Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, is a type of red algae that grows on rocks in the ocean.
It has been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine in various cultures, including those in Ireland and Jamaica, but it’s really been making waves in the beauty world too!
Just a few years ago the term ‘sea moss benefits’ saw a 380% increase on Pinterest 100 Trends, and as of 2024, the hashtag #seamossbenefits has 545.7 million views on TikTok! So you know it’s not just a fad.
According to Krupa Koestline, a clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants, Sea Moss “is found in deep water and is subjected to extreme conditions.” It survives these conditions by accumulating several metabolites.
This is great news because these metabolites—such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—are incredibly beneficial for your skin.
This unique composition ‘reinforces and stimulates the process of keratinization in the epidermis,’ explains Koestline. This helps to hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin, potentially improving texture and reducing signs of ageing.
Sea moss is still mostly recognised as nature’s very own multivitamin packed with gut-loving nutrients straight from the sea.
But it can still benefit your skin from the inside out if you choose to go that route, here’s how:
Nutrient Supply: When consumed, sea moss provides a rich array of nutrients, including vitamins (A, C, E, and K) and minerals (zinc, iodine, and magnesium). These nutrients support overall skin health by promoting collagen production, fighting oxidative stress, and maintaining hydration.
Hydration: Sea moss contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that can help retain moisture in the body. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing dryness.
Detoxification: Sea moss is thought to help with detoxification by supporting the body’s natural cleansing processes. A well-functioning detox system can lead to clearer, healthier skin.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory compounds in sea moss can help reduce inflammation and redness, potentially benefiting conditions like acne or eczema.
Digestive Health: Good digestive health can have a direct impact on skin appearance. Sea moss aids digestion and can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to clearer, more radiant skin.
If you start consuming sea moss, you might notice it helps with various health issues. It can make digestion easier, give your immune system a boost, and provide a natural lift in energy.
Its fibre content helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full, while its antiviral and antimicrobial properties help your body fight off infections.
Packed with 92 of the 102 vitamins and minerals that our bodies need including vitamins A, C, E, and K, plus essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, it’s got a lot going for it!
WHAT ARE THE 10 MINERALS MISSING FROM SEA MOSS?
Other Benefits Of Sea Moss For The Skin:
Skin Brightening – Sea moss contains vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that can brighten your skin tone and improve its overall radiance.
Helps to Combat Ageing – One of the significant benefits of sea moss is its anti-ageing properties. It’s packed with antioxidants that help to combat the free radicals, which are responsible for skin damage and premature ageing. Sea Moss also contains collagen, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting a youthful glow.
Reduces Inflammation and Soothes Skin Irritation – Sea moss contains sulfated polysaccharides that have anti-inflammatory properties and help to reduce redness, irritation, and acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of the sea moss can also help to soothe the skin from eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
Enhances Skin’s Overall Appearance – When used topically, the sea moss helps to improve the skin’s overall appearance by reducing the appearance of dark spots, promoting a more even skin tone, and clearing up blemishes. Its detoxifying properties help to eliminate impurities and toxins from the skin, revealing a healthier and more radiant complexion.
Summer might be waving goodbye, but don’t think that means saying farewell to your favourite denim shirt. As we gear up for pumpkin spice season, one thing’s for sure: the one thing that is sticking around is the timeless allure of the denim shirt. Gone are the days when denim shirts were just for cowboys and 90s boy bands (though we’ll always have a soft spot for Justin Timberlake’s all-denim look). Today, this classic piece has evolved into a true fashion chameleon, ready to transform your outfit game.
You might be going for a chill brunch vibe or gearing up for a festival, either way, I’ve got four fabulous ways to rock your denim shirt.
So if you’re ready, it’s time to dig out that denim shirt that’s been lurking in the back of your closet, and give it the spotlight it deserves!
1.Classic Combo: Denim on Denim
The denim-on-denim look, also known as the “Canadian tuxedo,” is a timeless ensemble that exudes effortless style.
Pair your denim shirt with your favourite jeans in a slightly different shade for a chic, monochromatic look.
To break up the denim, layer with a white or striped tee underneath. Complete the outfit with trainers or ankle boots for a laid-back vibe.
2.Layer Up: Denim Shirt with a Jumper
For those cooler days, layering is key.
Throw on your denim shirt over a lightweight jumper for an extra layer of warmth and style.
Opt for a neutral-coloured jumper to keep the focus on the denim, and pair it with chinos or coloured trousers for a pop of colour.
3.Knot It Up: Denim Shirt with High-Waisted Bottoms
Give your denim shirt a feminine twist by tying it at the waist.
