This month’s Organic & Wellness Article:

We are all well aware of the delectable edible “treasures of the sea.” Crab, lobster, shrimp, tilapia, ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, flounder, salmon, calamari, oysters ... the list goes on and on. But let’s not negate the abundance of anti-aging sea treasures too!

The sea pearl

Ranging in color from ultra white to mystical black, pearls have been used for health and beauty purposes for over 2,000 years. Crushed pearl powder has numerous health benefits, ranging from increased immunity to better sleep. Pearls contain over 18 beneficial amino acids, 12 minerals and a substance called nacre, which is also known as crystalline aragonite or calcium carbonate. The Chinese discovered centuries ago that pearl powder, when applied topically, increases the skin’s natural ability to revive and rejuvenate a dull complexion. It brightens and lightens the skin, heals blemishes and scars, deep cleans and minimizes large pores, sun spots, freckles and fine lines, exfoliates dead skin cells and aids the reduction of redness on the skin. It is non-toxic and harmless to ingest or apply on the skin. Pearl powder is a fabulous “treasure of the sea!”

Chlorella pyrenoidosa

This green sea algae has the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant. It contains all eight of the essential amino acids, along with provitamins A, B-1, 2, 6 and 12, vitamins C and K, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, PABA, riboflavin, choline, inositol and lipoic acid. This super food also contains calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. In addition, it is packed with a substance called Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), which aids the body with cell rejuvenation and detoxification, and offers efficient protection against free radicals. CGF enables the body to recover from stress easier and helps damaged tissue to regrow more efficiently, as well as helping with fat metabolism and activating the body’s ability to synthesize proteins. When used topically, it helps reduce the signs of premature aging by enhancing RNA and DNA functionality.
When working with chlorella pyrenoidosa, ask your client if they are taking any thyroid medications or have allergies to PABA.

Spirulina

The blue-green sea algae is one of the richest sources of proteins, and contains a full spectrum of 10 mixed carotenoids, B vitamins, gamma-linolenic acid, chlorophyll, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and potassium. It also provides 18 out of 22 amino acids needed to ward off free radicals. When applied topically, this “superfood” eliminates toxins from the skin and increases skin metabolism, which enables faster skin cell turnover and promotes healing.
Application suggestion: Create a custom tea and herbal blend liquid based on your client’s needs, using an aromatic hydrosol or coconut or almond milks. Slowly add spirulina powder to your liquid base. This blue-green algae will absorb liquids rapidly. Allow one to two minutes prior to application to see if more liquid is needed. Thinner is better for quick product removal. Blend spirulina with various clays, powdered herbs or vitamins to create a customized product for the client. Spirulina is low in iodine, but always consult with your client for any health related allergies or other possible issues.

Astaxanthin

This carotenoid is part of a class of phytochemicals called terpenes, which function as powerful antioxidants. The most common source of astaxanthin is microalgae. Other sources include salmon, trout, crayfish, crustaceans, krill, shrimp, yeast and the feathers of some birds. Topical application provides a vast array of skin benefits. It restores natural antioxidant balance, reduces puffiness and redness, creates firmer, more elasticized skin, increases moisture content and makes the repairing process of the collagen network possible. Astaxanthin is a dark, orange-red color, and can permanently stain the skin or clothing. Use it sparingly in creams, lotions or masks.

Dead Sea ingredients

Nothing compares to the healing, therapeutic powers of the Dead Sea. The magical mud, clay, salts and brine contain the highest content of natural minerals of all the seas in the world. Magnesium chloride is essential for cell metabolism; it activates enzymes, thereby accelerating the regeneration of a cell, and is 15 times higher in the Dead Sea than any other sea in the world. Other skin enhancing minerals found in the Dead Sea include potassium, bromide, bitumen, zinc, calcium and sulfur. There are two unique characteristics of all Dead Sea ingredients. Each one contains the same skin enhancing minerals and trace elements, and they are virtually unscented (with a slight exception on the Dead Sea Mud, which has a faint undertone of sulfur). When applied topically, each ingredient aids the skin by firming, toning, tightening, retaining moisture and reducing large pores and fine lines. Dead Sea ingredients have been documented to provide relief for various skin disorders ranging from acne, eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, poison ivy and more!
Harnessing and custom blending the treasures of the seas along with botanical herbs and essential oils empower us to achieve superior anti-aging treatments that naturally deliver smoother, brighter, younger looking skin.

Tammy Doering is the president and founder of DeadSeaBulkMaterials.com, a company that has been researching, importing, formulating, manufacturing, teaching, providing CEU training and distributing Dead Sea ingredients and products since 1998. Doering is the author of a weekly beauty column called “Great Beauty Tips” in The Oxford Independent newspaper and the host of the “Totally Pamper Me” radio show.