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Many of us are used to eating seaweed as part of our favorite sushi rolls but you may not be aware just how good marine algae is for you (yep, seaweed is algae). Seaweed is loaded with minerals like calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus and zinc, as well as vitamins A, B, C, D and E. All of which are not only good for your body but beneficial for your skin and hair as well, which is why this superfood makes an excellent ingredient in beauty products.
Macroalgae and microalgae have been used in cosmetics (as well as nutritional supplements) for many decades because of their anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and antioxidant properties, says holistic skin care expert Paula Simpson. Sometimes we might miss them on the labels because their scientific names are used, but they’re in the formula, boosting the vitamin and mineral content to help us achieve better skin and hair. There are a staggering 50,000 algae species on the planet and, according to Simpson, each seaweed has a unique profile that results in different beauty benefits. For example, ones with high amino acid profiles are great for improving skin texture and elasticity. Others have lipids that help soothe and moisturize skin, while antioxidant-rich algae with chlorophyll are ideal for detoxifying. Kat Burki, CEO and founder of Kat Burki, adds that minerals and micronutrients from algae provide protective moisturizing benefits to skin. Because of these many benefi...