Pair it with high-waisted jeans, shorts, or a skirt to accentuate your waistline and create a flattering silhouette.
This look is perfect for a weekend getaway or a casual day out with friends. Add some statement jewellery and sandals to elevate the look and you’re ready to go!
4.Dress It Down: Denim Shirt with Joggers
Take your denim shirt into athleisure territory by pairing it with comfortable joggers or track pants.
Tuck in the shirt for a more polished look or leave it untucked for a relaxed vibe.
Finish off the outfit with chunky trainers and a baseball cap for the ultimate off-duty look that’s equal parts comfort and style.
If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the nail aisle, confusingly squinting at the bottles labelled “nail lacquer” and “nail polish”, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Today, we’re breaking down the differences between Nail Lacquer vs Nail Polish to help you make informed choices for your next manicure and clear up the confusion once and for all!
These two popular products have some key distinctions that can affect your nail care routine and results.
Let’s explore what sets them apart.
Nail polish is what most people think of when they imagine a manicure.
It’s been around for a long time and is known for its straightforward formula, which usually includes pigments, solvents, and resins.
Nail polish gives your nails colour and shine and typically requires a base coat and a top coat for the best results.
Pros:
Variety: Nail polish comes in countless shades and finishes. Whether you’re into matte, glossy, or glitter, there’s a polish for you.
Ease of Use: Most nail polishes are easy to apply and are suitable for at-home manicures. They often come with user-friendly brushes and formulas.
Affordability: Generally more budget-friendly, allowing you to experiment with different colours and finishes without spending a fortune.
Cons:
Chipping: Nail polish can chip more easily, especially if you’re hard on your nails. This might mean more frequent touch-ups.
Drying Time: It often takes a bit longer to dry compared to some lacquers, which might be inconvenient if you’re in a hurry.
Nail lacquer is a term used for a product that’s similar to nail polish but with some differences.
Lacquer usually has a higher concentration of resins, which can result in a more durable and glossy finish.
It often dries faster and is designed to be more resistant to chipping.
Pros:
Durability: Nail lacquers are typically more resistant to chipping, making them a good choice if you need your manicure to last longer.
High Shine: They often provide a glossier finish, giving your nails a polished look.
Faster Drying: Many lacquers dry quicker than traditional nail polish, so you can get on with your day sooner.
Cons:
Cost: Nail lacquers can be more expensive than standard nail polish.
Removal: Some lacquers might be a bit harder to remove, especially if they are long-wearing formulas.
Differences In Their Ingredients and Formulations
Understanding the ingredients in nail polish and lacquer can help you make better choices.
Both products typically contain similar components, such as solvents (to dissolve the other ingredients and help with application), pigments (for colour), and resins (for a glossy finish and durability).
However, the concentration and types of these ingredients can vary between products.
For instance, nail lacquers often have higher resin content, which enhances their durability and shine.
Some lacquers also include additional ingredients like formaldehyde or toluene, which can be harsh.
If you’re looking for more natural options, some brands like Nail Polish Direct and Butter London now offer “five-free” or “ten-free” lacquers that avoid these potentially harmful chemicals.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between nail polish and nail lacquer really depends on what you’re looking for in your manicure.
If you’re interested in trying out different colours and finishes frequently and don’t mind doing touch-ups, nail polish is a great option.
On the other hand, if you want something that lasts longer and maintains a high-shine finish, nail lacquer might be the better choice.
Feel free to mix and match based on your needs and preferences. Your nails are a great way to express yourself, so choose what makes you feel confident and happy.
The struggle is real when it comes to finding hair products that keep high-porosity hair in tip-top shape. If your hair feels like it’s constantly thirsty, frizzes up at the slightest hint of humidity, and tangles like it’s got a mind of its own, you know exactly what I’m talking about!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on the best deep conditioners for high porosity hair, with expert insights from a trichologist Afope Atoyebi who’s got the inside scoop on what really works!
We’ll be covering the ingredients you should be looking out for, and her very own recommendations on the best deep conditioners, that can transform your hair from frizzy and frazzled to sleek and smooth.
What Is High Porosity Hair?
High porosity hair refers to hair with a high ability to absorb and retain moisture because its cuticles (the outer layer of the hair) are lifted or have gaps.
That means it soaks up water and products faster than a sponge but can also let them go just as quickly.
This can be due to genetics, chemical treatments, heat styling, or just the everyday wear and tear of life.
What Ingredients Does High Porosity Hair Need?
According to Afope, there are three main needs of high-porosity hair: moisture, strength, and conditioning.
Let’s explore these three needs in more detail.
Moisture
You might think that water can have a drying effect on your hair once it dries, similar to how your skin feels tight and dry after a shower, creating the need to moisturise.
