Seaweed has been used for over 300 years as therapy for a variety of skin & rheumatic conditions in Ireland. Seaweed naturally absorbs its nourishment from the sea, over 80% of the seaweed plant is made up of essential minerals, vitamins, & other bioactive compounds due to it’s natural filtration process.
Seaweed encompasses a broad range of vital nutrients such as fibre, calcium, potassium, magnesium, & iron & is also well known for its high iodine content which supports the maintenance of normal healthy skin. In addition, seaweed contains several key vitamins including folate, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, & C. In fact, seaweed is almost unique in that it is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12.
Seaweed also contains several other bioactive compounds not found anywhere else, including: Fucoxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that can quench harmful free radicals & reactive oxygen species that damage our bodies cells & Phlorotannin’s, a type of polyphenol, whose antioxidant activity fights against the free radicals that damage our cells & DNA.
SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN
VOYA works with the most advanced cosmetic scientists to formulate their highly effective seaweed-based facial & body care products. VOYA’s latest independent scientific research on the efficacy of seaweed completed in conjunction with the Shannon Biotechnology Research Centre at the Institute of Technology, Tralee confirms that seaweed has a profound effect on Antioxidant Protection, Collagen Production & Skin Barrier Quality.
Antioxidant Protection
Scientific Research has shown that prolonged exposure to oxidative stress leads to inherent & premature skin aging. Free radicals which cause this stress are around us every day. Our bodies create free radicals but there are a huge number of external factors too, such as UVA/UVB/UVC, Air Pollution, Air Conditioning & Central Heating, Stress, & a poor diet. By protecting the skin from free radical damage, you can help to protect against premature aging, prevent pollution damage & decrease sensitivity. All VOYA seaweeds have been proven to increase the skins ability to fight against free radicals by over 100%.
- Fucus Serratus: 724%*
- Himanthalia Elongata: 533%*
- Fucus Vesiculosus: 280%*
- Laminaria Digitata: 122%*
Collagen Production
Collagen is important for the brightness, elasticity, firmness, & suppleness of the skin. As we grow older our collagen gradually decreases. You cannot physically add collagen to the skin as a collagen molecule is too large. You can however use ingredients which stimulate fibroblasts to make more of your own collagen.
Did you know that Collagen 1 forms 80% of the total collagen present in the skin? On testing VOYA seaweeds to see which ones were the most effective at stimulating the fibroblasts to increase the production of Collagen 1. Scientific studies confirm that the seaweed contained in VOYA products, particularly VOYA’s Laminaria Digitata & Fucus Serratus seaweed improves Type 1 Collagen production in the skin by over 200% & 140% respectively*
- Laminaria Digitata: 202%
- Fucus Serratus: 143%
- Fucus Vesiculosus: 126%
- Himanthalia Elongata: 94%
Protect Your Skin Barrier
Your skins functional barrier is there to protect your skin. If there is a breakdown in the skins function barrier you are at increased risk of:
- Water/hydration loss
- Increased Sensitivity
- Oxidative Stress (premature aging)
The main proteins in the skin responsible for the skins function barrier are: Keratin I, Keratin 5, Keratin 10 Keratin 14 & Aquaporins. Aquaporins transport water & other solutes around the epidermis & are vital for the skins function, hydration levels & wound healing. Our study confirms that: Fucus Serratus elevated the expression of Keratin 5, 10 ,15 & aquaporins & Laminaria Digitata elevated the expression of keratin 10. While Fucus Serratus decreased the trans-epidermal water loss in the skin by 14%*
IN-VIVO STUDIES
Scientific study also found that VOYA seaweeds improved moisturisation & elasticity levels in the skin by significant amounts.
Moisturisation:
- Fucus Serratus increased the moisturization of the skin by 17%*
- Laminaria Digitata increased the hydration levels of the skin by 18%*.
Elasticity:
- Fucus Serratus decreased the tiring effect of the skin by 36%* improving the overall elasticity of the skin.
- Laminaria digitata decreased the tiring effect of the skin by 16%* improving the overall elasticity of the skin.
*in-Vitro testing the Shannon Biotechnology Research Centre, Institute of Technology, Tralee
