What says summer more than salt water in your hair, sand in your toes, and algae on your skin? Okay, that last one may sound weird. But truly, there are serious benefits of seaweed in skincare.

It doesn’t get much greener than seaweed. Dulse, nori, green, brown, and red algae, kelp. If these are not making an appearance in your pantry, there is another way to reap their many benefits.

Seaweed or sea algae are commonly spotted on skincare product ingredient listings these days. The green super-ingredients may have gotten their skincare start in Crème de la Mer, cult beauty staple amongst celebrities and anyone else willing to shell out the $310 per 2 ounces, but there are healthier product options for a seaweed fix; ones that don’t also contain a hefty selection of silicones and other harmful ingredients.

Why the sudden influx of algae and seaweed in skincare? The amazing benefits they offer skin. Seaweed is one of the richest sources of natural minerals, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, hydrates and detoxifies the skin, and contains amino acids which help firm skin tissue. Something for every skin type.

Get in on the benefits of seaweed with these all natural skincare products.

1. Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum

Undo sun damage, heal acne scars, and treat melasma with this light serum. Japanese wakame seaweed is used to help lighten spots and protect against further damage. Perfect for oily, acne, dry, mature, and combination skin types.

2. Amala Rejuvenating Face Cream

Green algae is added to this skin firmer. Moisturizes, smooths lines and wrinkles, and improves elasticity. Great for dry and mature skin types.

3. One Love Organics Youth Springs Eternal

Protect against premature aging with this anti-aging serum. Alaria esculenta is used for its moisturizing and skin toning abilities. You know that kale you grow to throw in your salad? Seakale makes an appearance here to soothe the skin. Use at night.

4. Vapour Organic Beauty Essence Restorative Night Treatment

Chock full of powerful antioxidants, including algae extract and laminaria digitate seaweed, this serum detoxes and revitalizes dry, stressed skin. Gives instant radiance and protects skin over time. Best for dry, mature, and sensitive skin.

5. Pursoma Ocean Potion Bath

Detox and remineralize your body with this skin stimulating bath potion. Brown seaweed and spirulina promote lymphatic stimulation and pull toxins from the skin. Give stressed or tired skin a soak.

6. Shamanuti Seaweed Toner

Definitely one to add to your beach bag. This blend balances skin’s pH levels and refines pores. North Atlantic kelp and blue green algae remineralize and protect the skin. Suited to all skin types.

7. Odacite Jasmine and Mimosa Body Scrub

Exfoliate, revitalize, and balance skin with this divinely scented body scrub. Skin is firmed and softened with algae extract. A treat for mind and body.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of hand holding seaweed via Shutterstock

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Not quite sure seaweed benefits are for you? You might want to think again.

Seaweed is a rich source of iodine and is known to stimulate the thyroid and cleanse the system of toxins, which makes it super beneficial to the diet. Some pinch their noses around it and others fear it is far too exotic and specialized in nature to prepare in the comfort of a home kitchen. However, seaweed is quite easy to work with and there are many different variations that you can experiment with to get the seaweed benefits. The following 5 seaweed types are great for you health and wonderful add-ons to your meals or incredible foundations to a new dish!

1. Agar Agar

Agar agar is a derivative of seaweed that is gelatinous and thus makes for a gelatin substitute that is vegetarian and vegan. Agar agar is a result of cooked and pressed seaweed. It is available as flakes, a powder or as a bar. It takes about one hour to set and does not require refrigeration. Substitute for gelatin using equal amounts.

2. Dulse

Dulse, to me, makes seaweed easy to love. It’s a salty seaweed that can be used as a salt substitute in stews and soups as well as a savory crunch over a salad. I love how it adds a unique texture to dishes and gives me the savory bite without the addition of table salt.

3. Kelp

I find kelp to be incredibly versatile as a seaweed. Kelp is great tossed into a salad, used as a foundation for pasta or added as extra texture in a miso soup.

4. Kombu

Kombu comes in many different variations – fresh, dried, pickled and frozen. Like most other seaweed forms, it is rich in iodine. Kombu is wonderful in a miso soup.

5. Nori

If you eat sushi regularly, you’re likely familiar with nori–the dark thin sheets that wrap around the sushi fillings. It is the most familiar seaweed used in Western cuisine. Don’t just use it for sushi, wrap salads, vegetables and other grain dishes in nori for a tortilla of sorts, only without all the carbohydrates.

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Photo Credit: Jeff Kubina

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