Seaweed: environmentally friendly and effective

Author: Catherine Tengueryan ( France )

Origins of marine organics

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the anthroposophical phenomenon of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner and his spiritualistic concept of man and the world gave impetus to the development in Europe of various movements seeking to build a bridge between religion and traditional science. Among these many movements, biodynamic farming (in particular, biodynamic marine agriculture) and the creation of natural plant-based products are emerging - areas that are more relevant today than ever.

Companies such as Wala, founded in 1935 by the German chemist Dr. Rudolf Hauschka , or Weleda, whose history goes back more than 90 years, develop various methods of modifying and preserving plants in accordance with their rhythm of life. Ever since then, since the first third of the twentieth century, organic medicine and cosmetology have begun to claim their rights. However, it was not until the 1970s that the European environmental and biological movement truly spread its wings, inspiring numerous manufacturers of natural cosmetics. This was the case with the Cattier company, founded in 1968 by Pierre Cattier, who inspired many of his contemporaries to use substances of natural origin for body hygiene and treatment, or with the Sanoflore company, whose specialists created the first experimental botanical garden in which about 350 aromatic plants are grown. and medicinal plants used in the production of cosmetics . The main mission of these companies from the very beginning was to develop innovative natural alternative cosmetics that respect people and their environment, and they have been successfully fulfilling this mission for decades.

Conditions for obtaining organic seaweed

The natural and organic direction of world cosmetology is developing at a rapid pace, literally every day presenting us with new and new surprises. However, in order to really understand this industry and not allow yourself to be deceived by dishonest businessmen, you need to constantly monitor the latest legislation in this area and understand it well. This way, you will not only be confident in yourself and in the products that you offer to your clients, but you will also be able to communicate on equal terms with representatives of the manufacturing company, and also clearly explain all the advantages of a particular cosmetic line to your clients, who may ask questions at any time. you have a lot of questions.

In August 2009, the European Union Commission adopted Resolution No. 710/2009, regulating the organic production of aquacultures of animals and algae. This document deals with methods of cultivation, collection and production of wild and cultivated seaweeds in the open sea, classifying coastal waters into zones suitable and unsuitable for the collection and cultivation of organic seaweed. The decree also defines prohibited substances that should not be present in organic seaweed and mud. Among them:

• artificial fragrances;
• synthetic pigments and oils;
• preservatives;
• ingredients whose production caused harm to nature;
• raw materials, the production of which involves the death of an animal.

Various brands

To avoid making mistakes when choosing a cosmetic line positioned as natural or organic, you need to be able to read labels correctly. Today there are a sufficient number of certification bodies, the emblem of which on the packaging of a cosmetic product guarantees compliance with eco-standards, and we have already written about them several times: these are Nature & Progrès, Ecocert and Cosmebio (France), BDIH (Germany), AIAB/ICEA (Italy), USDA and Eco Control (USA), Soil Association (England), international certification centers NaTrue and Cosmos, etc. In most cases, the certification process is not limited to analyzing only the cosmetic product itself, but also takes into account the entire process - from collecting ingredients to packaging.

To be sure when purchasing organic seaweed and mud, start by looking for one of the listed logos on the packaging. Such a mark guarantees that their cultivation and collection have been carried out according to strictly defined rules and that all production processes, including delivery, storage, hygiene, cleaning, waste discharged into seawater and organic waste, methods of production, have been carefully studied. This requirement obliges cultivators and collectors of biological algae and mud to adhere to transparency and the ability to trace the origin of impeccable raw materials.

The name, address of the manufacturer and production batch number allow you to find out where, when and by whom biological algae and mud were developed. Accordingly, in case of questions and/or complaints, you can always contact the manufacturer directly.

Finally, expiration date: always be very careful about the mandatory cut-off date for recommended consumption if the expiration date is less than 30 months (which is the expiration date usually set for biological algae and mud). Of course, you can store them for up to 24 months without opening the package. But do not store them open for more than 12 months! And it will be better if you keep them in the refrigerator at a not very low, constant temperature (fluctuations in temperature should be insignificant!).

