Kelp is a brown algae found in the oceans.
Kelp has a powerful concentration of ocean water, it contains many key ingredients beneficial for the body and the skin such as minerals (like iodine, magnesium, and iron), vitamins (B, C, D, E and K), amino acids, fatty acids (omega-3) and proteins.
Seaweeds in general are rich polysaccharides, being able to attract up to 1,000 times their wight in water molecules. This ability helps the skin retain water, thus keeping it moisturised.
Not only kelp can be applied topically, but it can also be eaten. It is beneficial for the overall heath (can boost your energy levels, and can also be beneficial for your teeth, bones and hair) when eaten.
Either you use kelp as a mask, toner, serum, or moisturising cream you can benefit from its benefits.
1) Anti-inflammatory benefits
According to this study, seaweed has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Kelp, being a seaweed, it can help sooth inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and rosacea.
2) Moisturising benefits
Sea kelp is a powerful humectant that draws moisture to skin cells. It provides long-lasting hydration, with a soft moisturised skin.
-fatty acids
Fatty acids present in sea kelp provides moisture to the skin while maintaining our skin barrier.
-vitamins
Vitamins present in sea kelp such as vitamin E, provides moisture to the skin.
-polysaccharides
Seaweeds are rich in polysaccharides (such as alginic acid). Sea kelp, being a seaweed it can benefit from this property. Polysaccharides are able to attract up to 1,000 times their wight in water molecules. This ability helps the skin retain water, thus keeping it moisturised.
3) Provides softness to the skin
Kelp can provide a softer complexion that bounces back when touched. It helps plump the skin by rehydrating dehydrated skin cells.
4) Forms a protective barrier
Sea kelp contains minerals such as omega, zinc and magnesium that forms a barrier to protect the skin from environmental damage (such as harsh weathers or dry environments). Antioxidants naturally present in skin kelp can also protect your skin against UVA rays
5) Gently exfoliates, cleanse and detoxifies
Sea kelp can deeply cleanse the pores of your skin without stripping it from its natural oils. It detoxifies (it passes to your skin the ability to get rid of toxic chemicals, which sea kelp earned it in oceans), and gently exfoliates dead skin cells that sit on your face. It can act as a cleanser while moisturising the skin at the same time.
This results in a brighter and more glowing complexion.
6) Anti-aging benefits
According to this study, seaweed has anti-aging properties.
– Promotes collagen and elastin production
Sea kelp contains amino acids (such as threonine) and natural antioxidants (such as vitamin B and C) that promote collagen production (collagen being an essential protein to obtain a wrinkle-free, youthful skin) and lead to a plumper skin. The peptides present in the algae also stimulates collagen and elastin production.
– Protects against free radicals
Sea kelp naturally contains vitamin A and vitamin B12 that help to protect the skin against free radical damage (free radicals are atoms that can damage skin cells by disrupting their DNA and can lead to premature signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles).
Using sea kelp in your skincare can help protect your skin against free radicals’ damage and can help keep your skin look younger.
Side effects of sea kelp
Sea kelp is considered as a safe ingredient. However, spot test on your wrist/arm before trying any new ingredient on your face.
Legal disclaimer
This content does NOT provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult your own doctor for more information.
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