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Have you ever thought that the ocean or sea could be a source for an ingredient which would become so popular in the beauty industry? Well, our beauty industry is ever-evolving and it is always in a quest for natural ingredients which can be beneficial to your skin and hair. You will be surprised to know that a simple-looking seaweed has so much to offer. These weeds have been used in medicines since ages for treating various health conditions. In this article, we are going to elucidate on the beauty benefits of Kelp which is seaweed.
What Is Kelp Seaweed?
Seaweed is a generic term given to marine plants and algae that grow in oceans, sea, rivers and lakes. Seaweeds are rich in nutrients which are considered to be advantageous for your skin. Kelp is a type of brown algae which is found in oceans. It is also available in green or red colour depending upon the depth of the sea and the temperature of the water in which they thrive. Kelp is commonly known to be the largest and most dense nutrient-rich species of seaweed.
Why Is Kelp Seaweed Considered To Be A Superfood For Your Body?
Kelp is considered to be a superfood from the sea which is packed with essential nutrients that are capable of boosting your overall health. It contains 10 times more calcium than milk, hence beneficial for maintaining strong teeth and bones. It is known to be rich in vitamins such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, D and E, minerals such as magnesium, iodine, iron, potassium and calcium, folate, amino acids, proteins and lipids all of which are known to improve your health. Kelp seaweed is known to have a high concentration of iodine which is beneficial for treating thyroid. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium add strength to your bones and muscles. Kelp seaweed is effective in weight loss. Folate plays a significant role in cell division. It helps in treating various diseases such as Hepatitis C, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Herpes. It helps to boost the metabolism of our body. Kelp is considered to be a powerhouse of antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids which increase your immunity to fight diseases.
Why Is Kelp Seaweed Considered To Be Beneficial For Your Skin?
Kelp seaweed is rich in nutrients such as amino acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals all of which work together to maintain the texture of your skin. Seaweeds which grow in abundance in the sea and ocean are considered to be the natural source of these essential nutrients and are also known for their repairing and healing properties. The beauty industry is banking on the beneficial properties of kelp and is thus incorporating it widely in their skincare formulas. The hydrating, conditioning, nourishing, healing and anti-ageing properties of kelp seaweed help to make your skin look beautiful, radiant and youthful. Let us understand the skincare benefits of Kelp seaweed.
1. Moisturizes The Skin
Kelp is known for its hydrating property. It is rich in Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acid, zinc and selenium. All of them are essential to keep the skin well hydrated and nourished. It is a natural humectant which absorbs moisture from the surrounding and makes your skin soft and smooth. It is rich in alginic acid which is a polysaccharide that locks moisture inside the skin, thereby retaining moisture for a longer time.
2. Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells
Kelp extract is an excellent exfoliator as it helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, giving you a clean and clear skin.
3. Possesses Anti-Ageing Property
It is rich in Vitamin C and E which are known to be powerful antioxidants and they fight free radicals thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It boosts collagen production, thereby naturally increasing the elasticity of your skin. Kelp seaweed effectively reduces early signs of ageing by smoothing out fine lines and plumps up your facial skin, thus making your skin look more youthful.
4. Possesses Anti-Inflammatory Property
Due to its anti-inflammatory property, Kelp is considered to be effective in treating dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea. This anti-inflammatory property of Kelp has a soothing effect on dry, itchy, red and swollen skin associated with various skin conditions.
5. Treats Acne
Kelp seaweed is rich in minerals like zinc and magnesium which are known to be effective in treating acne. It prevents the growth of bacteria on the skin. Its anti-inflammatory property has a soothing and calming effect on the itchy skin.
6. Repairs And Heals The Damaged Skin
The Kelp extract is packed with essential nutrients which are known to repair the damaged cell membranes and restore the cell structure making your skin look healthy. It helps to keep your skin well-nourished and hydrated, thus accelerating the healing process.
7. Reduces Skin Pigmentation
Kelp Seaweed is known to be effective in treating skin pigmentation which arises due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Kelp is rich in Vitamin B and C which reduces the skin pigmentation, heals the damaged skin and makes your skin clear and healthy.
