Interesting Facts About Japanese Skincare By Elizabeth Ruby

An ancient Japanese skincare solution may be the answer to increasing firmness, smoothing out wrinkles and delaying the signs of aging. It is called Wakame kelp. Let me tell you about its history and how it works. Traditional Asian medicine holds wakame in high regard. It has been used to purify the blood and improve intestinal strength. It was applied topically to treat damaged skin and hair. It is sometimes referred to as a "beauty preserver". It is eaten raw and cooked. The greens have a subtle sweet flavor and are often served with fish. If you look at the nutritional value alone you have to realize that this Japanese skincare treatment is unique. Vegetable sources of EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, are rare. Most fish are rich in EPA omega3s, but most vegetables contain ALA, which can be converted to EPA and other long chain fatty acids, but the process is slow and inefficient. Wakame is rich in EPA, as well as calcium, sodium, thiamine and niacin. All of those are important to the skin's health. Fatty acids, like EPA, are the primary component of sebum, the skin's natural moisture. Calcium and sodium help to maintain the skin's moisture balance and firmness. The B vitamins, thiamine and niacin, soothe and reduce inflammation. Aside from its nutritional value, the kelp has been shown in the laboratory to inhibit the production of an enzyme known as Hyaluronidase. The enzyme breaks down levels of hyaluronic acid, which is essential for the maintenance of the skin's elasticity, smoothness and tone. As we get older, the level of hyaluronic acid begins to decrease. The result is sagging, wrinkling and even dark circles beneath the eyes. By, inhibiting the breakdown of the amino, Japanese skincare solutions containing wakame can prevent lost firmness, reduce dark circles and help heal wrinkles. Recent research has also shown that the kelp contains a compound called sulfated polyfucose. This is an antioxidant like substance that protects the skin from UV radiation and environmental pollutants. One of the best companies has taken wakame and combined it with protein-peptides, coenzyme Q10, natural vitamin E, grape seed oil and passion fruit extract to create a daily cream for women that provides all of the essential nutrients necessary for cellular reproduction and repair. The ancient Japanese skincare secret is not a secret anymore and lots of companies are trying to ride on the coattails of this effective ingredient by including ingredients that are listed as seaweed, kelp or algae extract. These plants may be in the same family, but they are not wakame. They may be somewhat beneficial, as they have some nutritional value, but the only variety that has been shown to protect levels of hyaluronic acid is wakame. Another bit of advice is this. Most companies that include protein-peptides and vitamin E use synthetic versions because they are cheaper and easier to buy. Only natural substances are guaranteed to be safe. So, that is your Japanese skincare lesson for the day.

About the author: Elizabeth Ruby is passionate about good health and using healthy products on her skin. She does extensive research on the best products to use and what products to avoid. Visit her website at http://www.your-best-skin-care-site.com/ to find out what products she recommends.