I already knew that algae, kelp, and seaweeds have a lot of health hype around them. But to voluntarily get into a tub with the stuff? I didn\u2019t think so.\u00a0However, after half of the Amazingy team spent the better part of a day raving about the slimy miracle plants, my curiosity was piqued.<\/p>\n
Being a bit familiar with the health benefits that seaweed has<\/a> when you eat it,\u00a0(it\u2019s used to great effect, of course, in sushi), I was eager to learn more about the plant\u2019s skincare potential.\u00a0When applied externally, algae can aid in detoxifying and clarifying the skin, and happens to be rich in antioxidants and vitamin C \u2014anti-aging algae, so to speak. In addition, the healing ingredients of algae have been shown to penetrate deeply into the layers of the skin, a clear advantage over many topical creams that will only sit on the skin\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n A note:<\/span> people suffering from thyroid-related illnesses should be careful when using algae-based products both topically and internally. Since algae contains a lot of iodine, algae-based products can sometimes disrupt of thyroid function.<\/p>\n Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed Co<\/a>. sells sustainably-harvested seaweed for bathing products. To be more specific, they source and sell three specific types of brown algae in their products:<\/p>\n The dried algae is surprisingly hard\u2014the kelp even reminds me a bit of seashells\u2014and needs to be soaked for a while before being added to your bath water. Just pour a bit of boiling water over the seaweed, which is packaged in little cotton bags, and let it soak for ten minutes. Think of it as seaweed tea. No, but the result\u00a0is very smooth, soft skin. I could clearly see the difference in my skin after the bath, and using body lotion afterwards did not seem necessary. And luckily, the smell of seaweed disappeared right after I toweled off. <\/p>\n Pin it!<\/a> Share this article by clicking on the picture below. Don\u2019t forget to follow us on\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0as well!<\/p>\nMungo Murphy<\/h2>\n
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\nThe brew immediately gives off that typical salty sea smell. Be cautious when you climb in and out of your bathtub, as the oil released from the seaweed can settle on the tub\u2019s enamel and make it slippery.<\/p>\n[row]\n[column size=”1\/2″]\u00a0Once the algae\u2014here, I used the mixture containing bladderwrack\u2014is floating around in your tub, it looks like on the\u00a0picture right:
\nYou\u2019re also free to experiment with adding other bathing products to the water, like bath salts, but I wanted to test the product on its own.
\nI suffer neither from acne nor psoriasis, so I can\u2019t tell you if an algae bath proves to be a quick remedy for such skin problems\u2014however I can say this: My skin was incredibly soft after soaking in my home-brewed seaweed stew. For a light peeling effect, you can gently rub your body down with a bit of the rehydrated algae.<\/p>\n[\/column]\n[column size=”1\/2″] ![\"Algenbad\"](\"http:\/\/amazingy.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Algenbad-e1432119240559.jpg\")
\u00a0[\/column]\n[\/row]\nAm I turning into Arielle?<\/h2>\n
\nThe large chunks of algae are easily fished out of the bath and can be recycled as a plant fertilizer as long as you didn\u2019t add other nonorganic products to your bathwater.
\nThe algae in the cloth bag are also easily removed as well, but a good cleaning of the tub is nevertheless advisable to remove any leftover oily residue.
\nAll in all, I consider this to have been an unexpected bathing pleasure, but one with great skincare and relaxation potential. Extending a seaweed soak with a night of manicures, pedicures and a kelp-containing facial mask<\/a> is my next step!<\/p>\n
![\"MungoMurphy3\"](\"http:\/\/amazingy.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/MungoMurphy3.jpg\")
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