Seaweed: a superhero sea leaf with incredible beauty benefits
Seaweed is fast becoming a beauty industry favourite thanks to the incredible benefits that it brings to your skin and overall health and wellbeing.
Super packed with minerals, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants, the powers of seaweed can be harnessed in a number of ways to nourish, rejuvenate and revive your skin. Read on and discover how this magical marine ingredient can become your new beauty best friend….
The superpowers of seaweed for your skin
Seaweed contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds and has been proven to calm and reduce the swelling of spots and blemishes on the face and help treat skin conditions such as Rosacea. It’s excellent for incorporating into your skincare routine as a natural exfoliant and is super- efficient at removing dead skin-clogging cells from your face and body. Because of this, many skincare ranges are now utilising the benefits of seaweed’s exceptional restorative properties within their products.
Our therapists at Devonshire Spa love working with ishga, a skincare range that blends a unique seaweed extract that’s packed with anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins with the natural resources of the Hebrides into its luxurious products.
The energising signature ishga facial is a must for skins that are in need of rejuvenation as it’s designed to revitalise and repair damaged facial skin using mineral rich seaweed as the main ingredient together with natural healing spring water, aloe vera, macadamia nut oil and cucumber extract.
Those in need of energising will love ishga’s signature massage, a wonderfully powerful detoxing massage combining the benefits of powerfully detoxing seaweed body oil with lemongrass, juniper and rose geranium. This invigorating yet relaxing treatment focuses on removing tension to re-energise the body, while seaweed body oil regenerates, firms and tones the skin helping to eliminate toxins.
Along with being fantastic for your skin on the outside, health and beauty experts are recommending that seaweed can also be massively beneficial when taken internally as a supplement.
Thyroid Booster
Because it is also so rich in iodine, seaweed helps the body to boost thyroid functions. The thyroid gland produces amino acids, which absorb iodine. Seaweed also produces a metabolism-regulating chemical in the bloodstream and this, in turn, helps to rejuvenate the skin. Magic!
Strengthen Hair
Arame, a type of seaweed that is a black-brown colour, works to nourish the scalp and hair follicles. Arame nourishes the hair shafts and ducts of the scalp in particular, making them look healthier, and strengthening the hair in turn.
One of the reasons why people suffer from hair loss is because of an iodine deficiency. Therefore, the plant can also help hair to grow, due to its formula that is rich in this useful element.
Decreasing Toxins
Toxins are the main culprits for dull, lifeless looking skin. To help your skin to look fresh, bright and illuminated, seaweed can be used to draw out all the nasty excess fluids and waste products when applied to the skin. ishga’s Exfoliating Face Mask combines natural Hebridean seawater in a gentle and effective facial scrub. Packed with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and trace elements, fine seaweed grains gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells promoting healthy, fresh and radiant looking skin.
The benefits of seaweed from inside out
Seaweed is exceptionally rich in iodine, magnesium, calcium and vitamin K along with iron and vitamin C. To receive the nutritional benefits internally, taking Spirulina in powder or tablet form is the best way to enjoy the health benefits of this micro-algae. Try Kaizen Living’s organic Spirulina Powder or capsules to supplement your diet or try incorporating seaweed products into your diet such as Itsu Seaweed Thins, which make a healthy alternative to crisps. Many top chefs are now using seaweed within their recipes such as this Seaweed dish from James Martin although the jury is still out as to how good this actually tastes!