Seaweed Science

Seaweed has been used for over 300 years as therapy for a variety of skin and 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, and other bioactive compounds. 

Seaweed encompasses a broad range of vital nutrients such as fibre, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron and 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, and 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 and reactive oxygen species that damage our bodies cells and Phlorotannin’s, a type of polyphenol, whose antioxidant activity fights against the free radicals that damage our cells and DNA.

SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN

VOYA works with the most advanced cosmetic scientists to formulate our highly effective seaweed-based facial and body care products. Our 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 and Skin Barrier Quality. 

Antioxidant Protection

Scientific Research has shown that prolonged exposure to oxidative stress leads to inherent and premature skin aging. Free radicals which cause this stress are around us every day. Our bodies create free radicals but there are huge number of external factors too, such as UVA/UVB/UVC, Air Pollution, Air Conditioning and Central Heating, Stress, and a poor diet. By protecting the skin from free radical damage, you can help to protect against premature aging, prevent pollution damage and 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, and 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? We tested VOYA seaweeds to see which ones were the most effective at stimulating the fibroblasts to increase the production of Collagen 1. Our scientific studies confirm that the seaweed contained in VOYA products, particularly our Laminaria Digitata and Fucus Serratus seaweed improves Type 1 Collagen production in the skin by over 200% and 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 and Aquaporins. Aquaporins transport water and other solutes around the epidermis and are vital for the skins function, hydration levels and wound healing.  Our study confirms that: Fucus Serratus elevated the expression of Keratin 5, 10 ,15 and aquaporins and Laminaria Digitata elevated the expression of keratin 10. While Fucus Serratus decreased the trans-epidermal water loss in the skin by 14%*

IN-VITRO STUDIES

Our study also found that VOYA seaweeds improved moisturisation and 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.

Our Seaweed

Fucus Vesiculosus – Bladder Wrack

When used in hot seawater baths or steamed, Fucus Vesiculosus reacts in the same way as Fucus Serratus and releases polysaccharides (such as alginic acid) and iodine as well as other minerals which have many benefits. They improve skin condition, lower high blood pressure and ease arthritis and rheumatic pains. We harvest it in autumn for its high Vitamin C content and in the summer for its high Vitamin A content.

Himanthalia Elongata - Sea Spaghetti

Himanthalia Elongata is used predominantly in VOYA’s facial range for those with problematic, combination or oily skin. It provides high levels of vitamins along with essential amino acids. This seaweed has a natural ability to restore balance to your skin’s moisture levels. It is found growing on rocks on the tide line and in rock pool in-between the harvest of Fucus Serratus and Laminaria Digitata. Commonly known as Sea Spaghetti, this seaweed has several properties which make it attractive as an ingredient in personal care and cosmetic products. It is absorbent, viscosity controlling and skin protecting. It can be used as a binding agent and is also edible when cooked.

*in-Vitro testing the Shannon Biotechnology Research Centre, Institute of Technology, Tralee