Exploring the Power of Seaweed in Skincare
Seaweeds are a diverse group of marine plants, categorized by colour into brown, green, and red groups, with over 12,000 species worldwide. Brown seaweeds, including Laminaria digitata (or Atlantic kelp), are known for their resilience in cold, nutrient-rich waters and are rich in beneficial compounds used in skincare. This unique seaweed anchors itself to rocky substrates with a root-like structure called a holdfast, which helps it absorb sunlight and nutrients for growth.
A Discovery on the Shores of Newfoundland
Our 7 Fathoms journey began on the rugged shores of Grates Cove, Newfoundland, after a powerful Nor’easter storm. While walking along the beach, co-founder Terrence noticed an abundance of Laminaria digitata seaweed washed ashore. Intrigued, Terrence picked up the seaweed and saw thick, sticky bioactive substances dripping from it. On a whim, he applied some of the seaweed extract to his irritated skin.
Terrence, who has Crohn’s disease and suffered from chronic contact dermatitis due to medical adhesives and an allergy to plastic, had struggled for years to find relief. To his amazement, his skin felt calmer within hours of using the seaweed, and by the end of the week, the redness and irritation had significantly diminished. This experience sparked our journey to uncover the potential of Laminaria digitata and its compounds, especially fucoidan, for supporting the skin’s natural barrier.
Fucoidan’s Role in Skin Barrier Health
The skin barrier is your body’s first line of defence against pollutants, bacteria, and irritants while also playing a critical role in keeping moisture locked in. When this barrier is weakened, skin becomes vulnerable to dryness, visible irritation, and discomfort. In Canada alone, around 20% of adults—over 6 million people—experience issues linked to a compromised skin barrier, with 60% reporting that their current skincare regimen isn’t effectively addressing their concerns.
Fucoidan, a naturally occurring compound in Laminaria digitata, supports this skin barrier by helping the skin retain moisture and providing a calming sensation, which can be especially valuable for those with sensitive skin. [Learn more with Terrence: His 8 Week Fucoidan Challenge! Click Here]
Science Validates Our Belief in Seaweed’s Potential
Our passion for seaweed led us to collaborate with Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Marine Institute. In bioactivity tests, Laminaria digitata and Fucus vesiculosus demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting their potential to support the skin’s resilience. Dr. Robert Helleur, former Professor of Environmental and Analytical Chemistry and scientific consultant to 7 Fathoms, confirmed that our extracts showed high antioxidant activity in lab tests. This research reinforces what we believed from the beginning: seaweed’s compounds can offer soothing and protective benefits for the skin. Link to Research.
Understanding Seaweed’s Bioactive Compounds
Laminaria digitata offers a unique source of bioactives that support skin hydration and defence. It contains compounds like fucoidan, polyphenols, and alginates, each playing a distinct role in maintaining the seaweed’s hydration and resilience, which translates into valuable skincare benefits.
Science Tip:
- Fucoidan – a sulfate-rich polysaccharide – helps retain moisture and provides a natural barrier against environmental stress, offering hydration and protection for the skin.
- Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that protect the seaweed from sunlight and oxidative stress. In skincare, they contribute to a smooth, calm look for the skin’s surface.
- Alginates, naturally occurring sugars, act like a sponge to lock in moisture, keeping the seaweed hydrated and providing a soothing, moisture-retentive effect for the skin.
The Benefits of 7 Fathoms: Pure, Potent, and Purposeful
With 7 Fathoms, experience a skincare solution crafted with Newfoundland’s exclusive marine bioactives, extracted in-house to maintain maximum quality.
Here’s what makes our products stand out:
1. Exclusive High-Quality Marine Bioactives
- Unique In-House Extraction: Our seaweed extracts are produced exclusively for 7 Fathoms, allowing us complete control over quality and potency.
- Cold-Water Bioactives: Harvested from Newfoundland’s cold, turbulent waters, our seaweed develops resilient compounds that powerfully protect and calm the skin, helping it defend against environmental stressors like harsh weather and pollution.
2. Superior Moisture Retention
- Hydrated Skin, Simplified: With fucoidan’s natural humectant properties, our products deliver lasting hydration, supporting a balanced, moisturized skin barrier.
- Potent Formula, Minimal Ingredients: We focus on what matters—pure seaweed extract with its bioactives in a simple, effective formula (lotion and spray).
3. Gentle and Safe for Sensitive Skin
- Soothing Simplicity: Our unscented, minimalist formulas focus on seaweed’s natural soothing properties, ideal for sensitive or problem-prone skin.
- Nurturing without Irritation: By avoiding unnecessary additives, we ensure a gentle, comforting skincare experience.
4. Free Radical Defense with Marine Antioxidants
- Antioxidant-Rich Protection: Our seaweed extracts are packed with antioxidants from plant defence mechanisms, protecting your skin from daily environmental stressors.
- Inspired by Nature, Built for Resilience: Harnessing the bioactives of Newfoundland’s resilient seaweed, our products strengthen your skin’s natural defence systems.
Our Customers Tell Us They Feel …
- Relieved: Customers feel peace of mind knowing their skincare routine is gentle yet effective, backed by scientific research.
- Confident: With a fortified skin barrier, they can enjoy daily activities with less concern for skin irritation, knowing their skin has comfort and resilience.
- Reassured: Our commitment to natural, sustainably sourced ingredients brings assurance that their skincare is both safe and responsibly crafted.
With 7 Fathoms, you’re giving your skin barrier the strength and support it needs to stay hydrated, healthy, and resilient. Discover the difference of sustainably harvested seaweed in our 7 Fathoms products and give your skin the natural support it deserves.
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