8. Regulates Oil Production
The Kelp extract is known to maintain the oil balance of your skin by controlling the sebaceous glands. The oil/ grime which is trapped in the pores becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that gives rise to various skin infections such as acne. Kelp is also known to fight the bacteria responsible for causing acne. It is rich in minerals such as zinc, magnesium and iodine which are known to effectively treat acne. Its anti-inflammatory property helps to soothe the itchy, red and swollen skin.
9. Brightens The Skin
Kelp seaweed is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins which are considered to be important for making your skin look healthy and bright. Its antioxidant, hydrating and exfoliating properties nourish and moisturize your skin resulting in the skin radiance.
10. Protects Your Skin
Kelp extract is known to form a thin protective layer over your skin, protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays and other environmental aggressors such as extreme climatic conditions and pollution.
Due to these beneficial properties, Kelp extract is widely used in all of the skincare product. It is known to treat most of your skincare issues, heals and repairs your skin, making the skin clean, clear, radiant and more youthful.
11. Cleanses The Skin
A lot of dirt, dust and grime gets accumulated on the surface of your skin, making your skin look dull and lifeless. Kelp is known to deeply cleanse the skin and helps to get rid of all the toxins, dirt and dust. It helps to flush out all the toxins, dirt and grime which is accumulated on the pores of the skin, thereby making your skin healthy and radiant.
Role Of Kelp Seaweed In Skincare Products
Many a time you might have noticed the term ‘Kelp extract’ on the label of your skincare products and you must be wondering what this ingredient is and what is its purpose. Now that you are aware of its incredible beauty benefits, I am sure that you would definitely want to include this unique yet powerful ingredient in your skincare regime. The beauty industry has left no stone unturned to bring to you the best in skincare products. This incredible seaweed is packed with nutrients that help to nourish, hydrate and heal your skin. Kelp is rich in amino acids, minerals and vitamins such as Vitamin C which hold the moisture and plump up your skin, boost collagen. This enhances the elasticity of your skin which helps to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, thus making your skin healthy, radiant and youthful. Hence it is widely used in cosmetic products to promote the health and beauty of your skin.
Kelp extracts are incorporated in many facial creams, moisturizers, cleansing lotions, toners, face masks, facial serums, Vitamin C serums, anti-ageing creams, lotions and many skincare ointments for treating dry skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema.
Kelp seaweed is not only beneficial for your skin but also for your hair. It moisturizes and nourishes your scalp and hair follicles promoting the growth of healthy hair. It gently cleanses your scalp, thereby preventing dandruff. Its hydrating property makes your hair soft, smooth and glossy.
DIY Face Mask Using Kelp Powder
You can prepare a simple DIY face mask using Kelp Seaweed. All you need is 1 tablespoon of Kelp powder, 2 teaspoons of water. Mix them well to make a smooth paste. To this add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Stir well and add 2-3 drops of Chamomile essential oil (or any other essential oil of your choice). Make a smooth paste and store it in a clean glass jar. Apply this mixture all over your face and neck. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. You can store the leftover mixture in a refrigerator for future use.
Word Of Caution
Though Kelp seaweed is considered to be promising for your skin, hair. The topical application is generally considered to be safe. But the skincare products containing the extract of Kelp seaweed may not give you an immediate result. However, the sustained use over a period of time will definitely give you the desired result. Kelp seaweed is considered to be a super nutritious food for your health, but it has many risk factors associated with it when taken internally. It is high in iodine and iodine is already present in your daily food intake as well. The oral intake can result in excess of iodine in the body resulting in hyperthyroidism. Kelp which is grown in polluted seawater may absorb many harmful toxic metals from the seawater and consuming it can result in serious health problems. It is not advisable for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to consume Kelp seaweed, as it may contain contaminants which can cause health issues. Before consuming Kelp seaweed or any other seaweed, make sure that it has been sourced from clean water. Consult a doctor before taking any supplements of Kelp to avoid any side effects.
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