The Benefits of Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) in Skin Care
Fucus vesiculosus, or bladderwrack, is a brown seaweed that belongs to the Fucaceae family of algae. Sounds pretty scientific, doesn’t it? But if you have ever walked along the shores of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, or the Atlantic coasts of Europe and Northern America, chances are you have probably seen forked, slimy brownish-green branches of bladderwrack washed up on the beach. This marine alga grows on the seafloor of the oceans around the world. It is widely used in Asian cuisine due to the variety of nutrients that it has to offer. Iodine, iron, magnesium, bromine, potassium, lutein, vitamin B (2, 9, and 12 in particular), essential oils, and fatty acids are just a few. And these nutrients do not come without health perks.
General Health Benefits of Brown Seaweed
Due to the high content of iodine, Fucus Vesiculosus has been used in alternative medicine for centuries mostly to treat thyroid gland disorders. The herb boosts metabolism by stimulating the function of the thyroid gland and for this reason, it is considered effective for treating obesity. In addition, the fiber, which is abundant in bladderwrack, promotes digestive health, wards off many gastrointestinal disorders, and aids in keeping your body weight in check.
The Skin Benefits of Brown Seaweed
While eating nutrient-dense food (such as bladderwrack) improves our general health, by providing all the necessary minerals and vitamins to our bodies, bladderwrack extract also contributes to having healthy hair and healthy skin, when applied externally.
Bladderwrack powder is often being added to shower creams, soaps, bath salts, and facial scrubs as an active antioxidant and detoxifying agent. Its high mineral content acts as a shield against damaging environmental agents, boosts the skin’s natural defense system, and helps get rid of toxins.
Apart from that, Fucus vesiculosus extract is known for its water-binding properties.
When applied topically, bladderwrack extract restores and maintains moisture levels, preserving your skin smooth, soft, and youthful.
Nevertheless, the main reason why bladderwrack has gained popularity among skincare manufacturers is its ability to stimulate collagen production. Some studies show that bladderwrack extract increases the production of collagen by 228%, while retinol increases it by “only” 190%. When added to skincare products Fucus Vesiculosus extract reduces wrinkle depth, corrects small imperfections, and improves skin texture. Its mechanism of action has not been fully studied yet, but scientists believe that Fucus vesiculosus extract blocks certain enzymes that cause skin damage.
What to Try: LAMAV Daily Vit-C Brightening Serum
Formulated with Vitamin C and Fucus Vesiculosus extract, this luxurious serum evens the skin tone, improves skin’s texture, and reduces discoloration and lifestyle damage. The serum strengthening collagen and elastin enhances skin’s natural glow and prevents the visible signs of aging, to help you achieve luminous and younger-looking skin.
A study conducted found that bladderwrack gel (1%), applied twice a day for five weeks, brought a significant decrease in skin thickness, as well as improved elasticity, beating the two most prominent signs of skin aging.
Last but not least, Fucus vesiculosus extract helps enhance skin’s natural glow, reduces hyperpigmentation, and counteracts some negative effects that UV rays may have on our skin. Yet another proof that nature has many potent skin-transforming alternatives to offer. And bladderwrack is one of them.
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