seaweed anti-aging

Seaweed: The secret skin balancing and anti-aging ingrediant from the sea

Seaweed is one of nature's best skin secrets for keeping the skin youthful and balancing the natural oils in the skin. Seaweed has been used as a food source, supplement and skin care product for years in some Asian and European countries. Looking at the cultures that both harvest, produce and incorporate seaweed into their day to day lives one can see that the healing affects of seaweed are evident. Japan is one country that is known for their use of seaweed as part of their daily diet and in skin care. Japan is famous for it's sushi which uses the Nori seaweed for the outside sushi wraps. They also use seaweed in salads and teas. Seaweed is a source of fatty acids which helps keep skin plump and the cells of the skin regenerated. Seaweed is full of vitamins including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C , D, E, F, and K. Seaweed also has many minerals and trace minerals. All these vitamins and minerals make seaweed a valuable antioxidant in fighting aging and damaging free radicals. Seaweed is a good source of protein and iodine. Iodine is helpful in treating any thyroid problems that is often connected to weight gain. Likely this is partially why so many Japanese women always look so slim and appear younger than they are. When the body is well fed and nourished with vitamins and minerals, the skin also takes on a healthy, youthful glow and it is able to fight off the signs of aging and repair itself.

The algae of seaweed comes in several different shades including red, green, blue brown and a brownish- purple. Seaweed goes by different names and has slightly different properties depending on where it is grown and harvested. Seaweed is produced almost naturally as it washes up againt the rocks where it dries and can be collected. This usually happens only once or twice a year during the fall and spring Equinox. Today seaweed is used a lot in skin care as well as a food source and as a diet supplement. It is excellent for reducing cellulite, as it draws out toxins in the skin, and nourishes and adds minerals and vitamins at the same time. Seaweed is also good at softening the skin and hair and is found in different combinations to help both reduce wrinkles and hard skin as well as balance the sebacious glands which are the bodies natural oil producing glands. In Ireland which is another country that seaweed has long been harvestd and eaten, seaweed is being used to treat arthritus and joint pain. Bath houses and spas can be found in numerous parts of the country that offer seaweed and sea salt baths for soaking the body relieving tension in the joints. In spas around the world seaweed wraps are used to help the body detox and slim down. Soaps that have kelp and seaweed help to exfoiliate and nourish the skin. Seaweed gel which comes directly from the seaweed has also been found to work as a balancing moisurizer for both oily and dry skin. It is sometimes used along with seaweed in body wraps and combined with aloe vera gel and essential oils to help reduce wrinkles around the delicate eye area. Below is a list of some of the more common seaweeds used for skin care and for food and supplements:

Laminaria Digitata: also know as Bladderwack, Kelp or Kombu seaweed in Japan. This is a brown seaweed that is very versatile. It is considered especially high in Iodine, and contains proteins, lipids, glucides, minerals. It is considered detoxing, hypotensive, and helps arthritic joints. It stimulates blood circulation, regulates sebum, and is both diuretic and moisturizing. It is found in flakes which are good for exfoliating soaps, but is also micronized for body packs and creams. It is also good to add to tea either with green tea or other seaweeds.

Carragheen: also known as Irish Moss. One of the most widely used seaweeds. It is used in desserts and also good for treating coughs, colds and bronchitis. It is also used in skin care and hair care products.

Spirulina: This is a microalgae that is found in warmer clients thrives in sunlight and hot alkaline countries. It has 20x's the amount of protein than soybeans. It is a great supplement for for vegetarians as it is high in protein, iron and B12. It helps reduce cholesterol, and increases mineral absorption.

At top left: Spirulina seaweed supplement for iron and protein, top right: Laminaria Digitata and Fucas Vesiculosus seaweeds for a body wrap, bottom; kelp seaweed