Ever notice how your skin feels post-spa-good after a day spent catching waves? You’re not imagining it: According to a slew of studies, the key to healthy skin (and hair, too!) lies in the deep blue sea.
Marine algae (or more commonly, seaweed), in all its incarnations – mainly blue, green, brown and red – has the power to combat acne, brighten skin, and reverse the signs of aging. Since it wields a massive supply of mineral elements and antioxidants it makes for a potent face-saving cocktail when fused with other active ingredients.
But don’t take our word for it — give these algae-rich beauty products a shot and sea for yourself.
Get Hooked on Seaweed
Photo: Adam Katz Sinding
Thanks to UV ray-blasting lotions and potions, summer skin can become a mine field of clogged pores. Clark's Botanicals Skin-Clearing face and body wash lets you know it means business by sprinkling visible flecks of brown algae directly into the cleansing lather.
Blue Lagoon Algae & Mineral shower gel is soap and paraben free, safe for all skin types and smells just as refreshing as it looks.
As we age, retaining moisture where we need it most (the visage, of course) gets more challenging. Babor Algae Active Fluid is essentially a giant swig of active marine ingredient-spiked water for parched, tired skin.
As the name suggests, La Mer's Lifting Intensifier Serum targets areas of the face where extra tightening is needed most, then smothers the problem spots with blue algae to promote collogen creation.
Ole Henriksen's Ultimate Lift Eye Gel does the bulk of its job while you sleep: rejuvinating micro red algae, wrinkle-busting biopeptides and cooling cucumber make for a potent de-puffing cocktail.
Brown algae extract (strengthens skin by promoting hyaluronic acid production) and caffeine liposomes are the main ingredients in Lancer Eye Contour Lifting Cream, which means the ultra rich formula is a go-to for checking your under-eye baggage for good.
Origins Drink Up mask's algae extract and apricot kernel oil are a one-two punch for dry skin.
For Algenist Algae Brightening mask, actual sea kelp leaves, 6 different kinds of algae and alguronic acid are just the tip of the nourishing ingredient iceberg.
Don't be fooled by Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist's delicate exterior -- the nifty spray moisturizer calls upon no-nonsence squalane and red algae to sooth and hydrate on the go.
Use Amala's time-released Cupuacu butter and green algae-infused moisturizer daily to keep your youthful glow glowing longer.
Bikini season just got a little bit sweeter: Natura Bissé's Slimming Gel harvests iodine from brown algae extract to effectively melt away access fat and fight water retention.
Sunday Riley Liquid Diet's formula -- full of bladderwrack marine algae, Kola nut and caffeine -- provides cooling, short-term relief from bloating, swelling and puffines.
The protein-rich blue green algae in Aubrey Organic's conditioning mask whips chemically-damaged locks into shape, fast.
Quench Sea Mineral Moisture shampoo is ideal for daily use, which is good news since you won't be able to get enough of its sea kelp-fueled softening powers.