But when it comes to high-porosity hair, water should be the first ingredient in that deep conditioner, “when you’re thirsty, you drink water.”
Other ingredients, like oils, can be considered more moisturising than water when it comes to hair, but their purpose is actually to help the hair retain water.
So by starting with water as the primary component in your deep conditioning routine, you ensure that your hair receives the essential moisture it craves.
“Water is literally nature’s only inherit moisturiser.” This hydration lays the foundation for healthier, more manageable hair that resists frizz and retains its natural shine.
The other types of moisturising ingredients you need are humectants, “that will be your glycerins, your sorbitol, your honey as well as…film-forming humectants.”
Film-forming humectants include ingredients like aloe vera, hydroxyethylcellulose, marshmallow root, slippery elm and panthenol.
They are commonly found in hair and skin care products that serve a dual purpose of attracting moisture to the hair or skin while also forming a protective film or barrier to help retain that moisture.
These humectants not only hydrate but also provide a shield against environmental stressors that can strip away moisture.
The last types of moisturising ingredients to look for are oils and butters. “Oils are not inherit moisturisers, neither are butters, but this doesn’t mean they are not useful in helping to slow the moisture loss from your hair.”
Strength
Hair also needs to be strong to be healthy. To increase your hair’s ‘tensile’ strength (which is the fancy way of saying its ability to withstand stretching and pulling), incorporating protein-rich ingredients and ceramides into your hair care routine is essential.
Proteins such as keratin, collagen, and silk amino acids can help reinforce the hair shaft, making it less prone to breakage and split ends.
Proteins will “bind to the damaged gaps in your hair, to create a film over your hair, that will, in doing so, help your hair to retain moisture.”
This is especially beneficial for high-porosity hair that tends to have gaps and openings in its structure.
They also help to restore elasticity, improve texture, and enhance overall hair health.
Ceramides are lipid molecules naturally found in the hair cuticle.
They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the hair shaft by forming a protective barrier that seals moisture into the hair by keeping the cuticle together which helps to retain moisture and prevents environmental damage.
“If you consider your cuticle layers like shingles on a roof, then ceramides are the glue that keeps these shingles together.”
That makes ceramides a very effective hair care ingredient, not only for those with high-porosity hair but also for damaged, relaxed and/or coloured hair.
Ceramides can be found in both natural and synthetic forms in hair care products.
Here are examples of both:
Natural Ceramides:
Wheat Germ Oil: Contains naturally occurring ceramides that help to strengthen and protect the hair.
Hemp Seed Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids and ceramides, it helps to nourish and moisturise the hair while improving its overall health.
Safflower Oil: Packed with ceramides, this oil helps to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier, making hair smoother and more manageable.
Artificial Ceramides:
2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol: A synthetic ceramide used in hair care products to replicate the function of natural ceramides, improving moisture retention and enhancing hair strength and resilience.
You might think natural ceramides are the way to go, but according to Afope, artificial ceramides “closer mimic the hair’s natural ceramides, so where you can, try and pick the deep conditioners that contain the artificial ceramides over the ones that have just the natural ceramides.”
Conditioning
Conditioning is another essential need for maintaining high-porosity hair.
Without it, your hair would be like a sponge that’s lost its bounce—dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
For curly hair types in particular, conditioning helps to improve the hair’s appearance and manageability.
Conditioning helps to ensure the “hair is not just healthy on the inside, but that it looks healthy on the outside too.”
To do this, you’ll need fatty alcohols, emulsifiers and emollients:
Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol help to smooth and soften your hair, making it easier to detangle and manage.
Emulsifiers work to blend oil and water in your hair products, ensuring that each strand gets an even coating of hydration and nourishment.
Emollients seal in moisture and create a protective barrier that keeps your hair looking sleek and shiny all day long.
These are the magic ingredients that make hair products rich and creamy rather than runny and watered down.
Think of them as the secret sauce that gives your conditioner that luxurious, buttery texture your high-porosity hair craves.
So next time you’re scanning the ingredients list on a conditioner bottle, keep an eye out for these key players!
They’re the unsung heroes that turn a basic conditioner into a deep, restorative treatment that leaves your high-porosity hair feeling silky, strong, and super-hydrated.
Best Deep Conditioners For High Porosity Hair
Based on her extensive experience and expertise, Afope Atoyebi swears by these top-performing deep conditioners that work wonders for high-porosity hair.
Here are her recommendations:
As I Am Hydration Elation
This deep conditioner is formulated with coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E to moisturise and strengthen hair from root to tip. Afope recommended this product as a great option for those looking for a deep conditioner with “low to no” protein in it.
