Marine magic beauty

Many scientists believe that marine bacteria were the first form of cell life on Earth, and as the depths of the ocean offered protection from the sun’s harsh UV rays, species of microalgae could benefit from the nutrients in seawater and develop into powerful organisms beneath the surface of the sea.

Phytomer’s director of education, Angela Eriksen-Stanley, says in an article written for Skin Inc magazine, “Now, 3.8 billion years later on a planet with diverse marine and terrestrial plant content, microalgae species are being seen as a wave of the future for topical skin and body care products.”

This is due to their amazing ability to adapt and develop according to their environment where, like human skin, to combat aggressors, “seaweeds develop many skin-like qualities to maintain hydration levels, protect themselves from UV-induced free radical formation and withstand cold temperatures. Researchers have noted the similarities between human skin and various seaweed species, and have found ways to use marine extracts to improve many skin conditions.”

New York-based celebrity dermatologist, Dr Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, strongly believes in algae’s ability to offer skin a natural form of protection. “These creatures have spent millions of years on the sea surface and evolved mechanisms to protect their DNA from UV damage. These mechanisms are conserved cross-species, meaning [they] work in human skin, too!”

So it’s hardly a surprise that beauty brands across the world are jumping at the chance to incorporate marine magic into their products. Take Heliae Development, for example. After exploring the power of seaweed to make jet fuel (yes, really!), it has now enlisted the expertise of former executives from iconic beauty brands, including Estée Lauder, Elizabeth Arden and Unilever, to use cutting-edge algae-harvesting technology to create their own health and beauty products. According to Heliae President and CEO, Dan Simon, “There are over 100,000 strains of algae on the planet, each with a different product profile. Until now, the industry had barely scratched the surface with algae as a feedstock…. [This is] an opportunity to bring algae to the forefront of the cosmetics world.”

Just take Elemis’s global bestselling product, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, which – according to the brand’s director of product and treatment development, Noella Gabriel, has the power to transform the complexion in as little as two weeks. It uses a revolutionary product to banish wrinkles and hydrate the skin.

So if you’re looking to take the next step towards beautiful skin, it’s time to turn to seaweed. Whether you’re eating it, drinking it, or using it directly on your body – seaweed is Mother Nature’s miracle gift to any beach body. Packed with vitamins and minerals, the goodness from this great green-stuff is quickly absorbed by the body due to its cellular structure being so similar to that of our skin. Not only does this super sea-vegetable restore moisture levels in the skin, it helps with detoxification, firms, slows ageing, promotes cell generation, and reduces the appearance of cellulite – all while purifying and improving skin texture and tone. 

Nutrition therapist and well-known author Ian Marber is all for scoffing seaweed, saying that it’s “exceptionally rich in iodine and a rare food source of vanadium, a mineral that is required in trace amounts to assist carbohydrate metabolism. Magnesium, calcium and vitamin K are well represented too, along with iron and vitamin C.

Research suggests seaweed may have anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidant and anti-viral capabilities. It also makes hair super-soft and shiny thanks to the fatty acids, vitamins and minerals it has heaps of.

“Collagen and spirulina supplements both contain seaweed extracts. These are the two supplements that we rely on for hair recovery and to soothe dry hair and scalps. The intake of seaweed helps to promote scalp hydration, which improves the condition of dry hair. Seaweed can also increase hair mineralisation, which leads to thicker hair,” says hair dermatologist at Harrods’ Urban Retreat, Ricardo Vila Nova.

So whether you apply seaweed in the form of a face cream, slather it on at the sea or put it in your salads, it’s time to add some marine magic to your routine. You’ll soon be looking and feeling beach-beautiful inside and out.