In a world where steroid treatments and biologics are commonplace, those of us who are affected by psoriasis are always looking for natural remedies that may alleviate the discomfort caused by our condition. As a natural alternative to traditional skin care treatments, seaweed is gaining popularity among an increasing number of individuals.
You can travel to the west coast of Ireland in search of seaweed therapy for your psoriasis since that region has a long tradition of using and consuming seaweed for medical reasons. Seaweed has been used for therapeutic purposes for decades. It is believed that there are no polluting companies in the region, which positively affects both the seaweed and the water quality.
What Are Seaweed Baths?
The Irish people have a long-standing custom of submerging themselves in seaweed. On the other hand, as a consequence of its recent surge in popularity, there are now an increasing number of bathhouses all throughout the United States. You may enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a seaweed bath in a variety of settings, from indoor spas to scenic waterfront locations with outdoor barrels filled with seaweed and warm water.
When seaweed is exposed to high temperatures, it generates oils and gels that are rich in the minerals and vitamins that are good for the body. Because of its high level of moisturization and hydration, its proponents claim that it may soothe aching muscles, rid the body of toxins, and reduce inflammation. This improves circulation and speeds up the healing process for damaged skin cells.
Because it has the largest concentration of oils and gels, Fucus serratus, also known as serrated wrack or bladderwrack, is the most popular kind of seaweed to use in seaweed baths. Other common names for this seaweed are bladderwrack and serrated wrack. Your pores will open up and be better able to absorb the oils and gels if you wash your face with warm water beforehand.
You no longer have to go to tremendous distances or gather your own seaweed in order to obtain the benefits of seaweed therapy. With the assistance of prefabricated bath bags, you are able to give yourself a seaweed bath right in the comfort of your own home.
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Taking Seaweed Baths At Home
Seaweed that has been hand-harvested is allowed to naturally dry for a period of time before being netted and sold by businesses such as Atlantic Irish Seaweed.
Put the bag in the bathtub, fill the tub with very hot water to remove the oils and gels, and then gradually add cold water to bring the temperature down to where you want it. Because the seaweed is confined inside the bag with the net, there is no need for the tub to be scraped after usage.
Understanding Seaweed-Based Skin Care Products
Extracts of seaweed are used as active ingredients in various skincare products. These products are designed to help reestablish the skin's protective barrier naturally by using the curative powers of the sea.
While several of the seaweed-based skin care products I tested were incredibly hydrating, I didn't find that they helped my psoriasis as much as using actual seaweed did.
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The Future Of Seaweed In Treating Psoriasis
Seaweed is being studied for its potential to inhibit the immune system's inflammatory response. A chemical in seaweed with anti-inflammatory properties has been identified thus far.
A lotion containing it has been developed to investigate if this chemical may alleviate the signs and symptoms of skin diseases like psoriasis. Researchers are presently comparing it to steroid creams in the hopes of developing a medication with the same beneficial benefits but none of the negative ones. With this information in hand, the prospects for seaweed as a treatment for psoriasis seem promising.