DIY Bladderwrack Seaweed Face Mask

From acne to aging, from dry skin to dermatitis, almost every person struggles with some form of skin annoyance. And as the first thing others often notice, skin issues are particularly challenging when they show up on your face. While some more serious issues require medication or topical creams, most people can keep their faces healthy looking with a regular routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and detoxifying facials once or twice a month.

But while there’s nothing quite like a rejuvenating and relaxing facial, sometimes that spa or salon treatment might cost more than you want to spend. That’s why a DIY bladderwrack seaweed face mask may be just the ticket for your body and your bank account!

Read on to learn about this powerful skin treatment and how you can give yourself an amazing facial right in the comfort of your own home.

What the Heck is Bladderwrack?

Contrary to what you may be thinking, bladderwrack has pretty much nothing to do with your bladder. In fact, this brown algae or seaweed, found mainly in cold water, has the potential to positively impact almost every part of your body except the bladder! Known scientifically as Fucus vesiculosus, its colloquial name comes from the small, air-filled pods that grow along the main stem (or thallus) of the plant and help it to stay afloat. The other part of its name (wrack) signifies something that is driven ashore.

Bladderwrack is most often found in the waters off the Northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the U.S. and on the Atlantic and Baltic coasts of Europe. Although it has been growing for thousands of years, its use in health and well-being is somewhat recent. While many of the potential health benefits of bladderwrack are still being discovered, its composition rich in minerals like iodine and magnesium has already made the plant an important element in the health of the body’s mineral levels, internal responses, and even the thyroid gland. Even more, this seaweed plant has fan-shaped leaves with a thin, leathery texture, perfect for face masks!

Potential Benefits of Bladderwrack for Your Skin … and Lots More!

High in minerals like iodine and vitamin C, bladderwrack is a powerful friend of the face. It nourishes the skin with macro-minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and copper, plus over 70 trace minerals like zinc, manganese and more. Bladderwrack also helps the skin by supporting the production and absorption of collagen, which gives skin strength and elasticity.

But before we get to the DIY bladderwrack face mask that may just change your life, it’s important to note a few additional bladderwrack benefits that have been explored in recent years. Made up of compounds that support the thyroid hormone and joint functionality and that fight free radicals to keep your immune system strong, bladderwrack seaweed has a positive impact on many of the body’s essential functions.

For example, one study found that the iodine derived from bladderwrack helped increase a thyroid stimulating hormone, while another found that it could help balance hormones and maintain a healthy monthly menstruation cycle for women. Bladderwrack has also been effective in studies surrounding improved antioxidant levels and their ability to protect cells from free radical damage, as well as in the creation of long chains of sugar molecules, which can support joint and cartilage health. Along with these benefits, bladderwrack has also been known to support liver health, energy levels, a balanced metabolism, and mineral levels.

DIY Bladderwrack Seaweed Face Mask

Now that you know all about bladderwrack and how it can keep your skin and your body looking and feeling healthy, here is not one, but TWO of our go-to home recipes for a refreshing bladderwrack seaweed face mask. Use these trusty DIY blueprints to rejuvenate your face and give it a salon facial glow that won’t break the bank!

Recipe 1: Using Bladderwrack Powder

*Adapted from Butter Nutrition.

Ingredients:

●      1 teaspoon bladderwrack powder

●      1 teaspoon honey

●      1/4 teaspoon water

Directions:

1. Combine bladderwrack powder and honey in a small dish.
2. Add 1/4 teaspoon water in stages until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Pull your hair back to expose as much facial skin as possible and apply your bladderwrack face mask.
4. Draw a nice hot bath – optional, but recommended for full relaxation!
5. Allow your bladderwrack face mask to dry and remain on your skin for 20-30 minutes.
6. Rinse with warm water and apply a gentle moisturizer like coconut oil.

Recipe 2: Using Dried Seaweed

*Adapted from Wellness Today.

Ingredients:

●      3-4 sheets dried bladderwrack seaweed

●      Coffee grinder

●      1-2 tablespoons water

●      1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (optional, but great for skin irritation!)

Directions:

1. Break up the dried seaweed with your hands into small pieces.
2. Place in coffee grinder and grind until you have about 1 tablespoon of powder.
3. Place the seaweed powder into a small bowl and add water in stages until you have a thick, paste-like consistency.
4. And aloe vera and stir to mix.
5. Pull your hair back to expose as much facial skin as possible and apply your bladderwrack face mask.
6. Allow your seaweed face mask to dry and remain on your skin for 20-30 minutes.
7. Rinse with warm water and apply a gentle moisturizer like coconut oil.

Have you tried a bladderwrack seaweed face mask at home? Let us know what worked best for you by commenting below!

###

Photo by Isabell Winter on Unsplash