Marine Ingredients

Why Seaweed is So Wonderful
Every living cell is nourished by the passage of tiny particles called molecules through its skin, or outer membrane. This process is called osmosis. In the case of sea plants, minerals are drawn into seaweed in two distinct categories, Passive Transfer (minerals are drawn into the plant without any exchange of energy) and Active Transfer (minerals are aided in its passage through the seaweed's cell wall by energy from the plant itself). It is exactly in this manner that when sea plants are used as seaweed wraps, minerals and trace elements can penetrate the body and essential minerals can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the body's largest organ the skin. 

Seaweed stimulates the cells to improve cellular activity and increase the efficiency of lymphatic fluid, to prevent the build-up of wastes and help break-down existing toxic deposits.

Seaweeds are rich in vitamins and minerals and are excellent for softening and balancing skin, and evening out skin tone. Seaweeds are natural antioxidants, protecting skin from free radicals and other pollutants. Wrinkles many other skin problems can be eliminated with regular use of seaweed as part of your skin care regime. 

THAT BEING SAID! I would not use seaweed on my face for any reason. Seaweed is HIGHLY COMEDOGENIC! If you have problems with clogged pores, DO NOT USE IT!!!

There are several different types of seaweed useful in body and hair care. The most convenient by far is kelp, as it is commonly available in dry, powdered form, ready for use in baths and homemade products.

When You're Hot, You're Hot!
The beneficial effects of seaweed wraps are increased by the use of temperature. In other words, we need to use warmth. Heat enhances the permeability of the epidermis by dilating peripheral blood vessels and pores, which increases the skin's ability to absorb such minerals and nutrients. To be effective, seaweed therapies should be from warm to hot depending on the specific treatment.

Seaweed Wrap Detox
As well as providing the skin with wonderfully beneficial nutrients and essential minerals for softening and clarifying, seaweed wraps also have a stimulating effect, which results in less puffiness and swelling, reduction of tissue sludge and toxins, and can actually produce weight loss.

Makes You Feel Great!
While the benefits outlined above are essential to your cellulite reduction strategy, seaweed wraps can actually make you feel good and promote relaxation, increasing your overall sense of wellbeing.

There are many different formulations available to be used with body wraps, but seaweed wraps are the most effective cellulite treatments for a variety of reasons. The cells of the body are surrounded by a very special liquid, called lymphatic fluid. Its job is to carry away all toxins and debris from cellular metabolism, so that they don't accumulate and cause a toxicity problem (this is how cellulite is formed).

* Vitamin A assists skin cell production
* Vitamin C promotes the protein collagen found in connective tissues
* Vitamin E has sunscreen and skin softening properties
* Zinc promotes healing of skin tissues
* Selenium neutralizes free radicals
* Magnesium helps us relax
* Lipids are moisturizing fats for the skin

Arame (Eisenia bycyclis), is one of the best seaweeds for skin and hair. It is very high in iodine, fat soluble vitamins and phytohormones. Arame reduces breast and uterine fibroids, and normalizes menopausal symptoms. Arame is excellent for wrinkles, acne, dry skin and mature skin. Arame is also great for treating dry and thinning hair.

Bladderwrack is high in vitamin K which is an adrenal stimulant. Internally and as a poultice, Bladderwrack stimulates the release of toxins in steam baths and wraps.

Bladderwrack has three primary constituents: iodine, alginic acid, and fucoidan.The alginic acid (a polysaccharide) swells into a gelatinous substance upon contact with water. The main use of the herb has been for the stimulation of the thyroid gland as a treatment for obesity and cellulite. The high iodine content of the herb stimulates thyroid function which boosts metabolism.

Bladderwrack is rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, silicon and iron and high in some B-complex vitamins. It contains moderate amounts of phosphorus, selenium, manganese and zinc and small amounts of vitamins A, C, E and G. It also contains anti-sterility vitamin S as well as vitamin K. It is rich in algin and mannitol, carotene and zeaxantin with traces of bromine.

From the Sloan Kettering Website:

Bladder wrack is a seaweed prevalent on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from Europe to Asia. It is often referred to as brown kelp but it should not be confused with “kelp,” another species of seaweed. Bladder wrack is consumed as food and medicine and is a rich source of iodine. It is used in traditional medicine to treat hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency and has been proposed as a weight loss supplement. No clinical studies have verified this effect. Bladder wrack is believed responsible for the reduced risk of estrogen-related cancers in Asian populations ⁽¹⁾ and may improve menstrual symptoms ⁽¹⁾. Further studies are needed to clarify such effects. Bladder wrack extract also demonstrated chemopreventive ⁽⁷⁾, anti-collagenase and antioxidant properties ⁽⁶⁾; topical application of bladder wrack extract may help improve skin ⁽²⁾. Bladder wrack should be used with caution in patients with hormonal-sensitive cancers. Topical bladder wrack extract reduced skin thickness and improved the mechanical/elastic properties.

Dulse (palmaria palmata), contains Vitamin A, iodine, iron and protein. Internally, Dulse is used to treat herpes and to stimulate the elimination of toxins.

Hijiki contains vitamin A, carotenes, proteins and calcium. Hijiki has the most calcium of any seaweed.

Irish moss (chondrus crispus, carrageen) contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Taken internally, Irish Moss stimulates detoxification, sexual function and metabolism. Irish Moss is also great for weak hair and nails, and balancing the skin.

Kelp (laminaria) is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, D and K and also contains many minerals including. calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, iron and zinc. Taken internally, Kelp helps the body get rid of heavy metals and radioactive particles. Kelp aids digestion and benefits the entire gastrointestinal system. Kelp is a blood purifier and benefits adrenal, pituitary and thyroid health. Kelp contains a great deal of iodine, making it beneficial to thyroid-related disorders like obesity and lymph system congestion. Kelp is also used as a treatment for herpes. Kelp moisturizes and tones any type of skin, and is a wonderful conditioner for hair, especially dry, brittle, over-processed hair.

Kombu (laminaria digitata, setchelli, horsetail kelp), Kombu contains iodine, vitamins A, B, C, D and E, carotenes, minerals including folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, iron and zinc, and germanium, a nutrient which greatly benefits the skin. Taken internally, Kombu is a decongestant, and helps lower blood pressure. Kombu is a high-protein seaweed, and is the best source of natural mineral salts. Doctors recommend adding Kombu to the diet for pregnant women and to lower the risk of multiple sclerosis and stroke.

Nori (porphyra, laver) is the best source of protein among the seaweeds. Nori also contains carotenes, calcium, iodine, iron, and phosphorus.

Wakame (alaria, undaria) contains protein, calcium, iron, carotenes and vitamin C. Wakame is useful for dry, thinning hair, to soften skin and to balance skin tone.


Miri