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Sea kelp might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when it comes to skincare. Despite being a little known secret ingredient, it’s widely used thanks to its many skin-nourishing benefits. (No wonder Ariel had a pristine complexion.)Â
So what is sea kelp, what’s in it, and how is it such a miracle worker for your skin? We’ve broken down all the benefits of sea kelp for your skin and hair below.
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What Is Sea Kelp?
First, what is kelp? Kelp is a large algae that’s found in saltwater. It’s seaweed that’s rich in nutrients and grows in underwater “forests” that have been around forever. There are over 30,000 varieties, and it can be eaten as well as applied topically (wow!). Most commonly found in the Pacific Ocean, some varieties exist as well in the Atlantic and Antarctic oceans. It varies in color depending on the depth it’s cultivated from. Colder waters produce sea kelp that’s darker in color and richer in minerals. This powerhouse is a sustainable and rapidly renewable resource that can be extracted without harm to the marine ecosystem.Â
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Sea Kelp Skin Benefits
Sea kelp is packed with a variety of vitamins, proteins, amino acids, and minerals. Not to mention iron, iodine, zinc, and magnesium, talk about #vitaminsea! It’s especially beneficial for those with flare-prone skin conditions like eczema and acne. While sea kelp can be used alone, it pairs well with other helpful ingredients like Vitamin B, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and botanical extracts. With no known negative side effects, it’s no surprise that sea kelp has become a favorite among skincare experts.
So how can it benefit your skin?
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Sea Kelp Is Loaded with Antioxidants
Sea kelp can be used as a skin firmer, healer, detoxifier, exfoliator, and protector. An all-in-one ingredient, really. One of the biggest benefits of sea kelp for skin is that it’s full of vital antioxidants. These antioxidants protect skin from UVA rays, daily pollution, free radicals, and other environmental stressors. They also help to maintain skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.Â
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It’s Anti-Inflammatory
Sea kelp also contains properties that reduce redness and irritation caused by dryness and conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It can help reduce the appearance of rosacea as well, since it’s able to minimise the pooling of blood underneath the skin that causes the redness common for rosacea sufferers. Sea kelp is also great for reducing the swelling of acne, making it an ideal all-around miracle for angry skin. Proven to decrease sebum production and bacteria, oily and sensitive skin types (or both) can greatly benefit from it!
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It’s Super Moisturising & Plumping
Dry, flaky skin? Sea kelp is just the right go-to for you. The high mineral content hydrates skin and helps retain moisture by strengthening your skin barrier. The fatty acids found in sea kelp also provide moisture and prevent skin from trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). The invisible film kelp leaves on the skin seals in moisture instead of letting it evaporate. Except instead of certain other ingredients like oils, it won’t clog pores or leave your skin feeling greasy or suffocated.Â
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It Draws out Toxins & Reduces Dullness
A super skin benefit is sea kelp’s ability to penetrate and remove toxins. Its minerals allow it to draw out excess fluids, dead cells, bacteria, and more that can make skin look puffy and dull. This is great if you’re prone to breakouts and blackheads. By detoxifying, you’ll have your glow back in no time. Plus, sea kelp can also help reduce the darkness of brown spots and combat hyperpigmentation.Â
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It Restores Skin for a Youthful Complexion
Lastly, we love using sea kelp for its protective properties. The collagen found in algae is a powerful anti-aging compound that helps prevent damage to amino acids in your skin. Plus, the peptides in algae stimulate collagen and elastin production, which helps lessen the depth of wrinkles and stimulate cellular renewal, making sea kelp like a healing bodyguard for your face. It’s an all-around ingredient your skin will thank you for.
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How Is Sea Kelp for Skin Used?
Your skin can reap the benefits of sea kelp in many ways! Be it to make a skin wrap, in face masks, as a hair mask, or for body scrubs. The possibilities are endless with this magic ingredient.Â
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Want to give this powerful helper a try? Check out our Tasmanian Spring Water Hydration Boost Cream or Splash Serum. Both contain sea kelp and other minerals and nourishing ingredients to detoxify, smooth, and restore your skin’s appearance and health. With sea kelp extracted from Tasmania’s sparkling ocean waters, each of these products are made to protect your skin’s building blocks and supercharge repair for your best skin ever!Â
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And as always, our products are made without sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, PEGS, or gluten and are PETA and dermatologist-approved, so you can feel good about getting all the skin-nourishing benefits without any of the nasty stuff. Only the best for your skin!
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