Since early civilization, humankind from every culture has returned to the ocean for balance and well-being. Scientific research has recently proven that seawater can indeed restore balance to an organism, something that cannot be offered anyplace else. Ocean water can offer this to us because it has a nearly identical chemical composition and concentration of minerals and trace elements to those found in our blood plasma. The human body is depleted of vital minerals on a daily basis and requires replenishment of minerals and trace elements in order to maintain proper cell function. When cell function is out of balance, nutrients are not absorbed properly and our immune system may be compromised. Understanding the unique nutrient composition of the ocean’s environment has been monumental for the skincare industry. Spa products that revolve around ocean-based active ingredients bring the sea and its replenishing therapies into the spa and your home.
Marine-based ingredients offer multiple advantages to skincare; re-mineralizing the body with vital minerals and trace elements, detoxifying to expel metabolic waste, and assisting the skin to balance, repair, and prevent aging. By simply adding a seawater concentrate to a hydrotherapy spa treatment (or your bath at home), you are recreating a sea environment that helps alleviate mental and physical fatigue, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and dehydration. After just one bath or body wrap, you will notice a profound improvement with both physical and emotional well-being, having flushed toxins and excess water retention out of the body. The use of marine-based topical gels and creams also help minimize the appearance of cellulite, while firming and toning the epidermis (the upper layers of the skin). This is all offered through different forms of sea algae plants and elements found in sea water.
It is important to do your research when choosing your products and treatments. Many cosmetic companies now offer algae and marine-based products, yet the ingredients are not always active, and will not offer you the same results. Freeze-drying methods will naturally preserve the active ingredients and ensure the properties are retained and the results are delivered. Location of harvesting is equally important, so that the product is not gathered from polluted waters or from inland algae farms. It is preferred to be from areas with large tidal fluctuations, such as the Brittany regions of France. Lastly, it is important that the manufacturer practices sustainable development and is not depleting the ocean of its resources.
Phytomer Corporation, based in the Brittany coast of St. Malo, France has been the leader in researching and developing high quality marine-based cosmetic products since the 1970s. With annual government grants they are able to continue to patent ingredients and produce marine skincare that can successfully provide solutions to most skincare concerns. Marine Biotechnology is providing the cosmetic industry with highly potent ingredients that cannot be acquired from any land-based raw material, and we hope for it to continue to be the future of skincare.