Move over, kale smoothies and coconut water—a new wellness superstar is making a splash, and it’s straight outta the sea!
Sea moss, the unassuming seaweed that’s about to become your skincare and health regime’s new favourite, is taking the wellness world by storm!
This underwater wonder is basically nature’s multivitamin, packed with more gut-loving nutrients than your grandma’s secret soup recipe.
But hold onto your seashells, because there’s more!
Sea moss isn’t just for filling your tummy—it’s also here to give your beauty routine a serious glow-up.
From keeping your skin hydrated (because who doesn’t want that dewy, just-emerged-from-the-ocean look?) to smoothing out fine lines, sea moss is working overtime to keep you looking fresh and fabulous.
And for those of us dealing with the eternal struggle against acne? This green goodness might just be your new secret ingredient.
So, if you’re completely invested into the concept of ‘clean beauty’ like yours truly, or you’re just dipping your toes into the world of chemical-free beauty, stick around.
What Is Sea Moss?
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, is a type of red algae that grows on rocks in the ocean.
It has been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine in various cultures, including those in Ireland and Jamaica, but it’s really been making waves in the beauty world too!
Just a few years ago the term ‘sea moss benefits’ saw a 380% increase on Pinterest 100 Trends, and as of 2024, the hashtag #seamossbenefits has 545.7 million views on TikTok! So you know it’s not just a fad.
According to Krupa Koestline, a clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants, Sea Moss “is found in deep water and is subjected to extreme conditions.” It survives these conditions by accumulating several metabolites.
This is great news because these metabolites—such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—are incredibly beneficial for your skin.
This unique composition ‘reinforces and stimulates the process of keratinization in the epidermis,’ explains Koestline. This helps to hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin, potentially improving texture and reducing signs of ageing.
Sea moss is still mostly recognised as nature’s very own multivitamin packed with gut-loving nutrients straight from the sea.
But it can still benefit your skin from the inside out if you choose to go that route, here’s how:
Nutrient Supply: When consumed, sea moss provides a rich array of nutrients, including vitamins (A, C, E, and K) and minerals (zinc, iodine, and magnesium). These nutrients support overall skin health by promoting collagen production, fighting oxidative stress, and maintaining hydration.
Hydration: Sea moss contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that can help retain moisture in the body. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing dryness.
Detoxification: Sea moss is thought to help with detoxification by supporting the body’s natural cleansing processes. A well-functioning detox system can lead to clearer, healthier skin.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory compounds in sea moss can help reduce inflammation and redness, potentially benefiting conditions like acne or eczema.
Digestive Health: Good digestive health can have a direct impact on skin appearance. Sea moss aids digestion and can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to clearer, more radiant skin.
If you start consuming sea moss, you might notice it helps with various health issues. It can make digestion easier, give your immune system a boost, and provide a natural lift in energy.
Its fibre content helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full, while its antiviral and antimicrobial properties help your body fight off infections.
Packed with 92 of the 102 vitamins and minerals that our bodies need including vitamins A, C, E, and K, plus essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, it’s got a lot going for it!
Other Benefits Of Sea Moss For The Skin:
Skin Brightening – Sea moss contains vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that can brighten your skin tone and improve its overall radiance.
Helps to Combat Ageing – One of the significant benefits of sea moss is its anti-ageing properties. It’s packed with antioxidants that help to combat the free radicals, which are responsible for skin damage and premature ageing. Sea Moss also contains collagen, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting a youthful glow.
Reduces Inflammation and Soothes Skin Irritation – Sea moss contains sulfated polysaccharides that have anti-inflammatory properties and help to reduce redness, irritation, and acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of the sea moss can also help to soothe the skin from eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
Enhances Skin’s Overall Appearance – When used topically, the sea moss helps to improve the skin’s overall appearance by reducing the appearance of dark spots, promoting a more even skin tone, and clearing up blemishes. Its detoxifying properties help to eliminate impurities and toxins from the skin, revealing a healthier and more radiant complexion.
