In the quest for youth and beauty, mother nature has a whole world of powerful ingredients that are meant to impart a healthy glow to your complexion.
They are available in many forms, including things that live in the sea. Sea life are some of the hardiest on the planet, for they withstand the sun, salt water and other extreme conditions and yet maintain their hydration. In this article, we take a look at how some of these marine treasures may help us address skin issues such as dry skin and aging.
1. Seaweed
Seaweed is already popular as a healthy snack, as it contains calcium and vitamins C and E. When used topically on the skin, it works to protect from UV damage, boost skin’s natural collagen production, and moisturize the skin. Seaweed’s benefits don’t stop there, for it contains nutrients that can help calm redness and inflammation. Always do a patch-test when using products with seaweed, in case of allergic reactions.
2. Marine squalene
Harvested from sea plants and shark livers, this natural moisturiser helps keep skin supple. It can also be derived from other natural sources, such as olives and sugarcane. Squalene is used in many products, including face primers and anti-aging treatments. It is a favoured ingredient due to its lightweight consistency which allows for easier absorption. It also helps skin maintain youthful elasticity. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to skip products that contain squalene, for it may cause breakouts and may also
clog your pores.
3. Brown and green algae
Algae are sea plants that contain a form of sugar that helps improve skin cell function. Used as an ingredient in beauty products, it helps to reinforce skin cell walls so the cells can retain moisture and block irritants, according to Jennifer Linder, MD, an assistant. clinical prof of dermatology at the University of California San Francisco. Brown algae also contains the compound fucosterol, which, according to studies, may help decrease the inflammation caused by the sun’s UV rays and increase the production of both collagen and antioxidant enzymes.
4. Chlorella
This green algae may be more popular as a supplement or addition to smoothies, but it has gained some favourable attention in the beauty scene arena as well. Chlorella also offers benefits for the skin. According to research on peptides derived from chlorella, they may help prevent damage and premature aging caused by the sun’s UVB rays. Chlorella is also a great skin fantastic hydrator, so don’t be surprised to find it listed as an ingredient in your skincare, particularly your moisturiser.
5. Sea holly
Sea holly is an active ingredient that helps boost epidermal cell activity by supporting and strengthening the epidermis-dermis junction, where the outer and inner layer of the ski connects. It helps make it easier for the skin to hydrate at both these levels.
6. Sea fennel
Sea fennel is an edible plant that grows on the coastlines of the Mediterranean. It is rich in chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant compound that helps mop up and fight off the free radicals that lead to skin damage and aging. It may be found in skin lightening treatments products made for for excessive pigmentation.
7. Caviar
How luxurious is that? While we know caviar to be a fancy and expensive treat, who knew that it could also be a beneficial ingredient in beauty products? It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it ideal for treating all kinds of skin issue, particularly aging skin. Look out for it in super-rich skin serums, moisturisers and even foundations!
