A tidal wave of marine ingredients are popping up in skincare everywhere we look and for good reason! Find out what lies under the sea with our top 5 Maxmade approved products.

If tumbling waves and salty oceanic elements make you want to grow a mermaid tail and escape into the blue, then you’ll adore the new power ingredient swimming though some of your favourite beauty brands.

However, you don’t have to brave the beach at 5am (or worse, the weekend) to benefit the goodness that lies under the ocean. Highly active marine ingredients have been popping up everywhere from La Prairie to La Mer, known for their potent anti-ageing properties and richness of protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Most famously, La Mer founder Dr. Max Huber believed the sea was a miraculous resource after sea kelp helped him completely heal his skin after a horrific burn – stemming one of the most iconic beauty brands of our time.  If Dr Huber could cure his own chemically damaged dermis, imagine what sea nutrients can do for a tired and dull every-day complexion?

Caviar facials have also been booked up in Hollywood of late, with the humble (but oh-so-pricey) fish egg containing many nutrients and antioxidants that heal, regenerate and protect the skin. It’s fatty acids help prevent cellular inflammation of the skin and trigger hormones that promote collagen production, while vitamins A and E protect from environmental hazards and free radicals that cause ageing and disease. Do you need any more convincing?

So without further ado, here are some of my current favourite sea-inspired products to refresh your complexion, boost collagen and restore optimum cell function with a beachy Bondi feel (that will last all year round).

1: Oskia Super 16 Serum

Imagine this – 16 natural ingredients come together to boost the skin’s vital collagen production. The key marine ingredient here is a Marine Plant Stem Cell Complex that reduces pigmentation whilst protecting the skin with anti-oxidants. Rich seaweed extracts hydrate and refresh – and it’s also packed with vitamins A, C, E and F, and anti-inflammatory super-wonder MSM.

2: Ahava Extreme Night Treatment

The Ahava brand has been cultivating ingredients from the Dead Sea for 26 years using the latest in modern technology. The hit-list of ingredients includes the Osmoter – a unique, concentrated extract of mineral-rich Dead Sea water that  draws moisture and nutrients from the depths – and Dunaliella Salina – an algae that helps strengthen and protect skin. It’s also a natural anti-oxidant rich in beta-carotene, helping protect skin against UV radiation.

3: Perricone MD Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment

Fun fact: when baby salmon are born, they release an enzyme in order to get out of their shell. It dissolves the dead skin shell  that contains them – but allows the living cells to thrive. Applied to human skin, the enzyme acts in the same way. It has a non-rinse formula and exfoliates and conditions the skin, allowing it to instantly glow.

4: La Mer The Eye Concentrate

This deeply conditioning cream formulated with hematite – a magnetically-charged mineral – will help dramatically dissolve the appearance of dark circles, surface discolourations and any unevenness. Used for both night and day, it’s perfect under concealer to stop ashiness in the complexion and  add luminosity on those tired days.

5: La Praire Skin Caviar Concealer and Foundation

Everything you need for flawless coverage in one bottle. One part luxury foundation, one part professional-level concealer, the foundation has an SPF 15 and a luxurious cream emulsion to give the look of a naturally glowing complexion. Also, it keeps the skin hydrated for an exquisite look and a dewy finish. A perfectly matched, professional level concealer in the bottle cap camouflages under-eye darkness and deeper flaws. Both formulas support firming with legendary caviar extracts and help shield skin from ageing factors. Beloved for its skin-perfecting texture and day-long coverage, this luxe duo is a serious make-up must.

As you can see, it’s possible to be a stylish mermaid. Have you used marine ingredients in your routine? If so, what changes can you report on?

Credits

Photographer; Josie Clough at DLM, Written; Alina Berdichevsky, Hair & Makeup: Max May at DLM, Model; Inka Williams at IMG