The best products among algae and sea mud

Microscopic forms, called phytoplankton, are the basis of the marine food chain. In natural reservoirs, phytoplankton may be present in high concentrations due to natural eutrophication (accumulation of nutrients in water under the influence of anthropogenic or natural factors). This phenomenon - algal blooms - can cause a visual change in the color of the water.

Phytoplankton are marine plants without leaves or roots that feed on light, mineral salts and carbon dioxide obtained from water. But at the same time, they are capable of synthesizing trace elements, mineral salts, vitamins, pigments or iodine themselves, due to which they have an exceptional ability for remineralization.

Phytoplankton has long been used in medicine, particularly in dermatology, to stimulate blood circulation, remove toxins, tone and restore the skin barrier.

Biological algae from the island of Molin in Brittany boasts numerous unique benefits and active substances thanks to the quality of the sea water of the region and the air rich in positive ions. And don’t be surprised that air quality plays a big role, because algae feed on light and air!

Being located in the open sea, the island of Molen has clearly defined environmental criteria (in 1988, UNESCO included this place as part of the World Biosphere Reserve). Algae have been collected here since time immemorial, and the traditions have not yet changed: the practiced method of extracting algae allows for the complete preservation of their biological diversity. Heat treatment at low temperatures following collection ensures that the integrity of the natural components of the raw material is preserved.

Options for using algae products in cosmetology

Algae wraps have proven themselves excellent in anti-cellulite treatments, as well as in protocols aimed at breaking down fats and losing weight. In such procedures, it is recommended to choose cosmetics containing a large percentage of fucus, which has proven draining and lipolytic abilities. Without the addition of synthesized products, your wraps will be even more productive and profitable. Count on at least ten sessions. Advise your client to have three appointments within the first two weeks.

To improve your care, do not forget about products based on biological algae and sea water. They are in harmony with the skin and are generally similar to it, rich in mineral salts and biologically available microelements, which enhances cellular activity.

For a client with dehydrated skin that loses its elasticity, choose a cream containing brown kelp oil, which restores the mineralization of the skin and revitalizes it thanks to the richness of trace elements and mineral salts. To compensate for the lack of lipids, a cream based on biological algae is ideal, which also contains aspen oil, rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin E.

Unique mud

Today the market offers a huge selection of biological sea muds.

The Bay of Biscay in the area of the municipality of Saint-Jean-de-Monts is a real storehouse of natural sea mud, which is collected here non-industrially. Studies have been conducted to prove their unsurpassed qualities. The smallest particles of which they are composed are rich in minerals characteristic of the Hercynian fold and the Loire basin. The honeycomb-like deposits of these minerals are an ideal reservoir for both marine flora and trace elements, and this is what makes them unique. Light residual radioactivity (the Hercynian massif is highly radioactive) makes them competitors of the famous Abano mud in Italy. In particular, a survey conducted in 2005 among 255 patients who were treated with these biological sea muds shows high satisfaction with the therapy. In addition, these muds are a natural treasure for the skin and subcutaneous tissue due to their high sulfur content, which has similarities with connective tissue and cartilage. Finally, since they are “living”, the biological effectiveness of their components is greatly increased, which provides a real course of rejuvenation.

Several types of care

If your client complains of joint pain or feels back pain, he can be helped by wraps containing sea mud - they perfectly soothe pain and relax muscles. Apply them locally and leave for 20 minutes. To achieve a good cumulative effect, a minimum of 10 sessions are recommended (start with two sessions per week, and then you can slightly reduce the intensity).

For clients with busy, overly active lifestyles who need relaxation and rejuvenation, mud wraps can be a good option for a soothing treatment. Your client will become balanced again thanks to the detoxifying biocatalysts. Recovery will require 2-3 sessions over two weeks.

Wraps are also recommended for athlete clients for faster recovery after competitions: a single 40-minute application of sea mud heated to 37 °C, locally or over the entire surface of the body, is sufficient.

Well, at the end of the article - a small sketch for thought: oyster catchers, who often worked barefoot in the mud even in winter, never suffered from rheumatism of the legs!

Source: Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Ukraine, No. 5 (87), 2014, pp. 104-107