Sound Good? Here Are 3 Sea Moss Face Mask Recipes…
1. Hydrating Sea Moss Face Mask
Honey acts as a natural humectant and has antibacterial properties, and aloe vera gel soothes and hydrates the skin, making this mask perfect for overall skin nourishment and hydration.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of sea moss gel
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the sea moss gel, honey, and aloe vera gel.
Mix well until you get a smooth consistency.
Apply the mixture to your clean face, avoiding the eye area.
Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.
Follow up with your favourite moisturiser.
2. Anti-Aging Sea Moss Face Mask
Avocado is rich in healthy fats and vitamins that nourish the skin, olive oil contains antioxidants and vitamins that protect and hydrate the skin, and lemon juice provides vitamin C for brightening and collagen production, making this mask ideal for anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of sea moss gel
1 tablespoon of mashed avocado
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the sea moss gel and mashed avocado.
Add the olive oil and lemon juice to the mixture.
Mix well until you get a smooth paste.
Apply the mask to your clean face, avoiding the eye area.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.
Apply your favourite anti-ageing serum or moisturiser.
3. Soothing Sea Moss Face Mask for Acne-Prone Skin
Bentonite clay helps to detoxify the skin and absorb excess oil, and tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help to combat acne, making this mask perfect for calming and clarifying acne-prone skin.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of sea moss gel
1 tablespoon of bentonite clay
1-2 drops of tea tree oil
Enough water to form a paste
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the sea moss gel and bentonite clay.
Add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to the mixture.
Gradually add water until you get a paste-like consistency.
Apply the mask to your clean face, avoiding the eye area.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.
Follow up with an oil-free moisturiser.
Tips For Using Sea Moss In Skincare
To get the most out of sea moss in your skincare routine, keep these tips in mind:
Choose high-quality sea moss: Make sure you’re using organic and sustainably harvested sea moss to ensure its effectiveness and purity.
Patch test: Before applying sea moss to your face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to make sure you’re not allergic or sensitive to it.
Start slowly: If you’re new to sea moss, start with small amounts and gradually increase as your skin gets used to it.
Be consistent: Like any skincare ingredient, sea moss needs time to work its magic. Consistency is key if you want to see results!
Other Ways To Use Sea Moss In Your Skincare Routine
Here are some other ways to incorporate sea moss into your skincare routine:
Sea moss soap: There are many organic soap bars available that contain sea moss for its nourishing and cleansing properties, or you could try making your own at home.
Sea moss serum: You can mix a few drops of sea moss extract with your favourite facial oil or serum to boost its effectiveness and enhance your skin’s glow.
Sea moss eye patches: You can make your own sea moss eye patches by soaking sea moss in water and applying it to your eye area for a few minutes. This can help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Our Favourite Sea Moss Skincare Products
Other Ways To Enjoy Sea Moss
Sea moss is not only beneficial for your skin but also for your overall health. You can add sea moss to your diet in different ways, such as:
Smoothies: Blend sea moss gel with your favourite fruits and veggies for a nutritious and energising smoothie.
Soups and stews: Add dried sea moss to your soups and stews for some extra flavour and nutrition.
Desserts: You can also use sea moss gel as a vegan thickener and flavour enhancer in your desserts, such as pudding and ice cream.
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FAQs
Q. How Long Does Sea Moss Last In The Fridge?
A. Sea moss gel, when stored properly in an airtight container, can last in the fridge for about 2 to 3 weeks.
To ensure it stays fresh, always use a clean spoon to scoop out what you need. If it starts to develop an off smell or changes colour, it’s best to discard it and make a fresh batch.
Keeping it well-sealed and refrigerated helps maintain its beneficial properties for your skin and health.
Q. Does It Help With Acne?
A. Yes, sea moss can help with acne! It’s packed with vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin, and its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help reduce acne breakouts and soothe irritated skin.
When applied as a face mask, sea moss gel can help balance oil production, clear out clogged pores, and reduce redness, making it a great addition to your skincare routine if you’re battling acne.
Q. Can You Freeze Sea Moss Gel?
A. Absolutely, you can freeze sea moss gel! Freezing it is a great way to extend its shelf life.
Simply pour the gel into ice cube trays or small portions in freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use it, just thaw the needed amount in the fridge or at room temperature. This way, you always have a fresh supply ready for your smoothies or face masks.
