Algae & Skincare  
Algae: Ancient denizens of the deep  
  Algae species have been flourishing in the Earth's waters since the dawn of life on our planet. The nature of algae allows them to adapt to changes in temperature and withstand dehydration and intense exposure to UV-radiation.   Seaweeds live in especially hostile surroundings, partially immersed in water and partially exposed to air and sun, and all the while enduring drastic changes in weather, salinity and the ongoing physical stress caused by waves and the endlessly shifting tides.  
   
 

Atlantic algae are constantly fed by a special "vein of nourishment": the Gulf Stream. This current, which is enriched by exceptional nutrients during its journey across the Atlantic, provides the South Beach coast line not only with its magical climate, but also with one of the richest marine fields anywhere, which contains more than 800 species of brown, green and red seaweed. All the species living here can tolerate the drying effects of the wind and the heat of the sun, and yet at low tide, withstand fresh water from storms or even extreme cold.

 

From algae to epidermis: Mining seaweed for skincare

What possible connections can exist between these resilient undersea plants and human skin? The parallels are in fact truly astounding and stand to have a profound impact on the cosmetics field.

Algae tissues and skin tissues have the same mechanisms to receive their nourishment from the atmosphere, the former from seawater, the latter through the auspices of carefully formulated cosmetic products. Like human skin, algae do not have roots, stems and vein systems common to other plant life, but rather consist of elaborate layers of permeable tissues that allow the absorption of nourishment through intercellular communication known as osmosis. Moreover, the regulation and co-ordination of biochemical activities required for life is almost identical for these two tissues.

Another factor common to human skin and algae is that they are both forced to endure harsh environmental factors. The fast pace of urban living, the constant exposure to heat, humidity, cold and dryness and the seemingly never-ending variety of toxic air pollutants all take their toll on human skin. Similarly, seaweeds exist in a particularly hostile environment of their own; they face immersion and exposure, large variations in temperature and salinity and mechanical stress through wave action. Their resilient ability to bounce back in the face of environmental adversity and continue to thrive points to their inherent value as viable, moisturizing and nourishing ingredients for use in cosmetic applications.

Dead Sea Minerals & Skincare

Dead Sea Minerals: Precious gifts of the Good Earth

Far from the golden shores of Florida, lies another coast of wonder, which stands in sharp contrast to South Beach - the Dead Sea. Located on the lowest point on Earth - some 410 meters below sea level - this mineral-rich basin is a true oasis of good health and wellbeing. People from all over the world flock to the resorts lining its mystical shores, bathing in its buoyant waters (it is impossible to sink in the Dead Sea) and applying its unique black mud (formed from through thousands of years of natural sedimentation), in search of remedying a wide variety of chronic skin conditions, respiratory diseases and rheumatic ailments.

The Dead Sea produces the greatest concentration of moisture-retaining minerals on Earth - an astounding 32%. Despite the blazing sun above, you need not apply sunscreen lotion when visiting here; the clean, oxygen-rich air and low altitude provide natural UV filters.

The Dead Sea contains minerals that are essential to maintaining healthy skin metabolism, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. These minerals act as intercellular messengers and are responsible for facilitating a wide variety of crucial functions. As skin ages, constantly losing more and more ground in the daily battle to ward off stress, fatigue and the effects of pollution and poor diet, it gradually loses its innate ability to renew its cellular structure and replenish the precious moisturizing nutrients on which it thrives. Dead Sea minerals, when applied to cosmetic formulations, have been proven to stimulate cell regeneration, enabling the skin to replenish its moisture levels, retain elasticity and delay the aging process.