Seaweed
Of all the seafood, they are the ones most often used in the cosmetics industry. “This is an inexhaustible source of components beneficial for our skin,” says Anastasia Furka. “Algae are often called the “flowers of the sea” and are valued for their high efficiency and versatility.”
* Fucus vesicularis
This algae consists of 45-70% carbohydrates (polysaccharides). They are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improve local blood circulation and stimulate lymph flow. Fucus also contains a lot of alginic acid, which creates a draining effect and enhances all metabolic processes.
“Fucus extract contains a lot of iodine (500 mg per kg) - even one procedure of body wrap with fucus can completely compensate for iodine deficiency in the body, improve well-being and help get rid of several extra pounds,” say Tiina Orasmäe-Meder , cosmetologist, and Oksana Shatrova , dermatovenerologist and cosmetologist, authors of the book “The Science of Beauty. What cosmetics actually consist of.” “Manganese, iron, magnesium and calcium in the composition enhance healing processes in the skin, but sulfur and zinc fight bacteria and extinguish inflammatory processes.”
Where it is used: in masks and powders for wraps, in gels and bath concentrates to combat cellulite, excess weight and swelling.
* Kelp
Champion in iodine content - 5000 mg per kg! This makes kelp an extremely effective ingredient in various types of procedures to combat cellulite and excess weight. According to Tiina Orasmäe-Meder and Oksana Shatrova, kelp contains nitrogen, a lot of iron and copper, magnesium and manganese, so it perfectly tones the skin. It also contains a specific substance - laminarin, which affects fat cells and enhances the processes of fat breakdown. But at the same time, this algae can cause severe allergies or intoxication in people with iodine intolerance. That is why only cosmetologists should use it.
Where it is used: in gels, concentrates, masks and powders for wrapping in professional programs for the treatment of cellulite and weight loss.
* Irish moss (chondrus crispus)
In cosmetology, this algae is called marine silicone because of its ability to create a delicate film on the surface of the skin. This property is due to the fact that almost half of Irish moss consists of carrageenans - specific polysaccharides. Since chondrius cells include iodine, copper and quite a lot of iron, it has a pronounced healing effect. It also contains elements unusual for algae - boron and sulfur. Thanks to these substances, Chondrus has a powerful antiseptic effect; its extract is a common component in acne treatment products.
Where it is used: in serums, concentrates, gels for the treatment of problem skin, as well as in decorative cosmetics and masks as a film former.
* Codium tomentosum
In the cosmetic industry, this green algae is valued primarily as a rich source of vitamin A. Its extract has a pronounced moisturizing effect, helps restore skin elasticity and reduce the evaporation of moisture from its surface. However, products containing codium are not recommended for use in cases of pigmentation disorders or during a course of skin lightening: codium has the ability to enhance melanin synthesis.
Where it is used: in cosmetics for the prevention and correction of skin aging.
* Sea lettuce
Its main feature is its unusually high content of magnesium and vitamin C. The algae is rich in vitamins E and A, as well as calcium. Sea lettuce is interesting as a valuable component for the care of tired, sensitive, dehydrated and aging skin. Lettuce powder is a popular absorbent in cosmetics for oily skin care.
Where it is used: in gels, serums and concentrates to protect the skin from harmful environmental influences, in cosmetics for smokers’ skin, in moisturizing and soothing products, for the care of oily skin.
* Palmaria palmata
Algae, which resemble palms in appearance, are used in cosmetology primarily as a bleaching agent: palmaria extract lightens the skin, reduces the synthesis of melanin in pigment cells, and reduces skin sensitivity to the sun.
Where it is used : in creams, gels, serums and concentrates for skin lightening.
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The effects and benefits of sea water for the skin
Have you felt, when entering cool sea water, how a slight trembling runs through your entire body, as if squeezing cells and tissues? What happens when this happens?
When the body comes into contact with water, which is always colder than the air temperature, an immediate contraction of blood vessels occurs. Subsequently, after 2-5 minutes, the chills disappear, the blood vessels dilate, and warmth spreads throughout the body. And already at this level, not only hardening of the body and improvement of the functioning of the cardiovascular system occurs, but also an increase in the protective functions of the skin and its adaptive capabilities.
