The skin helps protect your body and it's only fair to help protect your skin in return. From serious disorders to mild irritations, skin problems run the gamut from acne and rosacea to eczema and dryness. Aging skin also needs extra care to remain hydrated. Seaweed is believed to possess a number of properties that help protect and heal skin. You can eat seaweed or use external skincare products made with seaweed to gain its possible benefits.
Vitamins and Minerals
Seaweed is loaded with vitamins that are good for the skin. B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 are found in abundance in seaweed. The B vitamins possess anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for rosacea. Healthy skin needs vitamins A and C, and seaweed is a good source of both of those vitamins. Trace minerals are also present in seaweed, and aid in repairing damaged skin cells.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial to human health, and one of the symptoms of a deficiency is dry skin. Seaweed is a good vegetable source of DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids that help skin stay elastic. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that DHA may help with eczema symptoms. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a condition that often results in itchy, dry skin and rashes. The researchers discovered that daily doses of DHA reduced eczema symptoms in participants, but cautioned that more research is needed.
Detoxifying
The minerals in seaweed can release toxins from the skin. Seaweed wraps, often used in spas, are designed to cleanse the skin of impurities and draw out toxins. Seaweed is also used as an exfoliant, carrying away dead skin cells, oils and pollutants.
Acne
The anti-inflammatory properties of the B vitamins in seaweed may be helpful with acne. Pimples and breakouts occur when pores are clogged with oil. Advocates claim that seaweed can help reduce the swelling and redness that accompany breakouts although that hasn't been proven scientifically. Seaweed cleansers and exfoliants work to keep pores open and clear.
Conditioning
Commercial skin moisturizers often take advantage of the same compound that keeps fresh seaweed a bit slimy. Alginates are compounds derived from kelp that provide softness and conditioning benefits when added to skincare products. Seaweed masks are thought to help hydrate skin.
Warning
The National Institutes of Health warns that some seaweed is high enough in iodine to be harmful to the thyroid. In addition, the institute cautions that seaweed extracts and supplements can interact negatively with blood thinning and anti-inflammatory medications. Certain seaweeds may contain high levels of heavy metals. It's always best to check with a physician before taking seaweed supplements or adding seaweed to your diet.
References
- Yoga Journal: Sea Kelp for Silky Skin
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health: Seaweed, Kelp, Bladderwrack
- Food For Your Healing: Healing Foods To Eat For Rosacea Sufferers
- Vitamin Research Products: Omega-3 Fatty Acid DHA Important for Skin Health
- Family Health Guide: Eczema -- Research
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