Sea Moss For Skin Care – Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

What Is Sea Moss?

Sea moss, also known as Irish red seaweed or Irish moss, is a type of red algae. It grows abundantly on the Atlantic shorelines of Ireland, the Caribbean Islands, and North America. High-flying celebrities, including the likes of Kim Kardashian, have endorsed this superfood. Let us deep-dive to understand the benefits of sea moss on your skin.

Sea Moss: A Glance At Its Overall Benefits

Seaweed demonstrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects (1). While more research is needed to prove the efficacy of sea moss for skin health, several dermatologists and experts swear by this powerhouse of an ingredient.

Let us understand how this ingredient can help you establish a healthy skincare routine.

• Acts As A Powerful Hydrocolloid: Irish moss traditionally has been valued for its hydrocolloid composition (2). Hydrocolloids help retain healing fluids over a wound to protect it from the outside environment.
• Helps Treat Acne: Experts claim that the high sulfur content of sea moss may help lower excess sebum production on the skin. The antibacterial properties of sea moss may also help treat acne. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
• Hydrates Skin: Irish moss is non-comedogenic. It contains 15 of the 18 essential elements that make up the human body – including calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K (3). It also contains vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients hydrate skin and aid healthy skin cell functioning (4). They may also offer anti-aging benefits, prevent winter dryness, and protect the skin from the damaging effects of the environment. Sea moss is also thought to treat skin conditions like eczemaⁱ  XA chronic skin condition that causes dryness, irritation, blisters, inflammation, and red rashes on the skin. and psoriasisⁱ  XA common, chronic skin condition that causes itchy and scaly patches on the skin, often triggered by a cold, infection, or stress. , though more research is needed to support this claim.
• Reduces Skin Inflammation: The vitamin A and omega-3s in sea moss may help fight skin inflammation.
• May Promote Scar Healing: As sea moss is a type of red macro-algae, it may be rich in agaroid and carrageenan. These compounds have great potential in scar healing and skin regeneration. Agaroid demonstrates biocompatibility and high affinity to absorb water. When used in wound dressings alongside collagen or gelatin, agaroid may promote tissue repair while minimizing scarring and leaking of fluid. Carrageenan may help stimulate immune cell activity. When incorporated into wound dressings, it may create flexible, transparent, and mechanically strong hydrogels with effective fluid absorption. These findings highlight the potential of sea moss derivatives in promoting scar healing and enhancing wound dressings for improved skin regeneration (5).

A blogger using the name Melanin Mommy Magic shared her experience using sea moss for both dietary and skincare purposes. She had incorporated sea moss into her diet through smoothies and yogurt, noting potential improvements in mood and energy. She writes, “I noticed a clear difference in my blemishes, pores, and brightness after only 3 treatments. I was actually in disbelief (i).”

Trivia

The ancient Greeks used sea moss in their hot baths to remove toxins from the body and rejuvenate the skin.

How To Use Sea Moss On Skin

You can use this ingredient in two ways:

1. 1. As Food: You can ingest sea moss as a pill/powder/gel. Speak to your doctor prior to understanding the right dosage, frequency, etc. based on your current health condition and body type. Sea moss, by itself, has no taste. You can use it as a gel in soups, smoothies, or desserts.

Trivia

In the 1800s, during the Irish Potato Famine, red seaweed was added to warm milk with sugar and spices to create a fortified beverage.

2. As An External Product: Sea moss is increasingly being used in body lotions, facial masks, powders, and pills. Speak to your dermatologist to understand which product with sea moss would best suit your skin.

Before you start using sea moss, it is important to be aware of its side effects.

Sea Moss Side Effects

• Sea moss is high in iodine. Hence, consuming it in excess can be harmful to those with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s diseaseⁱ  XAn autoimmune disorder where the immune system creates antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, leading to cell death. (6). Excess iodine ingestion can also cause goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), thyroid gland inflammation, and thyroid cancer (6). Additionally, you might experience other side effects such as the burning of the mouth, fever, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• One gram of seaweed can contain 16 to 2,984 mcg of iodine (6). Ensure you read the nutrition labels of the product before purchase.
• Stop sea moss intake if you experience an itchy throat or nausea. These symptoms can mean you are allergic to the ingredient.
• Perform a patch test before using sea moss in a face mask or as a topical cream. Watch out for signs of irritation, redness, burning, stinging, etc.
• Sea moss is high in natural fiber and may have laxative effects. Consume it with caution.
• Ensure you purchase high-quality sea moss. Seaweeds are generally known to accumulate toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead – and these can be harmful to your body. Speak to your dermatologist/doctor and ask for specific product recommendations.

Infographic: Top 4 Benefits Of Sea Moss

You may have come across several skin care products with sea moss or Irish seaweed as the main ingredient. This superfood has been recently popularized by celebrities as it is believed to be a skin care powerhouse. The infographic below will give you a quick overview of the various skin care benefits of sea moss. Take a look!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sea moss have collagen?

Sea moss is rich in proteins that form collagen in the body.

Is sea moss good for your eyes?

Sea moss contains various vitamins, including vitamin A (7). Consequently, based on anecdotal data, vitamin A can gradually and steadily aid in improving your vision. Additionally, sea moss’ antioxidants will entirely shield your eyes from adverse effects if they are already in good health.

Does sea moss help with dark circles?

Anecdotal research suggests that vitamin K in sea moss enhances elasticity and lessens sagging over time. Additionally, it aids in reducing under-eye dark circles. However, further evidence is required to back this claim.

Can sea moss help with hyperpigmentation?

Anecdotal research suggests that sea moss may be beneficial if you have sun spots, age spots, or hyperpigmentation. The bioactive substances specific to sea moss are said to treat hyperpigmentation and swiftly and effectively lighten dark spots naturally. However, more research is needed in this regard.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Witness the incredible transformation as I share my journey of battling stubborn acne. Scroll down to discover the remarkable results of the miraculous healing properties of Seamoss.

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Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy. She has more than 25 publications in local and international journals to her name. She is passionate about public and patient education...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more