We talk a lot about the powerful properties that are contained within our nutrient rich Hebridean seaweed, there are endless benefits! This week, we’re looking at how seaweed is beneficial for acne prone skin in particular. 

Back to basics, what is acne?  

Acne is a skin condition that can affect you at any time of your life. As with pimples, acne is caused by clogged pores and the pimples are recurring and persistent.  

There are two main types of acne:  

• Inflammatory – Infected and inflamed pimples like pustules and cysts.  
• Non-inflammatory – Comprised mainly of whiteheads and blackheads.  

Acne is classified as a condition, while pimples are types of acne lesions. Acne can occur in certain areas of the body or be called by a specific name (cystic acne, hormonal acne). The direct cause of acne is clogged pores, but the root cause may go much deeper and be related to what's going on inside your body – such as diet, hormones and other health factors.  

Super seaweed  

Seaweed is bursting with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Scientific research has looked extensively at the remarkable power of antioxidants and how beneficial they are in skincare. Our seaweed extracts have been scientifically proven and independently tested. Seaweed has also been found to regenerate skin cells, promote healing, support natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin, making it a wonderful all-round skin saviour! 

How can seaweed help acne prone skin? 

1. Regulates sebum levels:Using products containing seaweed can help maintain the levels of oil (sebum) that are naturally produced in the skin.  

1. Detoxifying effects: Vitamin rich Hebridean seaweed contains high levels of polysaccharides, such as alginates and fucoidan. These molecules bind to harmful metal components such as mercury, lead and cobalt that can be found in small amounts in the skin. This reduces the damaging effects they can have. For acne-prone skin, seaweed is effective as it contains natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. 

1. It's a naturally powerful hydrator: Seaweed is full of humectants that draw in moisture from the environment. It has a high moisture content, making it an ideal carrier to deliver hydrating compounds to the skin. This moisture-locking ability prevents our skin from becoming too dry and leading to an overproduction of sebum. A common misconception is that those with acne-prone or oily skin should ‘dry it out’ and avoid hydrating products, however it is in fact the opposite. Ensuring your skin receives enough hydration will mean that it doesn’t over-produce its own natural oils which can lead to clogged pores. 

1. It's a potent source of antioxidants:Hebridean seaweed contains high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidant compounds provide protection against environmental damage to the skin by neutralising free radicals (damaging atoms in the air). This offers excellent protection for the skin and leads to a healthier complexion.  

Keeping skin healthy 

For more serious acne, you may need to speak to your GP to support healing. However, there are things that you can be doing at home to alleviate mild pimples. 

• Keep pores clean, but don’t be tempted to over wash your skin – that will only strip away the natural oils. Cleansing twice a day is enough (you can double cleanse too!). 
• Don’t overload your skin with too much product. This can lead to clogging the pores even further. A simple, yet effective routine including a cleanse, tone and moisturise, suitable for your own skin type, is best.  
• It's important to exfoliate your skin to get rid of the dead skin cells and encourage skin renewal, but not too much. If you are using ourExfoliating Face Mask, once to twice a week is plenty. For a gentler daily approach, you can use our Exfoliating Face Mask andActive Cleansing Lotion mixed together. 
• Moisturising is very important. You don’t want your skin to dry out as this can also lead to an excessive production of sebum. Opt for a natural moisturiser such as ourBalancing Marine Cream.