Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, purple sea moss, or Chondrus crispus, is taking a turn in the limelight of the health and wellness community. This edible seaweed contains a wide range of the nutrients the human body uses, including vitamins, trace minerals, antioxidants and iodine. It is commonly enjoyed for its rich nutrient profile and is traditionally used to support overall wellness, including thyroid function, heart and gut health, and general daily nutrition. You can read more about sea moss and the topics researchers have studied in the article linked below:

Why Use Sea Moss? 7 Potential Benefits

One topic not discussed in the above post is sea moss gel for skin support. So, how can sea moss fit into your skincare routine? The goal of this article is to answer this question and provide some different options for how to use sea moss for skin.

What Is Irish Sea Moss?

Irish Sea Moss is an edible seaweed that has been used by humans for thousands of years as a traditional food. This wildcrafted moss can be found growing naturally on the rocky shores of Ireland, and the coasts of Europe and Canada. It comes in a variety of colors including gold, red, and purple. For a complete guide to wildcrafted irish sea moss, read the article linked here:

Irish Sea Moss (Chondrus Crispus): The Beginner’s Guide

What Is Sea Moss Gel?

Wild sea moss is usually taken in supplement form. Purple sea moss supplements come raw, as an already made gel or powder, or in capsule or gummy form. Raw purple sea moss is a dehydrated version of the raw seaweed. While you can eat the moss as is, it is not preferred. Rather, it should be soaked and made into a gel for a much easier and much more enjoyable consumption experience. You can follow our five foolproof steps to make your own sea moss gel here:

How To Make Sea Moss Gel: Five Easy Steps

What Can Sea Moss Offer Your Skin?

Here are 5 aspects of this underwater delicacy that make sea moss a popular addition to a skincare routine:

1. Carrageenan:
   
   

Sea moss contains natural polysaccharides called Carrageenans. Carrageenans are valued for their thickening, gelling, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties, which is why they are used in many skin care and cosmetics products. If you see “Chondrus crispus” on your skincare label, then you know it contains this seaweed.

In addition to these properties, carrageenan has been studied for its antioxidant properties, which researchers associate with helping to neutralize free radicals. Carrageenan has also been studied in the context of skin exposed to sunlight (1); you can read more on PubMed.

Photoaging, if you are not familiar with the term, refers to the cumulative effects (such as wrinkles or dark spots) on skin that result from long-term exposure to sunlight and especially ultraviolet light, so antioxidant support is an interesting area when thinking about skin care long-term.

2. Sulfur:
   

Sea moss is naturally a source of sulfur. Sulfur is a component commonly found in skincare formulations and has been studied in the context of sebum, or oil production from the skin (2); you can read more on PubMed. Many people incorporate sulfur-containing ingredients as part of a routine to support the look of clearer, balanced-looking skin.

3. Vitamins & Minerals:
   

In addition to sulfur, sea moss is a natural source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin K, nutrients that are commonly associated with supporting moisture and the skin’s defense against everyday environmental factors and free radicals.

Vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids are thought by experts to be lacking in the average American diet. These naturally occurring vitamins and minerals found in sea moss can support overall nutrition and help maintain healthy-looking skin from the inside out.

4. Non-comedogenic:
   

Moisture, your skin loves it! But not when it clogs your pores. Sea moss is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not block pores. This helps support deeper hydration for healthy-looking, hydrated, and supple skin.

5. Safety:
   

In a world where we are constantly discovering ingredients we would rather avoid in our favorite everyday products, sea moss is becoming an attractive tool to use in your skincare routine. The natural polysaccharides in carrageenan plus the trace minerals and vitamins offer advantages many people appreciate – they come directly from nature.

So, can sea moss be a useful part of your skincare routine? Many people think so.

How To Use Sea Moss Gel For Skin

Now that we know what sea moss can offer for skin, let’s explore some different ways you can incorporate purple sea moss for skin at home. You might be wondering if consuming irish moss is the only way to use it, or if you can put sea moss on face skin, too. We’ll answer that question and more as we explore four different ways you can use sea moss in your routine!

1. Just Sea Moss
   

One of the advantages to using sea moss gel as opposed to powder, capsules, or gummies is the ability to use the product topically, directly on the skin.

But, can you put sea moss on your face? Yes, you absolutely can.

It is a best practice, however, to first apply a small bit of sea moss gel to your skin (your arm or thigh are good test spots), then observe the area periodically looking for any reactions before applying the gel to your face.

Additionally, you may consider speaking with your dermatologist to make sure this is something that will be suitable for you and your unique skin type.

This brings us to the first and possibly the easiest way to begin your natural skincare journey – applying sea moss gel directly to your skin, no other ingredients necessary.

Start by cleaning your face, then apply a thin layer of sea moss gel and set your timer. You can leave the gel on for up to 20 minutes. During that time, your skin can soak in those moisturizing and antioxidant-rich qualities. Finally, rinse with water and finish with your preferred moisturizer to lock everything in.

2. Homemade Sea Moss Gel Face Masks
   

The second method you can use to incorporate sea moss gel for skin is making your own homemade sea moss gel face masks. This simply involves combining different ingredients with your sea moss gel that are also popular in skincare.

Some ingredients commonly found in these types of DIY masks are aloe vera, turmeric, honey, coconut oil, avocado, and yogurt. Soon, we will post a list of different sea moss gel face mask recipes to try and link it here, but for now, you can easily find DIY face mask recipes online.

3. Add To Other Products
   

Another simple way to use sea moss in your skincare routine is to mix a small amount of your sea moss gel with your daily/nightly moisturizer or sunscreen before applying like you normally would.

4. Ingestion
   

Last but not least, ingesting sea moss by mouth can support healthy-looking skin from the inside out as part of a balanced diet. For this method, you can take purple sea moss capsules, gummies or take 2 Tbsp of your gel, daily. The best part about consuming sea moss this way is that your whole body gets to share in the full spectrum of nutrients that sea moss has to offer. If you are taking by mouth, you can still use the product on your skin as part of your daily skincare routine – almost like a two for one!

Conclusion

There are many reasons people add sea moss to their skincare routine. Thanks to the naturally occurring carrageenan, sulfur, vitamins and trace minerals, sea moss can be a supportive part of caring for your skin in a chemical-free and non-comedogenic fashion. You may choose from applying sea moss gel directly on your skin, to making your own face masks, mixing with your daily moisturizer, or taking internally. Whichever method you choose, your skin will thank you!

Medical Disclaimer

Please speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement including Irish Sea Moss. None of the content on this site is or should be considered medical advice. The purpose of this article is simply to highlight relevant research for those curious about Irish Sea Moss.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.