When immersed in water, you feel your body weight differently, and the water pressure at this time increases blood flow, increases the elasticity of the skin and muscle tone, and tightens sagging skin.
KK Adapt. 5 paragraph
In addition, sea water is not only an element, but also a unique source of minerals necessary for the body. In truth, it is difficult to overestimate the chemical composition of water, which includes salt ions of sodium, potassium, magnesium, bromine and other trace elements.
By nourishing the skin in this way, sea water helps reduce swelling and, again, increase muscle tone. And this is not all the benefits of the effect of sea water on the skin.
As already noted, during swimming, beneficial minerals penetrate the skin, thereby disinfecting and soothing it. Exposure to sea water improves blood circulation, normalizes acid-base balance, and helps cleanse toxins and waste accumulated in skin cells.
Iodine in sea water activates cell regeneration, which has a beneficial effect on preserving the youth and beauty of the skin. In addition, iodine strengthens the nervous system, normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland, and lowers cholesterol levels.
And who would argue with the fact that healthy skin is in some way the result of the full, healthy functioning of internal organs?
Sea water relieves itching and irritation of the skin, as well as mucous membranes, thereby being a powerful preventative against many fungal diseases.
In addition, it is extremely useful for people with problem skin. Pimples, blackheads and other areas of inflammation will go away on their own after several days of swimming in clean sea water. This is favored not only by sea water for the skin (it disinfects and stops), but also by the sun's rays, which effectively dry out problem areas of the skin. Water again improves the ability of cells to regenerate, as a result of which the healing of the skin occurs much faster.
Pearl
Many people believe that pearls are precious stones, but this is not so. A pearl is an amazing creation of a simple mollusk. In fact, this is a capsule where he hides a damaged fragment of the body or a grain of sand, covering them layer by layer with nacre. Mother of pearl consists of the mineral aragonite and the protein conchiolin, which in its chemical composition is very close to keratin, one of the structural proteins of human skin. Plus, pearls are rich in microelements: copper, zinc, aluminum, manganese, strontium, as well as vitamin D and B vitamins. Products with pearl extract increase skin hydration, tone and elasticity, accelerate epidermal cell renewal, activate regeneration and cellular activity in general . In addition, the use of cosmetics with pearls helps restore the protective properties of the skin. Pearl powder is used as an abrasive in peelings for dry, sensitive, aging skin. Powder is also included in decorative cosmetics.
In the photo: revitalizing serum, THERMES MARINS SAIN MALO; bath bomb, LUSH; toning shower gel “Swedish SPA salon”, ORIFLAME; shower gel scrub, LUSH; salt toothpaste, WELEDA
Where it is used: in products for the care of aging, dry and sensitive skin, in decorative cosmetics.
Why algae cosmetics are beneficial
Previously, medical procedures were recommended to be carried out at sea. After all, the human body is 70% water. It is this component that is the source of life on earth. And sea water is even a medicine. This is explained by the fact that the flora found in the sea has beneficial and even medicinal properties. The composition of algae is similar to human blood plasma. For example, algae contains the following beneficial substances:
- Magnesium;
- Calcium;
- Minerals;
- Iron;
- Potassium;
- Phosphorus;
- Sodium;
- Essential oils;
- Lipids and proteins;
- Alginates and alginic acid;
- Amino acids.
What are the benefits of algae?
The term thalassotherapy appeared in France almost a century and a half ago - this science studies everything related to the sea and its effect on the human body. Today, seaweed treatment is even included in the compulsory health insurance of every Frenchman, because doctors successfully use the power of seaweed to treat many ailments.
You can strengthen your immune system with seafood or undergo an effective rejuvenation program in many SPA centers. Experts say that this set of procedures improves well-being, skin structure and even visually reduces biological age.
The magical effect is explained by the fact that seaweed has unique abilities. They absorb and accumulate minerals, vitamins and amino acids from sea water. And when exposed to unfavorable conditions, they can “hibernate,” while maintaining a huge supply of protein and nutrients. In addition, they secrete antibiotic substances that protect cells from pathogenic bacteria. As a result, cosmetics with seaweed have a powerful restorative and drainage effect, activate metabolic processes in cells and saturate them with beneficial vitamins and minerals.
