Bladderwrack, or Fucus Vesiculosus, is a mineral rich ingredient that helps to draw toxins out of the skin, and helps to reduce fluid retention. Due to this, you find this ingredient most often in spa treatments such as body wraps. However, scientists have uncovered some very interesting information that should put this powerful ingredient on your radar, and on your face.
Bladderwrack is known to have water-binding properties, which helps to hydrate the skin—always important for the health and appearance of the skin. Additionally, Bladderwrack is chock-full of anti-oxidants, and you know we love the anti-O’s for their free radical fighting ways!
A Japanese study1 has shown that topical use of Bladderwrack can induce the contraction of collagen gels (filled with fibroblasts), via an increased expression of integrin molecules. What??? Ok, what that means is that the contraction reduced the thickness of the skin. As we age, our skin thickens, and our elasticity decreases. By reducing skin thickness, the elasticity stays firmer, longer. In this study, a 1% concentration of Bladderwrack extract, applied topically two times a day, showed a significant improvement to the condition of the elasticity in just five weeks. I would say that that is pretty darn impressive.
If you are looking to protect your elasticity, up your topical anti-oxidants, and hydrate your skin, you may want to look into to products that list this powerful ingredient.
Note: Bladderwrack is harvested from the seas of the North Atlantic. It has an extremely high concentration of Iodine. If you have an iodine allergy this may not be the product for you. If you are not sure, a patch test should be performed.
1 Treatment of human skin with an extract of Fucus vesiculosus changes its thickness and mechanical properties. 2002 Jan-Feb;53(1):1-9. Biological Science Laboratories, Kao Corporation, 2606 Akabane, Ichikai-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi 321-3497, Japan. Fujimura T, Tsukahara K, Moriwaki S, Kitahara T, Sano T, Takema Y.