Natural Beauty from the Sea

Over three fourths of our planet is covered in seawater and is an excellent source of natural salts and sea herbs (seaweed). Nicks, cuts, and blemishes heal quickly when bathed in seawater. It may be one of our greatest sources of health and beauty. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, was born of sea foam off the coast of Cyprus. To the ancient Greeks, her image was one of beauty and love. Her beauty secrets were those found in the ocean waves.

            Some of the more popular sea herbs used in modern cosmetics are: Carrageenan, a gel extracted fro Irish sea moss. Bladderwrack, a brown seaweed, often used in body wraps to eliminate excess fluid from the skin. Kelp, a brown algae that is used in facial masks and body scrubs because of its exfoliating properties.

            Sea plants provide beauty benefits because they are rich in minerals, which are easily absorbed by our skin and hair. Thalassotherapy (seawater treatment) is a popular practice today. Incorporating the benefits of sea herbs into your beauty routine is easy as there are many dehydrated seaweed and natural sea salts to choose from at your local natural food shop or gather some fresh plants up on your next trip to the beach. Here are a few recipes and treatments to try at home:

Mermaid Lotion

If mermaids had a beauty secret, it would be seaweed. It is very soothing to the skin and helps with skin cell renewal. Irish moss is also known as Carrageenan and is a popular food additive. It can be found at your local natural food store. It is also a well-known skin soother. This lotion is perfect after a day in the sun.

Yield: 4 ounces

1 tablespoon powdered Irish moss

1 cup pure water

¼ cup aloe vera gel

2 tablespoons almond oil

  Mix the Irish moss and water and let sit for 20 minutes. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and boil for 20 minutes. Stain off the solids; you will have a clear jelly.

  Measure ¼ cup of your seaweed jelly and mix with the aloe vera gel. Let the mixture cool completely.

  Pour the seaweed mixture into the blender and blend on low speed; slowly add the almond oil in a thin stream until all is blended. You will now have a light, white lotion.

  Pour into a clean container and enjoy by massaging a small amount into your skin.

Kelp Facial Mask

  Kelp is a large leafy brown algae, that grows along cold climate coastlines. It can bring a healthy glow to your complexion when used as a facial mask. It also makes a good mineral rich body scrub when mixed with equal parts sea salt.

Yield: 2 ounces

1 tablespoon dried kelp powder

1 tablespoon white kaolin clay

1 tablespoon plain yogurt or sour cream

  Mix all of the ingredients until you have a smooth paste. You may need to add a teaspoon or two of water if you feel the mixture is too thick. To use spread onto clean skin and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and moisturize with your favorite face cream or natural oil.

Sea Mud Body Mask

  This is a rich clay body mask that removes toxins from the skin and renews it. Kelp, aloe vera gel, and pure clay combine to give your whole body a healthy, radiant glow. Powdered kelp can be found in most natural food stores and Asian markets.

Yield: 12 ounces

½ cup powdered clay

¼ cup powdered kelp

½ cup aloe vera gel

1 /4   cup seawater (If not available, mix sea salt with distilled water.)

  Mix all ingredients until a smooth paste or mud is formed.

  Spread the mud all over your face and body. (A medium sized paintbrush is helpful in evenly spreading the mud over your body.)  Allow the mud to dry for 15 to 20 minutes.

  Shower off with tepid water and pat dry. Use a rich moisturizer such as cocoa butter or coconut oil, as this treatment can be drying for certain skin types.

Note:  If you do not want to cover you whole body in sea mud, you can do just your upper torso. Kelp powder alone makes a mineral rich body scrub for removing surface impurities.

Ocean Bath Salts

  Sea salts have minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, sulphur, phosphorus, and chlorine that all have refreshing and relaxing effect on your body and mind. Pour a scoop or two of these natural salts into your bath and relax. They also make a wonderful gift.

Yield: 8 ounces

1 /4 cup sea salt

1 /4 cup dried dulse (seaweed)

1 /4 cup baking soda

2-3 drops essential oil of lavender

Mix all the ingredients and pour into a clean dry container. To use:  Pour 1 /4 cup into the tub under running water.

 For more easy at home recipes, check out my latest “Natural Beauty at Home Handbook”

Have a beautiful day,

Janice