Kelp From the Sea - Katarina Kovacevic

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[ in the mix ] Kelp From the Sea It may not seem as appealing as its sweet-smelling counterparts, but algae is a powerful addition to any spa menu. SLIME. SLOP. SLUDGE. ALGA E DOESN’T a lways bring to mind t he most appea ling thoughts. But don’t let its looks—or smell—fool you. Algae is the Renaissance ingredient of the spa world, providing an answer to everything from dry skin to cell regeneration and even anemia, says Szilvia Hickman, senior vice president of Szép Élet, distributor of Ilike Organic Skin Care. “Algae is essential for the environment, because it absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen during photosynthesis.” Believed to be the oldest type of plant life on earth, algae in its most complex form—seaweed—has been an important food source in Asian cultures for centuries. Even the Irish have a taste for seaweed, using the carrageen varietal in everything from drinks to desserts. “Seaweed is a very powerful plant rich in 18 amino acids, 42 trace elements continued on page 30 “Seaweed is a very powerful plant rich in 18 amino acids, 42 trace elements and minerals, and 12 vitamins.” PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK 28
[ in the mix ] continued from page 28 and minerals, and 12 vitamins,” says Lydia Safarti, founder and CEO of Repêchage. “It improves circulation and purifies and oxygenates skin.” Algae is often used in thalassotherapy, whose origins date back to Egypt 4,000 years ago and which was later made popular by the British and in France circa the 1900s. Today, Europe has the largest concentration of thalassotherapy centers, but North American facilities like The Spa Coeur d’Alene at the Coeur d’Alene Resort also manage to make good use of the therapeutic powers of algae and water. “Algae is one of nature’s most perfect foods,” says spa director Berni Campbell. “Our bodies readily absorb it, because it is almost identical to our interstitial fluid.” The spa’s Alpine Lake Spirulina Kur ($240, 1 hour 50 minutes) involves applying spirulina algae to the entire body with a warm steam-towel wrap and concludes with a re-mineralizing face cream and lavender oil massage. According to Campbell, the treatment is a luxurious detoxifying experience that can be beneficial as part of a slimming program. Algae’s ability to stimulate the metabolism— it’s a draining agent that improves peripheral and lymphatic circulation—is what makes it effective in weight loss, says Mafalda Sirolla, spa and fitness center coordinator of Club 10 Fitness and Beauty Centre at the Hotel Principe di Savoia (Milan). There, the Algae Body Treatment ($167, 80 minutes) combats fluid retention and reduces the appearance of cellulite. With approximately 13,000 known species, algae is a highly versatile ingredient and can be used in spa treatments for the entire body. Ilike’s product line features three different types—red, brown, and green—in a number of anti-aging products. “Algae is a good source of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, which neutralizes free radicals, and omega-3 fatty acids for combating wrinkles,” says Hickman. Estheticians at Spa Nautica inside The Ritz- Carlton Marina del Rey (Los Angeles) recommend the Micronized Algae Mask ($35) as an add-on to any facial. It works especially well, says spa director Maritsa Victorian, with the Hydrafacial ($245, 60 minutes), because the treatment contains peptides, which assist in the regeneration of skin cells. “Algae increases the absorption of the ingredients, is soothing and calming, and helps with inflammation,” says Victorian. “Skin is left smooth, supple, and luminous.” After 15 years of research, BABOR released its new SeaCreation line based entirely on algae’s anti-aging benefits. The creams and serums contain green caviar algae, a plant that increases continued on page 32 A Sea Change You don’t have to cast a wide net to find a host of algaecontaining products that benefit the skin. Here are just a few: Amber Products Marine 11 Facial Serum: Formulated with brown and red algae extracts, this serum combats free radicals, soothes inflammation, and brightens skin. www.amberproducts.com Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts Blue Enzyme Peel: Algae, blue agave, seaweed, and yam extracts are blended with lactic acid to create this rejuvenating exfoliation treatment. www.arcskincare.com Bioelements Kerafole: Purging skin of impurities, this smoothing and brightening mask relies on algae to hydrate the skin while essential oils and botanical extracts comfort and purify. www.bioelements.com/pros Christina Cosmeceuticals Active Firming Algae Mask: This advanced formula, which features spirulina seaweed, optimal levels of powerful amino acids, and proteins, leaves skin looking fresh, supple, and younger looking. shop.christina-usa.com Elemental Herbology Cell Active Rejuvenation Age Support Facial Moisturizer: Blue-green algae helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in this hydrating formula that is ideal for mature skin. www.elementalherbology.com Ilike Organic Skincare Rosehip Gel Mask: Made with carrageenan, a red algae and vegan alternative to gelatin, this aromatic and refreshing mask reduces inflammation and hydrates the skin. www.szepelet.com LeMieux Phyto-Nutrient Cleansing Gel: This oil-free cleanser contains brown, green, and red algae extracts. It removes oils and surface impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. www.lemieuxcosmetics.com continued on page 32 PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK 30
Page 1: american spa JUNE 2013 THE SPA PROF

Kelp From the Sea - Katarina Kovacevic

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