As the science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke once pointed out, “How inappropriate to call this planet Earth, when it is quite clearly Ocean.” Water covers 70 per cent of our planet’s surface, and the ocean’s inhabitants, specifically, plankton and algae, are estimated to contribute between 50 to 85 per cent of the oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere. The practice of going to the ocean for good health has been practiced for thousands of years. Over the past 200 plus years ocean-based health therapies, termed Thalassotherapy, have been the subject of much research and development. The use of ocean water, algaes, ocean mud and marine minerals have been developed to treat rheumatism, arthritis, joint troubles and injuries, as well as to repair, hydrate, soothe and regenerate skin cells.
Algaes and seaweeds are the precursor of land plants. Algae is actually a broad term that refers to different types of organisms that may be found in the ocean. Some species of algae are microscopic and unicellular while other types are much bigger, such as seaweed and giant kelp. They fall into three large varieties that include green algae, red algae, and brown algae.
Algaes lack root systems so rely on a special holdfast to anchor themselves to rocks. From the ocean bottom, they rise up in the water to take in nutrients. For many our first and lasting impression of seaweed can be unpleasant, especially if you are wading into the ocean for a swim, or trying to maintain your footing while scrambling on rocks. Detached seaweed ends up washing ashore and amassing into smelly decomposing piles. According to Diane Bernard, the “Seaweed Lady” and founder of Seaflora Wild & Organic Seaweed Skin Care, “We shouldn’t be so quick to criticize. We would never judge a flower garden by its compost pile!”. Seaweeds for skin care should never be a turn off as fresh seaweeds have a fresh, clean smell.
Understanding the life cycle of seaweeds is much like land plants. In the spring months the tidal zone begins to blossom and glow with fresh new seaweeds appearing on the rocky coastlines. By the summer months a lush seaweed bed blankets the intertidal zones, filled with vibrant coloured seaweeds. In the fall the ocean garden fades, while winter storms clear the garden for the next season and these seaweeds end up on our beaches in their compost pile. Seaweeds for skin and body care are never harvested from the compost pile on the beach!
Seaweeds VS Land Plants
Although land plants have many great and varied values in skin care seaweeds have more.
Compared to land plants, (fruits and vegetables) seaweeds have:
- A richer source of vitamins, minerals and salts
- Higher levels of vitamins A, E, C and folic acid
- Higher quality B-complex vitamins, including B12
- Natural iodine in higher amounts
- Unique compounds of laminarin, alginate and fucoidan not found in land plants
- Fat content is lower and differs from land plant oils by having more unsaturated fats
- Have all the essential amino acids (complete protein)
- It is extremely rare to be allergic to seaweeds.
The benefits of seaweed
One of the key benefits of seaweeds are that they are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, K, folic acid, alginate, polysaccharides and niacin. They are also an important supply of 60 trace elements and an excellent source of over 12 minerals, especially potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc & manganese.
Their benefits are also varied, ranging from the obvious (they’re rich in minerals) to the lesser known: research from Kyoto University has shown that fibres from brown seaweed lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, inhabitants of Japan’s Okinawa Island—the longest living population, known to have the greatest number of centenarians in the world—eat seaweed daily, with the sea vegetable among the seven to 10 portions of fruits and vegetables they consume every day. But the benefits don’t stop there. These ocean greens have also been used for centuries by seaside cultures as a cure-all for healing wounds, reducing bruising, and relieving skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and sunburn.
In our backyard, on Canada’s West Coast, a very significant seaweed story has developed. It has been discovered to potentially have the largest variety of seaweed species on the planet! This is also the birth place of Seaflora Wild & Organic Seaweed Skin Care. In our frontyard and on the coast of France is the headquarters for Phytomer (means plants of the sea), one of the world leaders in R&D for seaweed and other ocean active ingredients for skin and body care for more than 50 years. We are proud to provide and use these two amazing seaweed focused skin care brands.
Similar to land plants, each variety of seaweed has its own unique properties and benefits. Like land plants they have also been categorized into family groups.
Benefits of Specific Types of Seaweed
Phaeophyta Seaweeds (The Great Brown Kelps) They flourish along the coastline to trap and manufacture vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential amino acids. They recharge the body with minerals while encouraging perspiration to stimulate metabolism. This makes them excellent detoxifiers!
Kelps have been shown to shorten the phase by which body cells replace themselves. In other words, kelp seaweeds slow the aging process and wrinkle formation. They increase circulation and blood flow, offer nutritive support, combat the effects of stress and promote overall wellness.
Great brown kelp’s are the most highly mineralized plants on earth. They accumulate minerals directly from the ocean and concentrate them within their plant structures. These kelps provide colloidal minerals that can facilitate the unloading of toxic substances and assist other nutrients, such as vitamins to be utilized and transported to cells.
- Nourish and Heal
- Stimulate and Revitalize
- Tone and Protect
- Antiseptic, Antifungal, Antibacterial and Antiviral
Here are a few Brown Seaweeds used in our skin care products:
Alaria (Wakame) Antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, calming, firming and stimulates collagen production. Moisturizing, detoxifying, firming and maintains skin’s elasticity.
