Web Exclusive: Marine-Based Skin Care

Mar 7th, 2016

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These seaweed standouts are making waves!
Brimming with polysaccharides, enzymes and bioactive peptides, seaweed is a nature-made superstar in the skincare world. The powerhouse ingredient—found in varieties such as laminaria digitata and padina pavonica—boasts a seemingly endless array of benefits: it hydrates and nourishes dry, damaged skin; reduces the appearance of eczema, psoriasis, and fine lines and wrinkles; and can even boost collagen synthesis and repair.

Seaweed may be a 21st-century esthetic staple, but its origins date back much further. “Scientists believe aquatic life started around four billion years ago—and today the sea remains a key element of life,” says Karen Asquith, national director of education for G.M. Collin. Continues Asquith, “Marine research studies have well demonstrated the highly nutrient composition of seawater, which is so close to the body’s internal environment that if white blood cells are removed and placed in a sterile diluted seawater solution, they’re able to maintain normal cell function.”

Lydia Sarfati, CEO and founder of Repêchage, concurs that seaweed’s constitution make it a shoe-in as a skincare ally. “Seaweed mimics the body’s own intercellular fluid in terms of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids and antioxidants,” she says. “Seaweed-derived bioactive substances provide beneficial and functional roles at the cellular level, and contribute to healthy looking skin, hair and nails.”

Another benefit of seaweed is versatility, which makes it suitable for every skin type and many skincare concerns. Indeed, the ingredient’s compatibility with all complexions is a major draw for Satin Smooth Conair Professional. “It has always been our goal to create treatments that achieve real results without reaction,” says director of marketing Susanna Disotto. “The high concentration of vitamins and minerals in marine-based ingredients boost the brightening, tightening and wrinkle-fighting power of our advanced third-generation peptide-based skincare system,” she adds.

Click through for a slew of the latest and greatest marine-based skincare products!