Crece Pelo
Known for its natural ingredients like bamboo, nettle, and carrot oil, Crece Pelo helps to promote hair growth while restoring moisture and vitality. Afope recommends using this treatment in the subsequent weeks following a protein-free deep conditioner and before the next intensive protein treatment.
L’Oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 Damaged Hair Masque
This intensive repair treatment targets five signs of damage: split ends, weakness, roughness, dullness, and dehydration, leaving hair smooth and healthy-looking. This conditioner packs a punch with moisture and strength, thanks to its blend of ceramides and proteins.
Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus
Infused with proteins and ceramides, this fortifying mask provides deep conditioning to strengthen and restore distressed hair. “This is another really, really great balanced deep conditioner for high-porosity hair,” Afoye says. She uses this conditioner after an intensive protein treatment.
How To Maximise The Benefits Of A Deep Conditioner
To get the most out of these deep conditioners, here are a few tips:
Consistency is Key: Regular deep conditioning (at least once a week) will help maintain your hair’s moisture balance.
Heat It Up: Using a heat cap or wrapping your hair in a warm towel can help the conditioner penetrate more deeply.
Rinse with Cool Water: After deep conditioning, rinse your hair with cool water to help seal the cuticles and lock in moisture.
Avoid Overloading: While deep conditioning is crucial, avoid using too many heavy products that can weigh down your hair and cause buildup.
By incorporating these deep conditioners and tips into your hair care routine, you can keep your high-porosity hair looking and feeling its best.
Q. Does High Porosity Hair Like Protein? Yes, high-porosity hair often benefits from protein. Protein helps fill in the gaps in your hair cuticle, strengthening your strands and making them less prone to breakage.
However, it’s important to use protein in moderation. Too much can make your hair stiff and brittle.
Balance protein treatments with moisture-rich conditioners and masks to keep your hair healthy.
Q. Which Oil Is Best For High Porosity Hair? High-porosity hair does well with heavier oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil.
These oils penetrate the hair shaft and provide deep hydration. Argan oil is also a great option; it’s lighter but still very moisturising.
These oils help to hydrate and seal in moisture, which is essential for high-porosity hair. Use them regularly to keep your hair nourished and healthy.
Wrapping Up Your Hair Care Journey
As we come to the end of our deep dive into deep conditioners for high porosity hair, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned.
We’ve explored a range of products, from budget-friendly options to luxurious treatments, all designed to quench your thirsty locks and restore that healthy shine.
Remember, finding the right deep conditioner for your high porosity hair might take some trial and error.
What works wonders for one person might not be the perfect match for another. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results – consistency is key in any hair care routine.
Is it just me, or have we all been witnessing a major love affair with retro home design over the last few years?
Just think: we’ve had wavy mirrors sweeping our FYP on TikTok, Pinterest’s quirky ‘Kitschens’ trend, a celebration of Greek design sparking the Hellenistic revival, and now mushroom lamps are back too!
These delightful lamps, with their organic shapes and whimsical vibes, are perfect for adding a touch of charm and warmth to any space.
If you’re a fan of mid-century modern, eclectic vintage, or contemporary chic, you’re likely going to find a mushroom lamp to complement your style.
From iconic designs to budget-friendly options, we’ll explore the 10 best mushroom lamps that will bring a magical glow to your interiors.
Green Mushroom Lamp from Graham & Green
With its glossy enamel finish and cute rounded shape, this green table lamp would be a gorgeous addition to your bedside or reading nook.
White Twist Iron Table Lamp from Anthropologie
This white mushroom lamp with a twisted base offers a modern twist on a classic design, blending sleek aesthetics with a playful charm.
Beige Seashell Seta Vidre Lamp from The Masie
This metal and glass mushroom table lamp, with its stylish gold accents, is perfect for your reading needs. The sleek metal base and glass shade give it a sophisticated look, while its focused light makes it an excellent auxiliary lamp for curling up with a good book. Plus, it comes in three other colours, so you can choose the one that best fits your decor.
Agathilda Opaline Glass and Marble Table Lamp from La Redoute
This double opaline glass mushroom lampshade sits gracefully atop a sleek black marble base, radiating elegance and modern sophistication. It’s ideal for elevating any living space with its luxurious design and gentle, ambient lighting.
Sand Mushroom Dome Table Lamp from Houseof.
Featuring a sandy greyish hue, the mushroom lampshade elegantly complements its sand timer-shaped base. Neutral tones allow it to blend effortlessly into any decor, offering a subtle yet distinctive aesthetic for your room.
