Hydration Hero - Seaweed skincare to the rescue

We love to share the powerful hydrating properties of Hebridean seaweed and the benefits to your skin. But what exactly makes it so hydrating? Let's find out!

Seaweed superpower

Humectants are ingredients that attract and pull moisture from the air and from the  deeper layers of your skin (dermis) to the outermost layer (epidermis). These moisture magnets draw in the water, binding to cells, hydrating skin from the inside.

What other hydrating properties does seaweed contain?

• Seaweed contains high levels of fatty acids and polysaccharides; these help to protect our skin barrier and lock in moisture.
• Cellulose is a component found in the cell wall of seaweed. It has a high moisture content, making it an ideal carrier to deliver hydrating compounds to the skin.
• Amino acids found in the seaweed help to prevent water loss in the skin and therefore retain moisture.

Boost your skincare routine with Hyaluronic acid 

This magic ingredient is considered to be one of the best humectants when it comes to boosting your skins hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a substance your body produces naturally. It can bind up to 1000x times its own weight in water, making it extremely moisturising, and an essential component in keeping joints lubricated and skin hydrated. The ingredient is used in our Hydra+ Marine Cream and by using two different molecular weights, the HA is able to penetrate multiple skin layers, delivering deep hydration and protection to lock in moisture.

 Are humectants the same as emollients and occlusives?

Although they all provide skin benefits, these are the key differences. Humectants provide hydration while emollients and occlusives moisturise. Here's how they work:

We use four brown seaweed species in our skincare range; Fucus serratus, fucus vesiculosus, ascophyllum nodsum and pelvetia canliculata. As well as each one being full of humectants, they also contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics. The seaweed is hand harvested from the cold, clean Hebridean waters and studies have shown that seaweed sourced from such climates have a higher abundance of nutrient and components known to be essentials for skin maintenance. After harvesting, the seaweed undergoes a gentle extraction process which harnesses all the vitamins and minerals to be used our skincare range. 

No matter what your skin type, it will need hydrating - even if your skin is oily. If you want plumper, glowing skin then seaweed skincare is here for you!