/ 15 February 2023

Everything You Need To Know About Sea Moss

Hydrating, calming and good for treating breakouts – no wonder Google searches for sea moss have nearly quadrupled in the past year. Here, skin specialist – and founder of The Glass House – Caroline Brooks explains why it’s the ingredient to know, as well as how to use it and the products to try.

Rebecca Hull

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Tata Harper

It Goes By Several Names

“Sea moss is a type of red seaweed that grows on the Atlantic shoreline of Ireland and it’s become hugely popular this year – both in skincare and food. It’s also known as ‘seaweed extract’ and sometimes goes by the name of ‘chondrus crispus’. Often found in deep water, sea moss can be subjected to extreme conditions but it survives thanks to clever metabolites. Why is this important? Because its unique composition means it can reinforce and stimulate hydration within the skin’s barrier.”

The Benefits Are Abundant

“Sea moss is a powerful mineral with so many benefits. Primarily, it’s known for being a brilliant skin hydrator, but it’s also full of antioxidants that can help protect and strengthen your skin. Not only that, but it’s rich in sulphur, so it contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to fight breakouts and take down redness. It’s also known to create a protective layer over your skin once you’ve applied it, sealing in moisture and all the nutrients. It also contains 15 of the 18 essential elements that make up the human body – like calcium, magnesium and potassium – so you can see why it’s becoming such a buzzworthy ingredient.”

SERUMKIND

You’ll Also Find It In Food

“There are other ways to incorporate sea moss into your lifestyle. For example, wellness fans have been adding it to their smoothies and juices. It works internally just as it does topically, strengthening your immune system and flooding it with essential nutrients like vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids to keep you feeling and looking healthy.”

It’s Great For Troublesome Skin

“It’s not just good for soothing and preventing breakouts – sea moss is regularly recommended by experts for calming inflammation caused by conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Sea moss is full of vitamin A, so it has a smoothing effect on the skin, and over time can plump up the appearance of fine lines.”

Anyone Can Use It

“As mentioned, there are endless benefits available, but those with dry skin or anyone suffering with breakouts are likely to see results fastest. This is because the antibacterial and hydrating ingredients will work fast to alleviate dryness, tightness and inflammation.”

HANNAH CRISWELL/STOCKSY UNITED

Serums & Moisturisers Are The Way To Go

“Sea moss creates a ‘film’ over your skin, so I recommend using it in a moisturiser, serum or a mask for best results. If you use it as part of a wash-off product like a cleanser, you’ll just lose the antioxidant power immediately. The idea is you want a continuous drip-feed. If you use it as part of a mask, apply it a few times a week, or incorporate a daily serum or moisturiser into your routine. You can also use a sea moss gel neat on your skin without any other added ingredients to let it soak up the nutrients for about ten minutes.”

It Behaves Well With Other Ingredients

“Unlike some skin ingredients, sea moss is compatible with everything. It works well with hyaluronic acid to lend a hefty dose of hydration, and it’s a great pairing for peptides as these are also proven to strengthen slackened skin and bolster collagen levels. Sea moss is non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog up your skin or stop other ingredients from penetrating.”