Aquarius Wellness – October Newsletter

Over exposure to the sun without protection leads to wrinkles, brown spots and eventually the potential of cancer.  The simple truth is that physical blocks work best, this includes clothing and especially hats.  As far as SPF products are concerned, those with mineral blocks such as micronized titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (as opposed to nano) provide the safest form of protection for anyone who is about to spend hours exposed to the sun and the elements. The Aquarius Wellness Eco Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 offers safe organic sun protective moisturizers that avoid harmful chemicals.

DNA Damage
Comet Assay Test:

The DNA on left is like a comet having a ball and a “tail” of damaged strands of DNA. The DNA on the right shows normal, healthy DNA, that has been repaired by plankton enzymes.

Even with a solar protective shield, there may be some damage from sun exposure.  Harmful rays can disturb the bonds of DNA to create malformed strands called dimers. The body’s repair mechanisms attempt to correct the damage, but it’s a long process. Marine plankton contains enzymes that can correct that damage within 2-4 hours of application. These ‘photolyase’ enzymes are remarkable in that they are dormant until exposed to sunlight which stimulates them to repair DNA. Tests conducted on human volunteers by Heinrich Heine University in Germany provided strong evidence to support this claim, where biopsies from human volunteers revealed a 50% improvement within two hours. These enzymes are found in our Marine Repair Cream.

Brown Algae Polyphenols
Marine algae refer to all plants that dwell in the oceans, from microscopic plankton that create the vast “meadows of the sea”, to giant kelp that grow 6 inches a day and can attain a length of over 180 feet. Within their seawater environment they are constantly exposed to strong ultra-violet radiation and harsh climate conditions. These marine plants have evolved a network of defense mechanisms to defend their DNA including anti-inflammatory polysaccharides, super antioxidant vitamins and polyphenols, DNA repairing photolyase enzymes, and a concentration of vital minerals all working in synergistic balance.

Marine algae such as laminaria and fucus offer a vast treasure trove of antioxidants that defend our skin’s cells from the attacks of ultraviolet radiation, as well as free radicals and pollutants.  Laminaria is a giant kelp found in the North Atlantic and harvested off the coast of Iceland and Brittany. Living in pristine conditions, this kelp is renowned for its wealth of polyphenols—one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants. Research conducted at Ohio State University and the University of South Carolina suggest that brown algae polyphenols harvested from laminaria provide strong anti-carcinogenic properties in the treatment of skin cancer.

Beta and alpha-carotenes provide additional antioxidant protection and give this kelp its characteristic brownish-green coloring. Of the carotenoids, astaxanthin is the most powerful and has been described as nature’s sunscreen (click here to learn more about astaxanthin). Other antioxidants found in our seaweed include super lutein, lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and fucoidan. These are supported by ions of minerals and trace elements to neutralize free radicals before they can damage nucleic DNA.

Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory Remedies
For those who experience mild sun burn and redness, marine algae provide anti-inflammatory actives. Omega-7 fatty acids, marine polysaccharides and astaxanthin help to relieve the discomfort of over-exposure to the sun. Our lab partners have formulated seaweed-based mists, gels and aromatic essential oils to cool the skin and restore it to a normal tone.

So allow yourself to safely enjoy the sun (always wear protection!) with the knowledge that the ocean provides us with an “eco-defense” against environmental aging factors.

All of Aquarius Wellness skincare products include the algae extracts described above, but below are a list of products made specifically to aid the skin in recovering from over exposure to the sun:

Revitalizing Sea Cleanse: A deep pore cleanser with organic laminaria algae. Ideal for oily/congested skin types.

Flower Acid Peel: An anti-inflammatory concentrate of hibiscus flower and green tea acids in a soothing seaweed-based gel. Gradual exfoliation without irritation or redness associated with alpha-hydroxy peels. Allows basal cells to mature fully, strengthening the connective tissue matrix.

Oxygenated Infused Marine Peptide Cream: This ultimate anti-aging repair cream is enriched with skin rejuvenating marine peptides & liquid oxygen that hydrate, tone, brighten, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Age Defense From Luminous Eyes: This algae-infused under eye serum diminishes the appearance of fine lines and puffiness and brightens dark circles for an illuminated look.

Luminous Vitamin C Serum: Enhance skin luminosity with brightening vitamin C esters to combat uneven skin tone caused by environmental damage, sun overexposure, hormonal imbalance and scars.

Night Repair Serum: Wake up to bright, nourished and noticeably softer skin. This overnight, oil-based serum replenishes moisture and increases skin elasticity. Skin tone is improved with vitamin C and Liquid Oxygen while essential oils provide protective antioxidants.

Eco Defense Daily Moisturizer with SPF 25: A non-whitening, silky smooth and lightly scented moisturizer with antioxidants and SPF 25 to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Arnica Sports Gel:  A powerful decongesting gel formulated with arnica, camphor and menthol.

Body Hydration: Skin will feel silky smooth with our light citrus-scented moisturizing body lotion containing organic seaweed, vitamins A and E, hyaluronic acid and omega 3 and 7 fatty acids that nourish and protect the skin from environmental damage.

Hydrating Laminaria Oil: 100% pure seaweed oil gently restores moisture and nutrients to reveal glowing healthy skin. Scented with the essential oils of ylang ylang and bitter orange.

Seaweed Exfoliating Body Wash: Fine pumice exfoliates for soft glowing skin with a light scent of lime, lemongrass and spearmint.

Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo: Our natural, seaweed-based shampoo gel is enriched with apple cider vinegar, nutrients from seaweed, and a relaxing blend of essential oils. It nourishes the scalp, addressing itchiness while adding sheen and luster. For use daily in bath or shower.

Lami Salts: A unique combination of pure salts harvested from the moors of Brittany with organic Laminaria seaweed. The vital elements of magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, iodine and more revitalize skin and improve circulation. Eucalyptus and Rosemary essential oils help to detoxify while providing a refreshing balancing zest.

Sea Cal Bath Powder: This mineral-rich milky bath powder is formulated with calcium, magnesium and spirulina for deep hydration and a proprietary aromatherapy complex that eliminates water retention. For added hydration, add Hydrating Laminaria Oil for a balancing and serene at home spa experience.