Seaweed, the super skincare ingredient
Nutritionists have long extolled the benefits of eating seaweed, and now increasing numbers of skincare enthusiasts are turning to it for its natural antioxidant properties.
Seaweed is densely packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and antioxidants which are all known to be beneficial for skin health.
They’re also high in polyphenols, a kind of super-antioxidant that protects our bodies and our skin from the damage caused by free radicals (unstable atoms).
A build-up of free radicals creates oxidative stress and this, in turn, harms our cells and contributes to the signs of aging.
What’s the science behind seaweed?
Studies show seaweed antioxidants play the part of “free radical scavengers”, preventing and even helping to repair damage.
Their unique composition is thought to be the result of being able to grow under and adapt to adverse conditions, including living in saline water, being exposed to UV radiation from the sun and changes in temperature.
As a result, they offer a powerful mix of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and prebiotic effects.
Eating seaweed therefore brings with it a range of health benefits, but its anti-aging effects on the skin have also been proven in scientific studies.
The bioactive compounds from marine plants have been found to be particularly good at helping to prevent and even improve the effects of photo-aging, which is the primary cause of wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and pigmentation.
That all links back to their ability to protect against the harm caused by those free radicals, which are helpful in small amounts but damaging when they’re allowed to build up anywhere in our systems.
Even better, the farming of seaweed is environmentally friendly because it doesn’t require fresh water or the use of land to grow it.
A few of the best seaweed-sourced skincare products
And where better to source nutrient-rich seaweed from than the shores of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland?
Scottish skincare company ishga is doing just that, and is already attracting a dedicated following having been named Marie Claire’s ‘Best Natural Formula’ in 2021.
The company uses seaweed extract throughout its range, blended with organic ingredients and essential oils which are absorbed impressively quickly into the skin to form a protective but non-greasy layer.
A great multi-tasker, their bestselling product is the Antioxidant Marine Cream, which also uses shea butter and macadamia extract to boost both its antioxidant content and fatty acids.
Better still, shea butter is non-comedogenic so it won’t block your pores despite being an instant and effective hydrator.
At the higher end of the price spectrum, Zelens have also earned a reputation as producers of potent plant-based formulas including their Peptide Complex Restructuring Cream which contains eight fermented marine extracts including seaweed, plankton and spirulina.
The BodyShop also have a seaweed range, including an Oil-Control Facewash and Gel Cream, both of which I’ve added to my teens’ Christmas lists!
