Seaweed is both nutritious, as it is packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as an effective ingredient in skincare.

Seaweed is packed with vitamins, minerals, trace elements, as well as amino acid, the building blocks of protein, that are essential in maintaining healthy and youthful skin. This natural marine wonder helps slow the aging skin process while protecting it from the harsh environmental elements in the air and water. Essential vitamins include: A1, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, K, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and niacin. As well as being rich with antioxidants such as beta-carotene and over 60 trace elements that include potassium, calcium, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and manganese, seaweed is a major source of B12. Selenium and ascorbic acid protects the skin from damaging free radicals. Organic Iodine found in seaweed increases metabolism. Seaweed also contains fatty acids to combat skin irritation and inflammation.

Seaweed is used as part of a staple diet such as laverbread in Wales or sushi in Japan. The benefits of eating seaweed are many, not least that it is low in calories, can be used as a natural replacement for HRT, it regulates hormonal balance and assists digestion. It also has amazing detoxifying properties.

You can also take a supplement in the form of Kelp, often used to balance out thyroid problems, as it is rich in iodine.

As I have mentioned before, there are such a high number of pollutants in the air, so the skin and body are highly susceptible to environmental, or free radical damage. This constant attack increases skin aging and conditions such as dry skin, acne, psoriasis, rashes, cellulite, and eczema. The use of seaweed nourishes, protects, and increases circulation making it vital to maintaining healthy skin and body.

Seaweed Treatments

Seaweed is increasingly becoming a popular choice in Spa and Thalassotherapy. The therapeutic value of seawater and seaweed is now being recognized in its ability to revitalize, repair, and moisturize the body and the skin.

I recently experienced the most wonderful Voya seaweed body wrap at St, Bride’s Hotel in Saundersfoot and my skin felt amazingly soft and looked so improved afterwards.

Daily Topical Skin Care: This can includes soaps, creams, facial masks, bath products and much more. The phytonutrients found in seaweed boosts blood flow making the skin glowing, soft, smooth, as well as repairing damaged skin.

Seaweed Wraps: Seaweed wraps containing Fucus and Laminaria algae are used. Toxins and bacteria are expelled from the pores. Organic iodine in Laminaria and the fat burning elements of Fucosterol help reduce fat. Detoxification takes place while minerals and vitamins aid in healing and restoring damaged skin.

Salt Glow: A therapist uses the palm of the hands to rub a sea salt/mineral oil base over the entire body. Exfoliation and circulatory stimulation takes place allowing vitamins and minerals to penetrate the pores.

Thermal Heat Treatment: Following a gentle body brush, the Seaweed powder is mixed with warm distilled water and smoothed directly on the skin, then wrapped in a Mylar Sheet and towel wrap to allow the vitamins and mineral to penetrate the pores. Pores open up allowing bacteria and toxins to be released from the pores. Seaweed vitamins and minerals are supplied to the open skin pores while excess water, bacteria, and toxins are expelled.

Our skin is the largest organ of our body. No one has perfect skin. The chemicals in our air, water, and food have many negative effects on our skin. One of nature’s wonderful little secrets, seaweed treatments help repair the skin and body while bringing back that youthful look.

Seaweed is truly a Natural Wonder of the World!