The answer is YES! Let me explain why sea kelp is probably one of the most nutritious vegetables on the planet and why we use it in our products!
Why did we add sea kelp to the Dr. Lucy Gentle Crème Cleanser and Luscious Rose Equalizer Hydrating Masque? Let me count the ways!
Number one reason: Sea kelp hydrates, fights free radicals, tightens skin, purifies, soothes and nourishes the skin, boosting elasticity and firmness. Diminishes the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, aids in promoting collagen production, healthy cell regeneration with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen properties, just to name a few.:)
Why just those two products?
Cleansing with your Gentle Crème Cleanser is your first step to better, denser, calmer and a more balanced skin. This particular cleanser is kind of like your skin care platform that you will be building off of. If your platform is unstable and lacking in support, then any other product that you add on-top of that platform will not be as affective.
The Luscious Rose Equalizer Hydrating Masque ( I know, big name, but it does big things) is so nutrient dense, supportive and calming. As you know you should leave a masque like this on for 20-30 minutes to repair, hydrate and reap the benefits of its nutritional value for your skin.
5 more added benefits of sea kelp in skin care!
1. Certain brown algae stimulate skin to make hyaluronic acid. Can help bind moisture to the skin and therefore reduce water loss. In addition, because it contains alginates (found in the walls of sea kelp) which can draw in and retain water, it can be doubly effective in aiding with moisture retention and preventing loss. -Research in a 2019 journal of Natural Products and Bioprospecting
2. Kelp is most famous for is its role in reducing the signs of photoaging, i.e., when the sun prematurely ages the skin.
3. Kelp combats free radicals or oxidants.
4. Oxygen molecules generated by UV are responsible for triggering photoaging and attacking the skin's cells, as well as causing cellular damage and a loss of structural integrity — two things which are the core of wrinkle and fine line formation. - Comprehensive Series in Photosciences, volume 3
5. Kelp's fucoidan (anti-photoaging and skin benefits) can act as an antioxidant, which means it breaks down destructive oxidants into more stable products.
This reduces cellular damage while at the same time aids in restoring the skin's barrier. - 2021 research in the Journal of Marine Drugs
8 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Sea Kelp!
1. Sea kelp is actually sea vegetables.
2. Contains iodine and Tyrosine, which support Thyroid function.
3. Good source of vitamins and minerals.
4. Contains a variety of protective antioxidants.
5. May help you lose weight by delaying hunger and reducing weight.
6. May reduce heart disease risk.
7. May help reduce your risk of type 2 Diabetes by improving blood sugar management.
8. Provides fiber and polysaccharides that can support your gut health.
Why "natural" iodine is so important for your health...
"Iodine is a trace element that is naturally present in some foods. Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
Thyroid hormones regulate many important biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis and enzymatic activity, and are critical determinants of metabolic activity.
They are also required for proper skeletal and central nervous system development in fetuses and infants.
Iodine may have other physiological functions in the body as well. For example, it appears to play a role in immune response and might have a beneficial effect on mammary dysplasia and fibrocystic breast disease." - Natural Institute of Health
Foods that contain natural iodine...
Sea kelp (nori, kelp, kombu, wakame)
Fish, shellfish (cod, canned tuna, oysters, shrimp)
Table salts labeled “iodized”
Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Eggs
Beef liver
Chicken
Celtic Sea Salt
Conclusion? Eat and wear your sea vegetables for a healthier inside/outside you!
With Love and Blessings!
Rebecca