Seaweed skin care range developed for patients undergoing cancer treatment

01-Apr-2012 - Last updated on 02-Apr-2012 at 14:13 GMT

A skin care line featuring twelve different types of seaweed has been developed by cancer survivor and former nurse Vincene Parrinello after finding cosmetics ‘weren’t working’ for people taking medications and battling cancer.

According to the entreprenuer, skin care products featuring parabens, ethanolamines (MEA, TEA, DEA), sulfates, formaldehydes (BHT, DMDM Hydantoin), hydroquinone, butylene and propylene glycols are those likely to irritate skin that is already sensitive.

“Certain medications and treatments compromise the skin’s condition as they can change and interfere with the exchange of information between the cells so that ingredients in normal skin care products are deemed no longer effective,” says Parrinello.

“These suffocate the skin, inhibiting cellular respiration and inhibit the absorption of vitamins and nutrients in the skin care formula," she adds.

As a result, Parrinello set up San Diego based company Wai Hope, to offer a seaweed infused alternative that she says will gently repair, replenish and restore the complexion in those undergoing chemotherapy or taking anti-depressant and cholesterol medications.

Benefits of seaweed…

According to the former nurse, while all products in the Wai skin care line feature rare peptides, minerals and enzymes that restore the skin’s appearance, the rare Red Fijian seaweed in particular has been proven to have anticancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties.

“There is no mistake that focusing on the enhancement of cosmetic chemistry, the primary ingredient the water, and its delivery into the skin must be significant in order to have formulations that will have dramatic positive effects on the skin,” she explains.

In vitro research and tests have, according to Parrinello, revealed the Wai Restructured Water in their formulations, in addition to the seaweed and botanical stem cells increases cellular regeneration up to 60 percent and increases collagen and elastin production up to 45 percent.

“They are not studied by the FDA; however, the products are manufactured in a USA FDA Organic Manufacturing Facility. This facility helps offset the possibility of cross contaminants of other harmful chemicals,” she concluded.