- Characteristics
- Description
Fucus vesiculosus, known as bladderwrack, is a thin, branched seaweed of brown-green color. It is found along the Atlantic coast (in the area of the English Channel, as well as the coasts of Great Britain), in the North and Baltic Seas. The dried bladderwrack residue still contains 10—12% water, 15% mineral salts (0.3—0.8% iodine and a similar amount of potassium), 1—2% fatty acids and fucosterols, 4—5% proteins, and 65% condensed carbohydrates, predominantly alginic acid, as well as some amounts of cellulose. Alginic acid is insoluble in water and swells, absorbing water in quantities exceeding its own mass by up to 100 times. The seaweed contains a significant amount of vitamin C and provitamin A. Bladderwrack prevents skin aging and exhibits antioxidant properties, therefore it is recommended for inclusion in cosmetic products that protect hair and skin from oxidative processes. It also affects the metabolism of subcutaneous tissue, thereby accelerating the breakdown of fat tissue. It enhances elasticity, and has nourishing and cleansing properties. Moreover, it regenerates and moisturizes the skin. One of the processing methods for bladderwrack is the micronization of its thallus, which directly enhances the absorption efficiency of valuable ingredients through the skin. Micronized seaweed is convenient for use in cosmetic procedures.