Algae are the oldest representatives of the marine flora. The most useful are brown algae. They absorb all the beneficial minerals from seawater.
Laminaria are representatives of brown algae, their other known name is "sea kale". These algae are widely used in cosmetology, cooking, medicine, weight loss programs and various industries. SPA salons offer treatments with their use. This direction was called thalassotherapy (from the name of the whole leaf of this algae - thallus).
Properties and uses of kelp
Kelp algae is a whole complex of microelements, vitamins, acids and other substances necessary for the human body. The special elements, for the presence of which this algae is valued, are alginic acid and a sorbent of natural origin mannitol. They are good at removing toxins from the body.
The use of this algae in food has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland due to its high iodine content. Iodine deficiency can lead to hearing, visual impairment and mental retardation. Laminaria has a good effect on the state of the digestive system, increasing intestinal motility.
In cosmetology, this brown seaweed is used to stimulate metabolic processes and rejuvenation, as well as to combat various skin defects:
- swelling;
- cellulitis;
- stretch marks (striae).
For these purposes, thallus kelp is used in the form of cosmetic wraps. It is most convenient to use whole plates (thalli) for hot or cold wraps.
The surface of the plate is covered with a jelly-like substance, which was called agar-agar. Due to it, maximum contact with the body occurs during wraps. In addition, it is this substance that stimulates the process of absorption of medicinal substances from the thalli of algae into the skin. Procedures are carried out in courses. Usually it is 8-10 sessions.
Hot wraps
This procedure activates blood circulation and dilates blood vessels. At the same time, beneficial substances are absorbed by the skin, toxins and toxins are intensely excreted. The sensations during the session are very pleasant, the duration is from 25 to 40 minutes.
For maximum effect, peeling of the skin is carried out before wrapping. It would be ideal to use it with green clay, especially if cellulite is being fought.
Then 100-200 g of dry kelp leaves (it can even be chopped thalli) are soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes. Then they are applied to the body in the form of a compress and wrapped in a waterproof sheet and a warm blanket. With varicose veins, hot wraps are not used.
Such sessions can be carried out not only in SPA-salons, but also at home. You only need to buy or order raw materials. Laminaria for sale in a pharmacy. You can order it with home delivery by courier or mail if there are no kelp in your city pharmacies.
Cold wraps
Such procedures have a positive effect on the following problems:
- varicose veins;
- heaviness in the legs;
- swelling;
- cellulite.
Blood vessels narrow during the procedure, and substances penetrating the skin actively act on them and strengthen the walls, and also help to remove excess interstitial fluid and thereby reduce swelling.
During cold wrapping, dry raw materials for the procedure are prepared in the same way as for hot, but insulation is not used. After the thalli prepared for wrapping the kelp have been applied to the body, a plastic wrap or waterproof sheet is laid on top.
Contraindications
- Skin diseases (psoriasis, diathesis, furunculosis, urticaria, etc.).
- The period of pregnancy and lactation.
- Open wound surfaces on the skin of various origins.
- Mental illness.
General recommendations
- The interval between wrapping procedures should be at least two days.
- The course is repeated no more than once every six months.
- To enhance the anti-cellulite effect, a mixture of essential oils is added to the composition of the mask from kelp. A good effect is given by grape seed oil in combination with cedar, grapefruit, lemon or petitgrain essential oil .
- The water remaining after soaking dry kelp algae is a good way to wipe the skin after a sauna or bath. It can also be used in the preparation of masks for the body, face or hair. Here is another option for using the water left from soaking kelp: pour it into molds for freezing, then use it to wipe your face in the morning.
Body kelp mask
Add green clay to the warm aqueous solution of kelp or water remaining from the soaking of dry raw materials of this brown algae. Stir well. The composition should be the consistency of thick sour cream. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to the mask for a more expressive anti-cellulite effect.
The effect will be more noticeable if you use such a mask in a sauna or bath. Keep the mask on the body for 10-15 minutes, then massage in the direction of the lymph nodes from the bottom up and rinse off. Such a mask from kelp tightens the skin, moisturizes it, makes striae less noticeable and evens out the so-called orange peel. The procedure is repeated once or twice a week.
From cellulite
In the fight against cellulite, kelp showed itself perfectly. The reviews indicate that with the use of thalli of this brown algae, it is possible to make not only wraps that stimulate metabolic processes and thereby fight against fatty deposits and the "orange peel", but also masks (made from powder). The latter can be applied independently at home. For this, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of kelp powder is diluted with water, as described above, and add one tbsp. a spoonful of lemon juice. Mix thoroughly. Apply to problem areas and cover with cling film. Of course, you can continue to do your homework, but it's better to lie down and relax. After 20 minutes, rinse in the shower.
Laminaria for the face
Masks from this algae have a rejuvenating and lifting effect, improve complexion and moisturize the skin perfectly. Laminaria for the face is used shredded. For the preparation of masks one tbsp. a spoonful of powder is poured into a glass of warm water. This will be the basis for the mask. It is better to use melt or standing water. After the algae is soaked, various ingredients are added depending on the desired effect.
For anti-aging effect, add one teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Keep the mask for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water.
Laminaria for the face is a good skin tightening agent. In this case, one art. a spoonful of cream or milk, olive oil and fresh ginger root crushed in a blender. Impose the composition on clean skin of the face, neck and décolleté. Hold for 15-20 minutes and rinse with water.
Reviews
As you can see, kelp is an indispensable product for prolonging youth and beauty. The reviews of those who have tried its action on themselves confirm this. In addition to cosmetic masks and procedures, the extract of this algae is added to dietary supplements, which activate metabolic processes and thereby contribute to weight loss. In addition, seaweed stimulates the digestive system and intestinal motility. This regular and affordable seaweed helps to stay slim, attractive and young for a long time.