The answer to our prayers
Irish sea moss (Chondrus crispus) is a feathered seaweed, a species of red algae with fanlike arms from 5 to 25 cm (2 to 10 in) long. Irish sea moss varies in color from greenish yellow, to red, to dark purple and purple brown—and broadness and length of thalli (arms/stems). When washed and sun-dried for preservation, it has a yellowish, translucent with soft and cartilaginous aspect and consistency. Another name for Irish sea moss is carrageen. Amongst the long list benefits of sea moss, Prim & Bare focuses on its ability to be a perfect skin conditioning agent, because its packed with vitamins and minerals for both repair and maintenance of healthy skin.
Sea water itself was one of the first therapies used as a source of well-being. Riverine, estuarine, and coastal populations have always used algae in the development of home remedies that were then used to treat diverse health and cosmetic problems. Sea water contains all the substance needed for the development of living beings – vitamins, minerals, catalysts, amino acids, and more. In this beautiful environment, sea moss is one of many rich resources gleaned from the ocean and indispensable to our epidermis.
Algae produces primary and secondary metabolites that have direct relevance in cosmetics. Primary metabolites are proteins, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and amino acids. Secondary metabolites are phenolic compounds, pigments, vitamins and sterols produced in algae tissues.
Learn what makes Irish sea moss make an invaluable skin conditioner…
| Extract(Compound) | Cosmetics Properties(Products) |
|---|---|
| Protein, Amino Acids and MAAs | Amino acids are building blocks of protein. Protein in algae have components of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-aging and protective activity. Furthermore, MAAs (mycosporine-like amino acids), in which are especially found in red algae, boost cellular tolerance to dehydration, salt and heat stress. |
| Vitamins and minerals | Algae contains vitamins and minerals essential for good skin condition protecting your skin from pollution, sun exposure, and other sources of everyday environmental damage. Minerals: zinc, magnesium, copper, iodine, iron and manganese, calcium, sodium, potassium and chlorine. Vitamins: A, B, E and K. |
| Fatty acids (EPA, AA, DHA, GLA, ALA, LA, palmitic acid, oleic acid) | Antiallergic, antiaging, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, antiwrinkle, antimicrobial, antioxidant, emollients, regenerating compounds, used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis |
| Sulfated polysaccharide (carrageenan) | In the structural components of the cell walls and in intercellular spaces are agarose containing polysaccharides that are responsible for the agar consistency of Irish sea moss. Carrageenan can be found in gelling agents, protective colloids and thickeners. |
| Polysaccharides | Polysaccharides are active metabolites in seaweed and makeup the cell wall acting as energy units, thereby giving them moisturizing and antioxidant capacity. |
| Alginic acid | Alginic acid is a barrier to fibroblasts after a wounds preventing hideous scars and thereby accelerating wound healing. It also helps with skin diseases causing dermatitis (skin inflammation). |