Skin solution may lie at bottom of sea
KELP: HEALING PROPERTIES FOR ECZEMA, PSORIASIS
Marine biologist began investigating health benefits about 15 years ago.
Along-lost natural skincare product lurking in the depths of the Western Cape’s sea beds has made a resurgence due to its ability to cure a host of skin conditions.
Kelp (Ecklonia maxima), which has been used in various beauty products for centuries, has been found to contain anti-inflammatory properties.
This means many skin conditions, from redness to itchiness, can be relieved using kelp.
To make this skin curing process classier than rubbing a giant piece of giant kelp on the affected area, Dermikelp has created a bottled range of non-chemical alternatives.
The active ingredient in kelp skincare treatment is known as CEM-K, which contains phlorotannins and fucoidans, known for their antioxidant and antiviral properties. CEM-K also contains vitamins and minerals such as iodine and zinc.
Marine biologist Dr Nigel Christie began investigating the potential health benefits of kelp about 15 years ago.
He collaborated with a pharmacist to formulate a product able to use kelp in an aesthetically pleasing way.
The first products were a skin cream and a shampoo, which through informal testing proved to be able to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
And so, Lamicare Health was created, which has continued to provide South Africans with products containing kelp.
Lamicare Health CEO Lee Glanville said research is currently being done into the potential pharmacological application of kelp’s polyphenolic compounds.
It is possible that kelp’s compounds could have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties as well.
Other common skin conditions that can be alleviated using kelp include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic reactions to soaps, jewellery, cosmetics and/or plants, minor burns, insect bites, chicken pox and shingles.
An added benefit is people with compromised immune systems are also able to use the product, because it is free of steroids.
Kelp used in Demikelp’s skincare products are harvested by hand.
The department of environmental affairs, forestry and fisheries gives annual permits and quotas to control the removal of any marine resources, which includes kelp harvesting.
According to the quotas, no more than 10% of the total biomass of kelp forests can be harvested. Glanville assured that kelp has been harvested on an industrial scale for many years, with no negative impact on kelp forests of the Western Cape. – nicar@citizen.co.za
Demonstrations across cities as part of a two-day general strike.
Thousands of Myanmar anti-coup demonstrators hit the streets yesterday as the junta regime continued its crackdown, amid overnight raids in parts of Yangon which targeted officials from Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party.
Myanmar has been in chaos since the 1 February coup which ousted civilian leader Suu Kyi from power and triggered a mass uprising opposing the military junta regime.
Last Wednesday was the deadliest day so far, with the United Nations saying at least 38 people were gunned down as security forces fired into crowds, shooting some protesters in the head.
The United Nations rights office also said it has verified at least 54 deaths since the coup – though the actual number could be far higher – and more than 1 700 people have been detained.
The only reports of serious injuries yesterday were a 19-year-old man shot in the jaw and a woman hit by rubber bullets in Bagan, the Unesco World Heritage
Site famed for its ancient Buddhist temples.
“One woman was shot with a rubber bullet in her left leg,” said a rescue team member.
“There was one man who was shot through the jaw and neck in Bagan.”
A state-run newspaper yesterday warned people not to join the rallies.
“The public should be careful not to get involved in the protests to prevent the future of their children being ruined,” the Global New Light of Myanmar said.
Yangon-based activist Maung Saungkha said there were coordinated protests across multiple cities and areas yesterday as part of a two-day general strike.
“We are willing to die for our country,” he said. “This current situation is worse [than the past regime]. This time we must fight to win.” On Saturday, state-run media announced that if civil servants continued to boycott work, “they will be fired” from today.
But demonstrators insist they will continue to defy authorities – with protest activity yesterday in at least seven townships across Yangon and in five other cities and regional towns, according to Facebook live feeds.
We are willing to die for our country