Algae are the oldest representatives of marine flora. The most useful are brown algae. They absorb all the beneficial minerals from the sea water.
Laminaria are representatives of brown algae, their other well-known name is "seaweed". These algae are widely used in cosmetology, cooking, medicine, weight loss programs and various industries. SPA-salons offer procedures with their use. This direction was called thalassotherapy (from the name of the whole leaf of this algae - thallus).
Properties and uses of kelp
Laminaria algae is a whole complex of trace elements, vitamins, acids and other substances necessary for the human body. The special elements for which this algae is valued are alginic acid and the naturally occurring sorbent mannitol. They do a good job of removing toxins from the body.
The use of this algae in food has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland due to the high content of iodine in it. Iodine deficiency can lead to hearing, visual and intellectual retardation. Laminaria has a good effect on the state of the digestive system, increasing intestinal motility.
In cosmetology, this brown algae is used to stimulate metabolic processes and rejuvenation, as well as to combat various skin defects:
- edema;
- cellulite;
- stretch marks (stretch marks).
For these purposes, kelp thallus 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 called agar-agar. Due to it, there is maximum contact with the body during wraps. In addition, it is this substance that stimulates the absorption of healing substances from the algae thalli 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, useful substances are absorbed by the skin, toxins and slags are intensively removed. 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 carry it out using green clay, especially if there is a fight againstcellulite.
Next, 100-200 g of dry kelp leaves (it can even be chopped thallus) are soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes. After that, 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 just need to buy or order raw materials. Laminaria is sold in a pharmacy. Can be ordered with home delivery by courier or mail if your city pharmacies do not have kelp.
Cold wraps
Such procedures have a positive effect on the following problems:
- varicose veins;
- heavy legs;
- edema;
- 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 ones, but warming is not used. After the thalli prepared for wrapping kelp have been applied to the body, a cling film or waterproof sheet is placed on top.
Contraindications
- Skin diseases (psoriasis, diathesis, furunculosis, urticaria, etc.).
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Open wound surfaces on the skinvarious origins.
- Mental illness.
General recommendations
- The interval between wraps must 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 kelp mask. Good effect gives grape seed oil in combination with essential oils of cedar, grapefruit, lemon or petitgrain.
- The water left after soaking dry kelp algae is a good remedy for rubbing the skin after a sauna or bath. It can also be used in the preparation of masks for the body, face or hair. Here's another use for leftover kelp soaking water: Pour it into freezer molds to use as a face wipe in the morning.
Kelp body mask
In a warm aqueous solution of kelp or water left over from soaking the dry raw material of this brown algae, add green clay. Mix thoroughly. The composition should be the consistency of thick sour cream. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to the mask for a more pronounced anti-cellulite effect.
The effect will be more noticeable if such a mask is used in a sauna or bath. Keep the mask on the body for 10-15 minutes, then massage towards the lymph nodes from the bottom up and rinse. Such a kelp mask tightens the skin, moisturizes it, makes stretch marks less noticeable and evens out the so-called orange peel. Repeat the procedure once or twice a week.
From cellulite
In the fight against cellulite, kelp proved to be excellent. Reviews indicate that with the use of the thalli of this brown algae, it is possible to make not only wraps that stimulate metabolic processes and thereby fight fat deposits and "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 one tbsp is added. 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. Wash off in the shower after 20 minutes.
Laminaria for the face
Masks from this algae have a rejuvenating and lifting effect, improve complexion and perfectly moisturize the skin. Laminaria for the face is used crushed. To prepare masks one tbsp. a spoonful of powder is poured into a glass of warm water. This will be the base for the mask. It is better to use melted or settled water. After the seaweed is soaked, various ingredients are added depending on the desired effect.
For a rejuvenating 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 tool. In this case, one item must be added to the basis. a spoonful of cream or milk, olive oil and crushed in a blenderfresh ginger root. Apply the composition to 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. Reviews of those who have tried its action on themselves confirm this. In addition to cosmetic masks and procedures, this algae extract is added to dietary supplements, which activate metabolic processes and thereby promote weight loss. In addition, seaweed stimulates the digestive system and intestinal motility. This common and very affordable seaweed helps to stay slim, attractive and youthful for a long time.
