2024-01-24 （ Update 2024-01-24）

Ocean’s Elixir: Harnessing the Beauty Benefits of Seaweed Extract for Skin

I want to know the strength of seaweed extract for skin
Why seaweed extract is good for skin?
Is there are any side effects by using seaweed extract for skin?

Are you familiar with seaweed? In Asian countries, particularly in Japan, seaweed is a staple in our daily diet and is widely consumed. Traditionally, seaweed has primarily been a food item. However, in recent years, skincare products utilizing seaweed essence have gained significant popularity.

In this article, I aim to provide an overview of what seaweed is, delve into its background, and share information on its skincare benefits.

Let’s get started.

Contents

1 Information of seaweed extract for skin
- 1.1 What is seaweed?
- 1.2 Historical background of seaweed
2 Why we use seaweed extract for skincare
3 Conclusion

Information of seaweed extract for skin

In this section, I aim to provide a brief overview of seaweed and its background. While seaweed is now readily available and popular everywhere, it may come as a surprise that it was once considered one of the most luxurious foods in the market.

What is seaweed?

There exist various types of seaweeds, all derived from marine sources. The specific type of seaweed used as a raw material varies, and essentially, it is “seaweed dried in the form of sheets.” Apart from Japan, seaweed is also consumed in China, Korea, and England, albeit in different culinary forms.

Japanese food has gained global popularity, and dishes such as conveyor-belt sushi are now enjoyed in the U.S., Europe, and various other countries. Notably, nori (seaweed) has become a widely consumed ingredient around the world.

Seaweed is rich in essential nutrients that are often lacking in our diets, including vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, iron, and calcium.

Vitamin C	Five sheets of seaweed contain 1.3 times the amount of vitamin C found in one mandarin orange. Typically, vitamin C is prone to breaking down when exposed to heat, but the vitamin C present in nori demonstrates high heat resistance.
Dietary Fiber	By incorporating seaweed into your diet, you can easily increase your dietary fiber intake. A single sheet of seaweed is comparable to the dietary fiber content found in a banana, a tomato, a quarter of a lettuce, etc.
Iron	Iron plays a crucial role in preventing anemia, yet many people may not favor foods like liver or spinach, known for their high iron content. Remarkably, five sheets of seaweed contain an iron quantity equivalent to 40 grams of beef liver or a handful of boiled spinach. Additionally, seaweed contains protein and vitamin C, known to be efficiently utilized when consumed together.

Historical background of seaweed

The history of seaweed is extensive, dating back between 12,000 to 2,000 years. Alongside fish and shellfish, seaweed was considered one of the most luxurious foods. Despite being available in the market, seaweed remained an expensive item for common people, reserved as a feast for the upper class and aristocracy.

Over time, as food culture underwent significant changes, dietary habits shifted towards perfecting Shojin ryori based on the principles of frugality and thrift.
※Shojin ryori is a kind of vegetarian food originally cooked for Buddhist monks.

Seaweed emerged as a highly prized ingredient in Shojin ryori , incorporating numerous traditional Japanese elements. The foundation of today’s seaweed industry was laid during the Edo period, marked by the advent of Asakusa seaweed, seaweed rolls, and the initiation of seaweed cultivation.

The onset of cultivation significantly increased the availability of seaweed on the market, transforming it into a popular delicacy among the general public and establishing it as a specialty of Edo era.

Seaweed has maintained its popularity as a food not only in Japan but also in other countries around the world.

Why we use seaweed extract for skincare

Now, let’s shift our focus to the skincare benefits of seaweed. Seaweed offers numerous positive effects that you can experience, and understanding this opens up various options for enhancing your skincare routine.

Hydration and Moisture Retention

It possesses excellent moisturizing and repairing properties. Natural seaweed grown by the sea contains collagen, elastic fibers, and nourishing ingredients that help maintain the normal turnover cycle of the skin, which is really important! Given that a disorder of turnover is usually a factor in many skin problems, the use of cosmetics containing seaweed extract can be expected to help create trouble-free skin.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Seaweeds are a potentially rich source of amino acids, such as glycine, and natural antioxidants, like vitamin C, which promote collagen production to smooth lines and give the appearance of plumper. Therefore, for those looking for anti-aging items, trying skincare products that contain seaweed could be a good idea.

Natural Skin Soothing

Seaweed offers a multifaceted approach to skincare by helping soothe skin conditions associated with inflammation, such as acne and skin irritation. Possessing anti-inflammatory properties, seaweed contains natural minerals like magnesium and zinc, renowned for improving the appearance of redness in sensitive and hypersensitive skin. Additionally, it acts as a protective shield against harsh environmental conditions, creating a barrier that safeguards the skin. Moreover, the iodine content in seaweed is known to aid in skin cell regeneration, adding to its overall skincare benefits.

Is there are any side effects?

While there have been no reported side effects yet, if you have sensitive skin, or even if you don’t, it is worth noting to conduct a patch test on your arms when trying new skincare products. Seaweed is a natural ingredient, so there is a low possibility that you’ll experience side effects, but it is essential to check in advance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, seaweed, a staple in Asian diets, has transitioned from a luxurious food item to a popular skincare ingredient in recent years. Rich in essential nutrients, seaweed offers a myriad of benefits for both internal health and skincare. Embracing the skincare benefits of seaweed opens up new possibilities for achieving healthier and more radiant skin.