Google reported there was a 40% increase in the search term ‘seaweed benefits’ in the UK in 2022 – a topic that Pinterest predicts will be a hot trend for 2023. Seaweed’s potent actives can be eaten in its natural superfood form, used as a skincare ingredient and taken as a supplement. However, ‘seaweed bathing’ is one of the easiest and most fun ways to experience the multiple benefits of this powerhouse plant.
Algae naturally absorb nourishment from the sea – over 80% of the seaweed plant is made up of essential minerals, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds.
It encompasses a broad range of vital nutrients such as fibre, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron and is also well known for its high iodine content which supports the maintenance of normal healthy skin. In addition, seaweed contains several key vitamins including folate, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and C. In fact, seaweed is almost unique in that it is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12.
Seaweed also contains several other bioactive compounds not found anywhere else, including Fucoxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that can quench harmful free radicals and reactive oxygen species that damage our body’s cells, and Phlorotannin, a type of polyphenol, whose antioxidant activity fights against the free radicals that damage our cells and DNA.
So, what are the benefits of seaweed bathing?
Mark Walton, Co-Founder of VOYA, a leading global lifestyle brand promoting sustainable organic luxury explains:
“Seaweed bathing is an ancient Irish indigenous therapy – it draws out toxins and replaces them with essential vitamins and minerals that the seaweed has taken from the sea. When placed in hot water with salt, the seaweed is activated allowing it to deeply moisturise the skin and increase circulation. A hot seaweed bath is better than a wet steam sauna because the sea greens rebalance skin chemistry instead of dehydrating it.”
VOYA is the first brand to launch a range of results-driven seaweed-based facial, body and lifestyle products using Fucus Serratus seaweed in its no 1 selling Lazy Days signature detoxifying bath product. VOYA claims the electrolytic magnetic action of the seaweed releases excess body fluids from congested cells and dissolves fatty wastes through the skin, replacing them with depleted minerals, particularly potassium and iodine.
The benefits of seaweed:
Re-mineralises the body.
Hydrates and moisturises nails, hair, and skin.
Soothes body aches and pains
Can soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Helps against the signs of ageing and cellulite.
To use the seaweed, soak it and sea salt in a bath of hot water, ensuring you add cool water if desired to ensure a comfortable bath temperature.
The seaweed will naturally hydrate and spring back to life and the hot water will release the plant’s alginate properties. Squeezing the seaweed will also help to release more gel
You can reuse this seaweed bath product for two consecutive days/baths. If re-using the seaweed store it in a basin or a drained bath overnight, and add in the extra sachet of salt during bath preparation.
When you’ve finished with it put it on your garden or vegetable beds – it is a great natural fertiliser!