a unique Canadian blue algae, Body Line Thermal Body Mousse with Algae and Body Line Active Shower Gel.

For daily cleansing, seaweed-infused soap has been touted for its cellulite-reducing capabilities. To see its remarkable properties for yourself, try Pevonia Seaweed Exfoliating Soap, Phytomer Seaweed Soap, Bliss Serious Seaweed Cellulite Soap or ProCyte Seaweed Exfoliating Soap. Pevonia Botanica’s Anti-Stress Aromatic Seaweed Bath is a luxurious way to relax while eliminating toxins and nourishing the skin.

If you’re looking for a moisturizer with sea minerals, you can’t go wrong with Cellex-C Sea Silk Oil-Free Moisturizer. This lightweight moisturizer is perfect for all skin types except extremely dry. Its Marine Moisturizing Factor provides immediate and long-lasting moisture and seaweed biopeptides strengthen skin elasticity and collagen production.

For seaweed-infused hair care, apply Warren Tricomis PureStrength Close between shampooing and conditioning. This unique formula, which also is available for those with dry, damaged hair or fine hair, closes the cuticles to restore resiliency, durability, shine and polish.

Sea Silk Oil-Free Moisturizer by Cellex-C $59.00

Seaweed Exfoliating Soap by Pevonia Botanica $16.00

Algae Active Fluid by Babor $42.00

Article posted 8/20/2007.

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