Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez/WireImage/Getty Images & Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images
Marine-based skincare is having a major moment right now. If you don’t believe us, just take a look at one of the most lusted after, luxurious skincare brands of the decade– La Mer, which is founded on sea-based ingredients alone. With fans like Kate Hudson, Gal Gadot, Jessica Alba, and Serena Williams, all swearing by the beautifying skincare collection based on marine ingredients, of course, we had to swim a little deeper. And, after reading tons of studies, it turns out marine ingredients like seaweed, sea water, and marine collagen aren’t just a fad or a skincare trend, there’s actually so much science behind them. Not only do they possess anti-inflammatory and anti-aging qualities, they’re full of minerals that restore, replenish and hydrate our skin, leaving it looking glowy AF. A recent study by scientists in Korea even showed that some sea algae have anti-cancer properties. Here’s how each marine ingredient can beautify your skin:
Seawater
Ocean water is a powerful antidote for all skin care issues as it contains a nearly identical chemical composition and mineral concentration found in our blood plasma. This means, by adding seawater to your skincare regime, you can replenish some of the minerals that it loses on a daily basis. When our cell function is out of balance, our skin becomes dull and dehydrated as nutrients are not absorbed properly. By simply adding a seawater concentrate, $17, to your bath, you can recreate a sea environment and restore the vital mineral composition in your body, re-energizing your skin as well as your mental health.
Algae (AKA Seaweed)
Seaweed is one of the fastest growing organisms on the planet and is packed with beauty-boosting ingredients. Most importantly, it’s full of natural hydrators that help draw moisture back into the skin. Yet it’s also a rich source of vitamin E, another well-known hydrator, as well as vitamin B and C. All of which, will not only help fight pigmentation but brighten your skin, while protecting it from free radicals that cause premature aging. As it’s a marine ingredient it has a high mineral content, which will help strengthen your skin’s epidermal barrier, protecting it from damaging external factors, like pollution or sun damage. As if it couldn’t get any better, algae are also full of proteins and amino acids which will plump your skin, making it look and feel soft and radiant.
Marine Collagen
Fish collagen is a type one collagen known for its youth-boosting effects, and it’s also the most common form of collagen found in the human body. In recent studies, it has proven to be one of the most effective forms of collagen, as it not only hydrates the skin but it also contains eight out of nine essential amino acids, as well as skincare favorite glycine… To you and me, that means it’ll help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles giving the skin a more firm and youthful appearance. The small, low molecular peptides also mean that it’s absorbed more easily into the skin, improving the skin structure at a much deeper level. Get more deets on why collagen is so insanely good for your skin here.
Our Top 3 Marine-Based Skincare Products:
Source: Mario Badescu/Crème De La Mer/OSEA
1. Mario Basescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion, $15: This hydrating toner uses soothing Bladderwrack Extract and Aloe Vera, while the Witch hazel extract will remove any impurities leaving your skin feeling refreshed and invigorated.
2. La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream, $325: This ultra soft cream will restore even the most dehydrated skin. Its main ingredient is seaweed, meaning it’s full of antioxidants that’ll protect the skin from damaging external factors as well as strengthen the skin’s epidermis. And yes, it’s insanely expensive but VERY good!
3. OSea Hyaluronic Sea Serum, $88: This lightweight serum contains three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, as well as three types of seaweed to provide long-lasting hydration to all skin types – it’s like skin food in a bottle!
Let us know if you’ve tried any marine-based products in the comments below.
