Style: March 01, 2018

48 STYLE | beauty
SKIN LIKE A
MERMAID
Clemency Alice looks at the growth of marine
ingredients in the beauty world.
The ocean hosts a rich biodiversity and vast amount
of ingredients that are beneficial to the skin. Extracts
from sea plants, seawater and even fish scales are highly
compatible to the skin’s structure on a molecular level. An
example is the similarity between the cellular structure of
algae and our skin. The discovery of new marine-based
ingredients are increasing each year, contributing to thirdgeneration
skincare. The cosmetic industry is reaping the
benefits of these scientific breakthroughs, offering more
advanced formulas that are providing outstanding results.
Why are marine extracts so valuable and reputable
in skincare? Because they exhibit a complexity of highly
effective properties and mineral actives. Regular topical
application of marine-based skincare can provide firmness
and suppleness to the outer layers of the skin so that the
dermal condition is significantly improved.
When selecting your go-to marine beauty product,
look out for these effective key ingredients to ensure your
skin reaps the benefits from the ocean: collagen (waterbinding
and skin-protecting), seawater (antiseptic and
stimulating), seaweed extract also labelled as algae, kelp,
Fucus vesiculosus (healing, revitalising, nourishing, antiinflammatory),
caviar extract (revitalising, hydrating, firming).
French brand La Mer is recognised for its marine
botanical formulas and its Crème de la Mer has gained
cult status worldwide. This legendary cream’s foremost
ingredient is algae extract derived from seaweed and
enriched with nutrients, minerals and peptides. It helps heal
dryness and the result is an intensely conditioned, hydrated,
smoother skin. To apply, warm a small amount between
the fingers until it becomes translucent, then gently press
into the skin.