At Rí na mara we are firm believers in the sea as a great source of beauty for the skin. 

 

The Atlantic Ocean off Spidéal, Connemara, is not just spectacularly beautiful, it is also the source of the world’s most nourishing natural skincare solutions. Nurtured by the purest marine waters in Europe, a perfect habitat to produce the rich natural sea algae that go into every Rí na Mara skincare product.

 

In this article, we’re going to talk a little more about a common condition known as ‘Dry Skin’’ and take you through how everyone’s favourite marine algae, and extensively-used remedy, since time immemorial  “Seaweed” can help solve your dry skin problems. 

 

All about skin!

So what is skin? we all know it’s the largest organ in the body, so let’s move on to our favourite pastime: skincare. Or better yet dry skincare.

 

Skincare has been an important aspect of livelihood in all cultures around the world. From health to beauty, everyone regardless of gender or geography has always had an idea of how to best take care of their skin. Thus, with this diversity comes a range of skin conditions.

 

Why your skin runs dry

Close up image of dry skin

 

Be it your mom’s genes or the weather this season, the way your skin looks, feels, or behaves is usually a result of one or the other. Some within our control, some beyond.

 

For example, on hot, humid days. Your skin can feel moist, perhaps even uncomfortably moist. Making you want to stock up on facemasks, (anything to prevent acne or outbreaks). But on cooler days, with that cold, crisp air, your skin could feel a little dryer. Making you stock up on moisturizers. 

 

Yet for others, it doesn’t really matter the weather. Dry or humid, hot or cold. Contributing factors to how your skin reacts could simply be your skin type. Oily, Combination, or the dreaded Dry.

 

Seaweed & Dry Skin

What is Seaweed? 

“Seaweed” is the common name for countless species of marine plants and algae that grow in the ocean. So, like the name implies ‘ weeds that grow underwater’, except they are not weeds at all. They’re not plant nor animals, they’re essential to the ocean’s biodiversity and so much more!

 

 

“Seaweed is perhaps the most beneficial and abundantly available natural ingredient for skincare on the planet”

– Lydia Sarfati (master aesthetician and seaweed pioneer)

 

Sourced for its health benefits, history suggests people have been using seaweed for skincare purposes for centuries. With time, people looked beyond the remedial and discovered the aesthetic benefits of Seaweed on the skin.

 

7 Ways Seaweed solves your dry skin problems

Ranging from feeling itchy, red, and flaky, dry skin can pop up anywhere on the body, from your face to hands and legs, and can sometimes, if not always feel very uncomfortable.

 

Dry skin can be defined as anything from trans-epidermal water loss to scaling & cracking, and as we said earlier, it can happen for any number of reasons. Whatever they may be, seaweed can solve this problem. So if you needed a reason to stock up on sustainably harvested seaweed skincare this season, or buy some lotion for your teenager? Here are seven.

 

1. Hydration

“Stay hydrated”, they say. To hydrate means to cause something to absorb water. The perfect remedy for dry skin.

 

Image of a hand underwater

 

  • How it works

Seaweed is full of humectants (things that draw in and retain moisture from your environment). Take Fucus vesiculosus known as Bladderwrack, for example. It contains active ingredients phlorotannin antioxidants, bioactive polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, the extract reduces inflammation, helps improve skin elasticity and you guessed it: Hydrates! 

 

Botanical favourite: Rí na Mara Face Cream contains specially selected seaweed species such as Bladderwrack & Laminaria. If your skin is susceptible to dryness and other skin sensitivities, you are sure to benefit from its hydrating properties.

 

2. Moisturization

A close cousin to hydration, to moisturise means to restore moisture. This one is for those of you who think you know your skin until the dry season rolls in.

Woman slightly touching her face with her hand

 

  • How it works

With the added benefit of vitamin E, another excellent skin-hydrating ingredient. Vitamin E allows for long-lasting moisture retention between your skin cells. It can help seal up little cracks created in the skin’s barrier that can cause moisture to escape and leave the skin feeling tight and dry, assisting in hydrating and repairing epidermis by reducing the trans-epidermal water loss.

