Marine skincare benefits for healthy skin
When it comes to skincare, the power of the sea is being harnessed more than ever and marine ingredients are having their day in beauty products. We take a look at the most potent marine ingredients and the products that contain them.
ALGAE
Marine algae is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids which help to feed the skin and help prevent premature ageing. The benefits can be seen when ingested (for example in the form of spirulina) and when applied topically to the skin.
Algae is very hydrating for skin, helping to moisturise and lock in that moisture, and skincare brands are harnessing the hydrating powers in creams and serums like The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics, £6.90.
The nutrients in algae also make it the perfect anti-ageing ingredient, and studies have shown that algae can help to prevent premature breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid within the skin, having a protective and preventative effect. Not surprisingly, many beauty brands use algae in their skin creams for its anti-ageing effects, and the luxury brand La Mer has built its entire skincare range around the healing properties of marine ingredients and uses algae in it’s famous Moisturizing Cream, £145.
SEA SALT
Sea salt is the perfect exfoliator – it’s 100% natural and doesn’t harm the environment like plastic microbeads. It also mixes well with oils and lotions for a luxurious home-spa experience. Exfoliating with sea salt helps to remove dead skin cells and boost circulation. Sloughing away dead skin cells helps to stimulate the growth of healthy new cells and so exfoliating helps to improve the appearance of the skin. This Cowshed body scrub, £40, uses mineral-rich seaweed, sea salt and macadamia seed oil to nourish as it exfoliates.
MARINE COLLAGEN
Collagen comes from different sources such as bovine collagen or marine collagen. Marine collagen is the most bioavailable form of collagen as the body can use it easiest. The anti-ageing effects of collagen work best when ingested in the form of a supplement (like the Potion London Collagen Boost) but it is also used in topical skincare to help improve the appearance of skin, like in this Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, £64.95.
