Unlocking the Deep Sea Skin Benefits of Bladderwrack: Nature’s Seaweed Secret
If your skin’s been craving a glow-up, it may be time to turn to the ocean! When it comes to skincare, nature provides us with many well-known ingredients that naturally boost our skin health. From Kakadu Plum bursting with Vitamin C to Chia Seed Oil rich in omega fatty acids, mother nature has been looking after our skin and health from the beginning of time. Whilst we often think to look on the land for nature’s skin boosting ingredients, there’s one place you may have never thought to look - our ocean.
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.
With its blend of minerals, antioxidants and age-defence powers, this seaweed offers more than just a delicious wrap on your sushi. So, what makes bladderwrack such a standout ingredient? Let’s dive into the science of the sea and the skincare magic that this brown seaweed can bring.
What Is Fucus Vesiculosus Extract?
Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed found along the coasts of the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It’s rich in iodine, fibre, antioxidants, and a unique blend of vitamins and minerals. But what makes it especially appealing in skincare is its high content of fucoidan - known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
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.
Fucoidan-polyphenol complex in Organic Brown Seaweed has been clinically proven to be highly effective at brightening skin and visibly reducing age spots and pigmentation:
- Reduces pigment and age spots by 20% in just 60 days
- Increases gloss by 16% in just 60 days
- Inhibits tyrosinase by 97% and brightens skin in just 60 days
It’s pretty clear to see how incredible this brown seaweed can be for overall skin health, so let’s break down some of its most beneficial properties below.
Deep Hydration & Moisture Retention
Bladderwrack is packed with humectants—compounds that draw moisture into the skin. It helps retain hydration, which is essential for keeping skin plump, soft, and glowing. For those struggling with dry, sensitive or flaky skin, bladderwrack-infused products can improve these conditions drastically.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation & Brightens Skin
With regular use, bladderwrack may help even out skin tone and fade dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Its rich vitamin content nourishes the skin, boosting antioxidants leaving your complexion looking radiant and clear.
Detoxifies & Purifies the Skin
Fucus Vesiculosus has natural detoxifying properties. It may help to clear pores, regulate oil production, and remove impurities from the skin—making it especially beneficial for acne-prone skin.
Soothes Irritated Skin
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and hydrating effects, bladderwrack is ideal for calming and comforting irritated skin. Whether you’re dealing with eczema, rosacea, or general redness, this gentle seaweed can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Supports Age Defence & Boosts Collagen Production
Fucoidan and other phytonutrients in bladderwrack are believed to support collagen production and improve skin elasticity. This means firmer, more youthful looking skin with regular use.
Rich in Antioxidants
This seaweed is bursting with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight free radicals and environmental stress that can cause premature aging. By neutralising these harmful agents, bladderwrack helps prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.
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.
How to Use Bladderwrack in Your Skincare Routine
You can find bladderwrack in a variety of skincare products, including:
Serums
Serums provide targeted treatment for pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Try LAMAV’s Daily Vitamin C Serum to target discolouration, brighten and protect the skin daily. Formulated with Vitamin C and Fucus Vesiculosus extract, this brightening serum evens the skin tone, improves skin’s texture, and reduces discolouration while supporting collagen and elastin production. Enhance your skin’s glow naturally and prevent the visible signs of ageing.
Moisturisers and Toners
Moisturisers and Toners deliver daily hydration to protect and balance the skin. When infused with Fucus Vesiculosis your skin will also enjoy natural brightening and a collagen boost when using regularly over time.
Reach for LAMAV’s Rumex Day Cream to reduce the appearance of discolouration and pigmentation on the daily. In addition to brown seaweed, this advanced day cream has also been formulated with powerful bio-actives including Rumex, Kakadu Plum and Desert Lime that work synergistically to deliver a radiant, clear complexion.
Cleansers
Formulated to detoxify, brighten and refresh the skin - choose a cleanser infused with bladderwrack that is right for your skin type.
Face Masks
Treating your skin to a brown seaweed infused Face Mask 2-3 times per week is a great way to treat a dull, uneven complexion.
Precautions
While bladderwrack is generally safe for topical use, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test and check with your GP prior to use. This is particularly important if you have allergies to seafood, are pregnant or have thyroid conditions as this is an iodine-rich ingredient.
Bladderwrack might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of skincare, but it’s certainly one worth adding to your radar. With its blend of minerals, antioxidants, and anti-aging power, this seaweed is one of the ocean’s skincare superfoods that is worth looking for on your skincare ingredient labels.
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