PRODUCTS: Seaflora Sea Silk Massage Oil used in Signature Sea Facial, Aroma Bliss Massage and some Rejuvenating and Classic Facials, Seaflora Potent Sea Kelp Exfoliator, Seaflora Balancing Sea Kelp Concentrate, Phytomer HydraSea Thirst Relief Rehydrating Mask used in some Signature Sea and Rejuvenating Facials, Phytomer Hydracontinue 12 Hour Moisture Flash Gel
Fucus (Rockweed) Strengthens and maintains skin’s elasticity, protects collagen and elastin, slows aging process, hydrates and protects. Anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, increases circulation, heals scar tissue, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
PRODUCTS: Seaflora Sea Silk Massage Oil used in Signature Sea Facial, Aroma Bliss Massage and some Rejuvenating and Classic Facials, Seaflora Potent Sea Kelp Exfoliator, Seaflora Balancing Sea Kelp Concentrate
Laminaria (Sugar Kelp) The outside of this algae has a composition similar to our outermost layer of skin. It is composed of marine sugars, amino acids, minerals, trace elements and essential components of Natural Moisturizing Factor. It is an antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, calming, firming and produces collagen.
PRODUCTS: Seaflora Sea Silk Massage Oil used in Signature Sea Facial, Aroma Bliss Massage and some Rejuvenating and Classic Facials, Seaflora Eye-Sea Relief, Seaflora Sea Foam Cleansing Concentrate, Phytomer Gentle Cleansing Milk, Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant, Phytomer Soothing Oligoforce Serum, Phytomer Oleocreme Ultra Hydrating Body Milk. Phytomer Hydracontinue 12 hour Moisture Flash Gel, Phytomer Oligopur Hydra Matifying Control Cream, Phytomer Hydra Sea Thirst Relief Rehydrating Mask used in some of our Signature Sea and Rejuvenating Facials.
Macrocystis (Giant Kelp) Antioxidant, revitalizing and stimulates metabolism
PRODUCTS: Seaflora Eye and Face Treatment Chamois used in our Signature Sea Facial
Nereocystis (Bull Kelp) Strengthens and maintains skin’s elasticity, protects collagen and elastin, slows aging process, hydrates and protects.
PRODUCTS: Seaflora Therapeutic Firming Seaweed Gel, Seaflora Sea Foam Cleansing Concentrate, Seaflora Potent Sea Kelp Exfoliator, Seaflora Eye-Sea Relief Serum, Seaflora Balancing Sea Kelp Concentrate, Seaflora Nutrient Rich Moisturizer
Rhodophyta Seaweeds (The Vital Reds)
These beautiful, intense red/purple seaweeds get their distinctive colour from a pigment called phycoerythrin. In addition to antioxidants, Red Seaweeds are a treasure of concentrates, such as amino acids, Vitamin A, C, zinc, fatty acids, polysaccharides, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and trace minerals.
- Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Anti-fungal, and yeast inhibiting
- Nourishing and moisturizing
- Speed wound healing
Here is the Red Seaweed used in many of our skin care products
Asparagopsis Armata This algae lives only 50cm under the water surface and is exposed to surface bacteria and heat. Phytomer scientists discovered that it has developed a high performance defense system to environmental stressors because of this and is also very anti-bacterial.
Condus Crispus Scientists at Phytomer discovered that this algae is rich in amino and fatty acids. An oily extract of this algae is highly moisturizing and nourishing for the skin.
PRODUCTS: Phytomer Marine Scrub
Corallina Officinalis Rich in marine calcium which is 100 times more effective than mineral calcium. It improves cellular respiration, increases skin’s resilience and restores radiance.
Delesseria Sanguinea This unique algae has an anti-inflammatory and drainage action on skin tissue. Great for dark under eye circles.
PRODUCTS: Phytomer Youth Contour Eye and Lip Care
Dilsea Carnosa Highly effective in collagen and elastin repair and wrinkle depth reduction.
PRODUCTS: Phytomer Youth Contour Eye and Lip Care
Furellaria Lumbricalis Phytomer creates a hydrating compound from this algae that has a faster and more effective hydrating plumping effect than hyaluronic acid.
Products: Phytomer Nutritionelle Dry Skin Rescue Cream
Iridaea (Rainbow Seaweed) Rich in protein, amino acids, beta-carotene and essential fatty acids; Natural skin brightener and clears complexion
Porphyra Conchocelis This algae secretes an acid that has an exfoliating effect on the skin. These totally natural marine AHA’s have a high skin tolerance while ensuring maximum effectiveness.
PRODUCTS: Phytomer Emergence, Phytomer Resurfacing Peel (professional only) used in some of our Signature Sea and Rejuvenating Facials.
Chlorophyta Seaweeds (The Lush Greens)
Their characteristic forest-green colour comes from two high quality chlorophylls. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. They promote collagen and elastin production and healthy mucus membranes. The chlorophyll helps prevent wrinkles, skin aging and increases protein synthesis and cell regeneration.