The uniqueness of cosmetics with seaweed is that these are cosmetics for both beauty and comprehensive health.
1 — clay detox face mask based on seaweed and green tea Enjoli, 2 — hydrogel patches with Mixit kelp extract, 3 — revitalizing moisturizing serum with seaweed La Mer, 4 — intensive renewing essence with peeling effect Peeling Marin from Thalgo, 5 — cleansing gel with seaweed Cremolab, 6 — intensive corrective anti-cellulite cream Thalgo, 7 — biorevitalization shampoo for moisturizing with sea silk Alterna
Sea water in the treatment of rheumatism, anemia and gastrointestinal tract
Sea water is strength and energy. Seafood - water, salt and algae, in turn, unique medicines for the human body.
Back in the days of Ancient Egypt, doctors discovered the healing properties of sea water. Doctors of the ancient world recommended drinking sea water for diseases of the stomach, gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and anemia. Wounds, ulcers and cracks that formed on human skin were washed with sea water. It was then that the popular today complex of “thalassotherapy” procedures was born.
From the ancient Greek language, “thalassotherapy” is translated as “sea treatment”, treatment and healing with heated sea water (water is heated to 33-34C), algae and marine climate.
Properties of sea water
The therapeutic value of sea water is determined by the content of mineral salts and trace elements, biologically active substances, plankton and microscopic algae. Due to the richness of zooplankton, seawater has antibiotic and antiviral properties. The main goal of thalassotherapy is to saturate the human body with missing elements, such as calcium, iodine, potassium, and sulfur. The therapeutic qualities of sea water appear at a temperature of 34C, so it is heated before use.
Sea water is a natural solution that is in a balanced state when the toxicity of individual salts is extinguished by others. The salty taste depends on the content of table salt; the bitter taste is formed by magnesium chloride, sodium and magnesium sulfates.
Scientists have long discovered that the composition of sea water and saline blood solution are similar to each other, because billions of years ago all living things originated in the ocean. Several decades ago, sea water was used in medicine as a blood substitute by injecting ultraviolet-irradiated sea water intravenously.
The sea is nearby.
Don't be discouraged if you won't be able to hang out on the beach anytime soon. And I already want to experience the power of salt water, mud, algae, which get rid of cellulite, stretch marks, and improve skin condition... Cosmetics based on marine components will make your dream come true, and you don’t even have to leave the house for this.
People have been exploiting the resources of the seas and oceans for many centuries in order to remain young and attractive for as long as possible. For the first time, the ancient Greeks paid attention to “seafood,” but they limited themselves to algae and dirt. Modern cosmetology takes much more from the water element. To understand how seafood can be useful for you, let’s consider each of them separately.
Where will we go?
Black Sea
Rest is useful for people with diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, lung diseases).
Sea of Azov
Relieves stress, treats skin diseases, improves lung function, lowers blood pressure. Swimming is especially useful in windy weather - the surf lifts healing silt from the bottom of the Sea of Azov.
Baltic Sea
Useful for heart patients, hypertensive patients, overweight people and weakened immune systems.
Mediterranean Sea
Improves lung function, fights bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, strengthens the heart and relieves stress.
Red sea
Useful for skin diseases, stress and metabolic disorders.
Dead Sea
Treats eczema and psoriasis; due to the presence of therapeutic mud, it is recommended for people with sore joints.
Sea salt.
Where is it found? In peelings, scrubs, bath mixtures.
How is it useful? Salt scrubs are healthier than peels prepared, for example, from ground nut shells: they not only remove dead cells from the skin, but also saturate it with essential microelements. In addition, salt makes the epidermis more resistant to aggressive environments. After sea scrubs, creams usually turn out to be much more effective, since a well-cleaned dermis is able to absorb the maximum of useful substances from a cosmetic product. As for bath salt mixtures, they relax not only the body, but also the soul. Depending on the degree of salt concentration in the water, such baths calm the nerves, improve sleep, relieve muscle tension, eliminate pain and, most importantly, speed up metabolism, promoting weight loss.
How to use? You can cleanse your body with salt scrubs once every two weeks and for no longer than 10 minutes. Facial peels are used more often, once a week, but only for two to three minutes. It is recommended to take baths with salt every other day, for 10-15 minutes.
