How many times have
you been for a facial or spa treatment and heard that seaweed, algae, marine
based ingredients as so good for you but have not been sure exactly how they
work? You’re not the only one! So let us try to shed some light on the real
benefits of their use and importance in health and beauty.
The ocean is literally
the ultimate mineral water and its chemistry is virtually identical to that of
the human body making them extremely easy to absorb. Marine algae (seaweeds) are concentrates of
the ocean’s life force—minerals, trace elements, amino acids, beta-carotenes,
phyto-hormones, enzymes and more—and all of which are naturally balanced and
bio-available. All of these components
are represented in the marine based skin care line that we use at Balance Spa
in select treatments and in our retail area.
Marine algae
provide anti-aging due benefits to its richness in delivering the building
blocks of life—minerals and trace elements directly to the basal cell layer of
the skin. Copper, Zinc, Manganese,
Phosphorous, Magnesium are all vital to the synthesis of collagen and
fibronectin fibers. Therefore, these
elements help to firm up the connective support matrix of the skin increasing
skin firmness and tone. Marine algae are
also rich in a vast array of antioxidants to protect the cell against
environmental aggressors such as ultra-violet radiation, pollution, smoking and
deficient nutrition.
All of these
elements—iodine, magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, etc., have been shown to
cross the skin’s corneal barrier and enter the body. Clinical studies conducted by University of
Rennes in France (and later replicated by the University of Bordeaux),
demonstrated conclusively that micro-elements penetrate the skin due to their
infinitesimally small size and also due to their ionization that facilitate
their passage.
So, to summarize, algae (seaweed) is filled
with amazing life force elements that are easily absorbed and help feed,
nourish, protect and repair our skin.
What If I’m Allergic to Iodine?
Iodine is the most
misunderstood of all elements. According
to studies including UCLA, most Americans have an iodine deficiency. The RDA of iodine is 150 IUs in the United
States. It is closer to 10,000 IUs in
Japan where they experience one tenth the incidence of breast cancer. Allergies associated with seafood usually
revolve around certain proteins found in shell fish…..not iodine. Yet perception can be reality. For those who are still skeptical we offer a
red algae treatment. Red algae and white
algae contain low doses of iodine making them quite suitable for those with
sensitivity to this vital element.
Which Marine Based Facials Do You Have at
Balance Spa?
Our “Beat The Burn Summer Facial” uses all marine based
products by SpaTechnologies to nourish and protect your skin. This
deep cleansing facial calms and repairs the skin with algae, sea water, and plankton
enzymes. After first cleansing with a Marine Gel Cleanser, you will enjoy a
light exfoliation with micronized pearl followed by a gentle facial massage
with Buriti and Essential plant oils. A cooling algae-based mask will soothe
and calm irritated skin while clearing clogged pores. To finish, Anti-Oxidant
Recovery Balm and Organic Sunscreen SPF 45 are applied to make sure you are
well hydrated and protected.
We hope to see you soon!
