The popularity of Irish moss, also known as sea moss, is on the rise.
Sea moss is increasing in popularity, as reflected in Pinterest’s annual ranking of its 100 most relevant trends worth knowing over the past year — an increase of 380 percent year over year, to be precise.
It has been shown that sea moss is beneficial to skin, with sea moss appearing in a wide range of beauty products, right from a moisturizer to body wash
It is rare to find skin care ingredients that contain the ability to unclog pores, smooth fine lines, hydrate, and fade dark spots at the same time.
Although sea moss is a hot trend in the cosmetics world, is it actually worth incorporating into your skincare routine?
Throughout this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the benefits of sea moss for skin,, how it works, and whom it is appropriate for.
What is Sea Moss?
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows in the rocky areas of the Atlantic coast.
It gets its name from its moss-like appearance and its ability to absorb water. Sea moss is a popular ingredient in many health and beauty products due to its high nutrient content.
It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron, iodine, and calcium.
Sea moss has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and thyroid issues.
It is also said to boost energy levels, promote weight loss, and improve skin and hair health.
Approximately 90 percent of the nutrients that our bodies need to thrive may be found in just one teaspoon of sea moss. Therefore, it’s no surprise that there are so many people who refer to this as a “super” ingredient.
In fact, hundreds of years after its discovery, sea moss is still being consumed and used by people as a natural health benefit.
We will explain why algae has been making a big move toward skincare and why there have been a lot of advances in skincare.
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Forms of Sea Moss
There are several ways of obtaining sea moss, including powders, gels, and its raw form as well as dried forms.
Since the dried version doesn’t really have any taste to it, many people prefer to make their own gel from a dried variety.
Difference between Organic vs. Wild Sea Moss
The nature of organic products makes many health enthusiasts believe that they are better than anything else.
The same might not be true for sea moss, however. Sea moss grown in artificial pools is most often referred to as organic sea moss, even though it will have a different level of nutritional value than sea moss cultivated in the wild.
Moreover, sea moss that is organic is usually treated with preservatives and has a saltier taste than sea moss that is grown naturally, due to the pools it is grown in.
Be sure to buy a quality product that has been third-party tested for impurities if you’re worried about heavy metals or other toxins in wild or ocean-farmed seafood.
Benefits of Sea Moss for Skin
Top 8 Sea Moss Benefits For Skin
1. Packed with nutrients
Sea moss is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help improve the health of your skin. These include vitamins A, C, and E, as well as magnesium, potassium, and selenium.
Furthermore, sea moss also contains compounds like carrageenan and alginate, which can help to soothe and protect the skin.
2. Hydrates and nourishes the skin
Sea moss can help to hydrate and nourish the skin due to its high content of water and nutrients. This can help to improve the appearance of the skin and make it feel softer and smoother.
3. Helps to heal and repair the skin
Sea moss can help to heal and repair the skin due to its high content of vitamins and minerals. For example, vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is necessary for the healing of wounds.
4. Helps to reduce inflammation and redness
Sea moss can help to reduce inflammation and redness due to its high content of minerals and compounds like carrageenan and alginate. These substances can help to soothe and protect the skin.
5. Can be used as a natural sunscreen
Sea moss can be used as a natural sunscreen due to its high content of carotenoids, which are compounds that can help to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
6. Balances oil production
Sea moss can help to balance oil production in the skin due to its high content of minerals and vitamins. For example, selenium is an essential mineral for the health of the skin and can help to regulate oil production.
7. Detoxifies the skin
Sea moss can help to detoxify the skin due to its high content of vitamins, minerals, and compounds like carrageenan and alginate. These substances can help to remove toxins and impurities from the skin.
8. Unclogs pores
Sea moss can help to unclog pores due to its high content of carrageenan and alginate. These substances can help to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the pores.
Few Amazing Sea Moss Products for Skin:
1. Alba Botanica Sea Moss Moisturizer
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2. O Nutritions Certified Organic Sea Moss
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3. Cocokind Organic Sea Moss Exfoliator
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How to use sea moss in your skin care routine
In order to make sure you get the most out of sea moss, you might want to find sea moss in products that leave a protective film over the skin, such as serums, moisturizers, and masks.
You can use it in a cleanser for a light, moisturizing cleanse. The ingredients on the skin care labels of products you use should contain extracts such as seamoss, Irish moss, and chondrus crispus.
Potential Side Effects of Sea Moss
If you are trying out a new superfood, you might experience some side effects as with anything else.
Obviously, everyone reacts differently to it, but you are the one who knows your body the best, and you should not ignore any possible side effects.
The following are a few common side effects that you should be aware of:
- Feeling queasy (Stomach Upset)
- Thyroid inflammation
- An increase in iodine levels
- Itching or burning on the skin
- Irritated skin
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Can you consume it?
Yes, in a nutshell! Getting essential micronutrients from sea vegetables such as sea moss is good for your overall health and well-being.
Sea moss is deemed a superfood of the sea for its high nutrient content, comparable to that of other sea veggies, such as nori, kelp, and spirulina.
In fact, sea moss contains more than 100 minerals and vitamins (including iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc).
It is still important to choose a good source, but you can find red algae in a multitude of foods and supplements.
What Does Sea Moss Taste Like?
Those who are familiar with eating seaweed will know that sea moss is pretty similar to seaweed.
Depending on who you ask, raw sea moss might taste earthy, fishy, or salty to you.
What’s even better is if you don’t like the taste just throw it in a smoothie, soup or salad dressing and you won’t taste it at all!
Final Words
There are many benefits of sea moss, including moisture retention, oil balance, and the ability to reduce inflammation, making it a perfect product for both dry and oily skins.
When it comes to skin benefits, it’s vital to be mindful of sourcing and do your brand research before making a purchase.