Tom Dixon Portable Bell Table Lamp from Harrods
A vibrant red powder-coated mushroom lampshade evokes the iconic design sensibilities of the 1960s, with its sleek, retro-inspired silhouette capturing the essence of mid-century modern style. It blends a pop of vibrant colour with a smooth, glossy finish that’s both eye-catching and nostalgic.
So’ Home Contemporary Floor Light Antique Brass from La Redoute
This antique brass mushroom floor lamp has a minimalist silhouette and smooth contours, creating a refined aesthetic that seamlessly blends classic charm with contemporary style. It’s ideal for any space, whether it’s your home or office.
Black Metal Table Lamp from H&M
Sleek, contemporary and minimalist, this black lacquered metal table lamp exudes sophistication, complemented by a glossy finish that adds a touch of elegance to any space, stylishly combining form and function.
Elements Small Glass Mushroom Table Lamp from Dunelm
This small, budget-friendly and charming lamp from Dunelm is adorned with intricate blue swirl detailing. This cute lamp would fit snugly into any corner.
Kinoko Coloured Glass and Metal Wall Light from La Redoute
This 80s-inspired glass dome wall lamp is lovingly hand-blown to bring out its unique character. What’s more, it’s available in two additional colours, allowing you to choose the perfect shade to complement your decor.
Let’s talk tiger stripes! You know, those pesky lines that show up uninvited on our thighs, hips, and tummies? Yeah, those.
While we’re all about embracing our bodies in all their glory, it’s totally cool if you’re looking for ways to minimise these streaky souvenirs from life’s big moments. Enter the latest buzz in the beauty world: argan oil for stretch marks.
Now, before you roll your eyes and think “Here we go, another miracle cure,” hear me out.
We’re not promising magic, but argan oil has shown some pretty exciting possibilities when it comes to its potential to tackle stretch marks.
With so many products out there claiming to tackle stretch marks, it can be overwhelming to find one that truly works. But argan oil has everyone from Instagram influencers to dermatologists perking up their ears.
In this post. we’ll explore whether this nutty little wonder could be the key to smoother, more even-toned skin. Who knows? Your stretch marks might just meet their match!
Understanding Stretch Marks
Before we explore the benefits of argan oil, let’s first understand what stretch marks are and why they occur in the first place.
Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are a type of scarring that happens when the skin is stretched rapidly, causing the collagen and elastin fibres to tear.
This can happen during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy or puberty, as well as due to fluctuations in weight or muscle gain.
They start off as red or purple streaks and eventually fade to a lighter colour over time.
Even though stretch marks are totally harmless, they can make some people feel a bit self-conscious.
For many, they serve as a constant reminder of their body’s past changes.
What Is Argan Oil?
Often referred to as “liquid gold,” argan oil has been Morocco’s best-kept secret for ages, thanks to its amazing skincare perks.
It’s squeezed out of the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco.
This magical oil is loaded with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that your skin will absolutely love.
One of the key benefits of argan oil is its ability to improve skin elasticity and prevent the formation of stretch marks.
When applied topically, argan oil penetrates deep into the skin, where it helps to promote collagen production and repair damaged tissue.
This can help to strengthen the skin’s structure, so it can handle a bit of stretching without leaving those annoying marks behind.
Additionally, argan oil is renowned for its moisturising properties, which help to keep the skin hydrated and supple.
By maintaining optimal moisture levels, argan oil can prevent the skin from becoming dry and brittle, which is a common risk factor for stretch marks.
The Science Behind Argan Oil
Argan oil isn’t just a beauty buzzword or TikTok ‘skin-influencer’ fad either—it’s actually backed by science.
A clinical study revealed that argan oil had a “positive effect on increasing the skin elasticity.”
The active compounds found in argan oil, such as linoleic acid and tocopherols (vitamin E), possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this chemical composition “justifies the use of argan oil in anti-stretch marks creams for benefits in restoration of the skin water–lipid layer, neutralization of free radical agents, and protection of the conjunctive tissue.”
Argan oil contains saponins, which are natural cleansers that help to remove impurities from the skin and promote cell turnover too.
How To Use Argan Oil For Stretch Marks
Here’s how you can incorporate argan oil into your skincare routine:
Massage: Gently massage a few drops of argan oil onto the affected areas of your skin twice daily. Focus on areas prone to stretch marks, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and breasts. The massaging action helps to improve blood circulation and enhances the absorption of the oil into the skin.
Hydration: In addition to applying argan oil directly to your skin, it’s essential to stay hydrated from within. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and plump, which can help to prevent stretch marks from forming.
Consistency: Like any skincare regimen, consistency is key when using argan oil to combat stretch marks. Make it a habit to apply the oil regularly and stick to your routine to see the best results.