 

Infused with organic marine extracts and Hyaluronic acid: Rí na mara Facial Serum immerses your skin with proteins, nutrients & anti-oxidants, set to plump and recharge your skin cells and stimulate hydration.

 

3. Regeneration

Change is constant, your skin is proof of that! Your skin renews every 28-42 days, but as you grow older this process slows down. Seaweed is the perfect regeneration potion. 

Close up of a person's cheek

  • How it works

Two words: Healing Powers.  Irish Moss or Carrageen as it is most commonly known is a red algae, that contains a wealth of minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, and antioxidants, to help protect your skin against UV rays, free radical damage. Seaweed is also rich in iodine known to help skin cell regeneration.

 

With a wonderfully rich, creamy formula and nutrient-rich seaweed extracts, including Laminaria and Irish Moss. Rí na mara Body Lotion deeply moisturizes and nourishes your skin, with anti-oxidants that help replenish and restore its natural glow. Ideal as a daily body moisturizer and toner especially suited for dry skin areas. It’s perfect for repairing dry and damaged hands, nails and cuticles.

 

4. Rich Mineral Barrier

Your skin is a shield, and it doesn’t just need to do its job, it’s gotta look good doing it. Seaweed contains essential fatty acids that help maintain your skin’s barrier.

close up of fingers of a person's palm

  • How it works

Seaweed is rich in polysaccharides such as alginic acid, which helps to lock moisture into your skin, and when moisture is trapped, your skin can’t run dry, therefore strengthening your skin’s barrier. 

 

Rí na Mara intensive renewal Facial oil contains organic Argan oil, Rosehip, Oat oil and a rich collection of natural oils to promote Collagen production helping soften the look of emerging lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin, making your skin’s natural barrier becomes more resilient.  

 

5. Exfoliating dead cells

Remember the regenerative process we talked about? Well this doesn’t happen without some cellular casualties in the way. An integral part of every skincare routine, exfoliation means the process of removing dead skin cells.   Seaweed lifts dead cells, which is an essential to revitalizing dry skin.

Person with dry skin carefully touching their face

  • How it works

Ascophyllum Nodosum is a brown algae that contains a high concentration of minerals, vitamins, components alginic & ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and fucoidans. Antioxidants that help exfoliate and draw impurities.

 

Naturally active ingredients including clay, are combined with algae, and botanical extracts in the na Mara Face Mask. Harsh soaps cause dry skin as it robs your skin of natural moisture, causing irritation. na mara Micellar Cleansing Water is made to deeply cleanse the skin, eliminating impurities and providing essential mineral hydration. It also boosts the skin’s natural moisture balance and helps regain suppleness and a healthy glow.

 

6. Smoothens fine lines

Seaweed is famous for its anti-ageing benefits. As dryness is a common symptom of ageing skin, fine lines are a common symptom of dry skin. Seaweed solves this!  

Close up of a person's eye with fine lines on the side

 

  • How it works

Brown algae has a strong firming effect, that fights cutaneous sagging, stimulates natural hyaluronic acid & collagen synthesis, and encourages cell renewal. It is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants keeping your skin looking plump and youthful. 

 

na mara Eye Cream is a deep-conditioning cream. A highly nurturing formula containing organic seaweed extracts, naturally derived hyaluronic acid, and anti-oxidant-rich ingredients selected to visibly lift and firm the delicate eye contour. It reduces puffiness, dark circles and helps smooth fine lines.

 

7. Brightens the skin

Dry skin = Dull skin. Want a real glow ? Seaweed can help with that.

Image of two hands holding with their skin clearly visible

 

  • How it works

Seaweed contains more vitamin C than oranges. Species of Carrageen, Sugar Kelp, Bladderwrack, and Nori have large amounts of this vitamin. Vitamin C produces Collagen, an essential element in tissue repair. It also delivers a glow and radiance that livens up the skin both aesthetically and physically

 

Seaweed is an extremely beneficial ingredient in skincare. Astonishingly hydrating, and transdermally healthy: it does this in more ways than one. But if this article isn’t enough to convince you, shop Rí na Mara’s Facial Care.

With 10% off our bestselling moisturizing face cream and facial serum, have a seaweed summer!

Rí na mara Irish Seaweed Cosmetics Facial range for dry skin

Rí na mara Facial Care