Nothing says summer more than a thick wedge of cool watermelon or a strawberry daiquiri at the beach. But there is more to these than fun in the surf and (protected) sun. Traditional summer fruits such as watermelon and strawberries are rich in nutrients that have great potential benefits not only internally, but when combined with the powerful nutrients of seaweed, can have dramatic results on the appearance of the skin. Here, to help celebrate Memorial Day, we will fill you in on the background research you need to know to understand the importance of these and other summer inspired ingredients, how they work on the skin, as well as suggest some truly beneficial facial treatments to get your summer menu going.
Why Watermelon
There is tremendous interest in watermelon now because research has shown it has great potential benefits both internally and externally. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a globally cultivated fruit, valued for its sweetness, high water content, and low calories. Watermelon contains phytochemicals such as lycopene, vitamin C, β-carotene, and a high polyphenol content that possess anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Studies show that dietary intake of these factors with antioxidants properties are important in maintaining human health and well-being, potentially reducing incidence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and some coronary heart diseases by inhibiting formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Watermelon has high antioxidant capacity and is also high in carbohydrates, vitamins, and fiber. Watermelon has recently received attention for its fewer quantities of fats; it is therefore considered a constituent of a healthy diet low in cholesterol and sodium.
Watermelon is rich in vitamins C and B complex, and the red color of its pulp is due to the presence of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant component and it is able to neutralize free radicals especially responsible for skin aging. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation disrupts the oxidative stress defense systems; in the absence of adequate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging mechanisms, the ROS produced cause oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Studies show that ROS elimination can protect against photoaging associated with the onset of skin wrinkle formation.
Lycopene, though its ability to decrease inflammation, is also shown to promote cell renewal, and inhibit DNA damage following UVB injury. Furthermore, it has been shown to strengthen the natural defenses of human skin by preventing DNA damage in skin cells in two ways: by preventing direct damage from UV light and by inhibiting the release of free radicals induced by UV light.
Nutrient-Rich Strawberries
Strawberries contain antioxidant polyphenols, as well as vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Manganese, Potassium and Folate. The form of Vitamin C in strawberries is a sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), a more stable, water-soluble version of this vitamin that is known to brighten skin. Because of its anti-inflammatory action, SAPs have also been studied in relation to acne mediation, with some promising results.
The Power of Seaweed
For centuries, people have turned to the sea for its renewing properties. Thalassotherapy, stemming from the Greek word for sea, “thalassos”, is a term coined to describe the usage of seawater for therapeutic purposes and preventative measures based on the belief that immersion in seawater helps promote wellbeing and cleanses the system. Bathing in seawater is one of the deepest rooted bathing traditions. Today, the tradition of thalassotherapy continues as spas and skin care centers around the world.
In skin care, specific seaweeds can be used to create a number of beneficial cosmetic effects including decreasing the appearance of oil, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliating the skin for a more luminous looking complexion and moisturizing the skin to make it feel and look soft and smooth. Since 1980, Repêchage® has been the forerunner in seaweed technologies and the pioneer in professional seaweed treatments and cosmetics both in the US and around the world.
At the heart of the Repêchage® professional products is their rich, pure, and exclusive Laminaria Digitata Seaweed Filtrate. Most manufacturers of seaweed-based products use an oven drying method of processing. This method yields a product, which contains trace elements but may be deficient in vitamins and amino acids that are heat sensitive.
By a proprietary process Repêchage’s creates an exclusive Laminaria Digitata Seaweed Filtrate which contains 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 42 trace elements and minerals, and phlorotannins—the key elements skin needs for deep surface hydration and balance.
In addition, this seaweed is a source of many important nutrients, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, enzymes and bioactive peptides. Essential fatty acids help maintain our skin’s barrier, and polysaccharides such as Alginic Acid, help to lock moisture into our skin. Among marine resources, it is also one of the richest sources of natural antioxidants such as phlorotannins, sulfated polysaccharides, fucosterol and fucoxanthins.
Treasure of the Aegean: Mastic Oil and Water
Known as the “Tears of Chios,” Mastic or Mastiha is a precious, ivory-colored resin with a balsam-like scent derived from the mastic tree known scientifically as Pistacia lentiscus. Although cultivated in other areas, it is the mastic trees in the southern tip of an island in the Aegean that is most legendary. This ingredient is known to help strengthen the appearance of the skin barrier and to instantly help reduce dryness while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots.
Summer Inspired Facials:
Implementing a summer themed spa menu, using seaweed, watermelon and other summer-inspired ingredients in products and treatments while providing refreshing watermelon and strawberry based snacks and drinks, combined with traditional Greek or Mediterranean beverages and foods is a great way to celebrate summer while helping to brighten and renew skin.
Watermelon extract has a very powerful effect on the appearance of dark spots, sallowness and hyperpigmentation. When used in conjunction with Seaweed extracts, Peptides and Diglucosyl Gallic Acid (DGA), it works to help restore and support even skin tone. Watermelon is found in the breakthrough Biolight® Brightening Skin Serum. This serum contains Watermelon extract, three Peptides and Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, and Repêchage® exclusive Laminaria Seaweed extract combined with Sodium Hyaluronate, Willow Bark, Gotu Kola and Licorice extracts to help brighten and even the appearance of skin tone to uncover a complexion that looks more radiant, luminous, and even toned.
This serum is a key step in the professional Repêchage Biolight® Miracle Facial with Glyco-Sea® Glyco Peel. This facial is based on a multi-dimensional approach to brighten and even the appearance of the skin. The products in this facial also contain Orange Water, a vital source of Vitamin C, which can be highlighted in facial menus, such as found at the CONRAD Fort Lauderdale Spa in their Orange Blossom Brightening Facial.
The Biolight® Brightening Skin Serum is also used in the Biolight® Express Brightening Facial which is combined with an express sheet mask utilizing Glutathione, a key brightening ingredient. The Biolight® Brightening Skin Serum is also available as an at-home product.
Repêchage Berryfina FUSION® Facial is a quick, 30 minute treatment that the utilizes a combination of Blueberry, Beet Root powder and Strawberry with potent Vitamins A and C. This mask helps tighten pores, and gently exfoliates to help brighten the appearance of the skin.
For other summer inspired treatments, have clients sip traditional Aegean Mastiha Water or cocktails after enjoying the Hydra Dew Pure™ Moisturizing Lift Facial with skin softening Mastic Water. And, for the ultimate in Seaweed facials, the Four-Layer Facial® provides layer upon layer of pure, fresh seaweed to help tone, deep cleanse and firm the appearance of the skin dramatically.
Summer inspired facials help to keep clients coming into the spa and salon during the summer months, and can be used alone or as upgrades to essential body treatments such as waxing and body contour treatments.
How do you like to celebrate summer in your spa or salon? Let us know in the comments.
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