- Astringent and toning
- Anti bacterial and cleansing
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- UV protective properties that are currently being researched.
Here is the Green Seaweed we use in many of our skin care products:
Chlorella Vulgaris High in peptides and amino acids naturally present in the dermis. It is exceptional for firming and toning the skin.
PRODUCTS: Phytomer Youth Contour Eye and Lip Care
Ulva lactuca (Sea Lettuce) Rich in protein, vitamin A and C, amino acids, beta-carotene and essential fatty acids it is a natural skin brightener, astringent, reduce oiliness and acne and provides UV protection.
PRODUCTS: Seaflora Therapeutic Firming Seaweed Gel, Seaflora Sea Foam Cleansing Concentrate, Seaflora Potent Sea Kelp Exfoliator, Seaflora Eye-Sea Relief Serum, Seaflora Balancing Sea Kelp Concentrate
Processing seaweed for successful skin treatments
Similar to land plants how we process seaweed to protect their vital nutrients is key to successful skin treatments. Many seaweed brands use seaweed extracts which in the processing lose many of their valuable nutrients. We have chosen our seaweed skin care brands based on their processing methods. Seaflora uses whole, wild and organic unprocessed and fiber-rich seaweeds that are then applied directly onto the skin for the full, intense anti-aging and other skin benefits. Phytomer, in contrast, has very high tech processes that have evolved over its 40 years by producing many of their seaweeds in highly specialized growing conditions in a high tech laboratory. With ocean environments succumbing to pollution in many areas this insures the highest quality by growing and specializing in micro algae.
Other Ocean Secrets in Skin Care
Ocean Water The mineral elements of ocean water exist in almost exact proportion to that of our biological internal fluids. This similar chemistry between ocean water and human blood creates a seamless gateway for detoxification, re-mineralization, and hydration.
We have chosen Phytomer Skin Care due to its incorporation of Oligomer in almost all of their products and treatments. Oligomer is their patented processing of ocean water to maintain the integrity of the minerals, nutrients and vital elements. Seaflora, our other seaweed skin care brand, incorporates fresh seaweed into all of their skin care products ensuring that the essence of fresh ocean water is infused into each product.
BENEFITS - balances and helps repair the skins functions, hydrates, balances oil, strengthens the skins natural barrier.
Marine Spring Water Discovered by the scientists at Phytomer, marine spring water is harvested from inland seawater springs. It has exceptional mineral quality and purity particularly rich in calcium, magnesium and manganese. With a similar PH to the skin it is an excellent soothing treatment for skin redness and irritations.
BENEFITS: Soothing, strengthening, repairing.
PRODUCTS: Phytomer Velvety Soothing Cream
Ocean Mud Nature’s perfect sphere, making it the perfect exfoliator for our skin. It also efficiently retains moisture and heat, while favouring the passage of minerals into the body.
BENEFITS: Cleanses and removes dead skin cells, impurities and toxins. Accelerates and improves blood circulation while balancing pH levels. Assists in cell regeneration and tightens skin.
MORE ABOUT OUR SEAWEED BRANDS
Seaflora skincare products are manufactured using sustainably and hand-harvested USDA certified nutrient rich, organic seaweeds, ocean mud and marine minerals off the cold, clean coast of British Columbia.
They are pioneers in the Organic Certification of wild harvested seaweeds, and were the first seaweed skincare company to offer this level of certification. They are also the only company worldwide that incorporates whole, wild, raw seaweeds -- that they harvest by hand-- into their products. Seaflora products contain NO petro-chemicals, mineral oil, Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS), parabens, formaldehyde or harsh preservatives. Additionally, only organic, therapeutic and food grade ingredients are used to manufacture their products and they source ingredients as close to home as possible to significantly lower carbon emissions. Seaweed is the primary ingredient and each product has over 50 per cent seaweed and often, upwards of 80 per cent.
Each seaweed variety is individually hand-harvested in a precise manner, to ensure that the remaining base of the seaweed continues to grow. This enables the seaweed gardens to flourish for many seasons to come.
“A boutique line of face and body care made with high quality USDA certified organic seaweed – the Dom Perignon of marine algae, if you will” Kari Molvar, Style.com
As a pioneer of marine skincare, Phytomer represents a story of three impassioned generations and their dedication for over 50 years to the cultivation of the purest sea ingredients from the picturesque French seaside town of Saint-Malo, in Brittany. Check out this video about the history of Phytomer - https://youtu.be/lfMblZgdayg They are one of the only skincare companies in the world that has mastered marine biotechnologies, which is the use of marine micro-organisms to produce new, totally unprecedented, natural active ingredients. This new high-tech biochemistry, derived from the medical and pharmeceutical industries, paves the way for increasingly effective and sensorial formulas with a reduced impact on the environment. Backed by unique biotechnological know-how, PHYTOMER’s Advanced Research team has created a new generation of active ingredients.
Unleash the ocean’s deepest secrets