Water, the origin of life!

Scientists estimate that oceans and their dependencies occupy 70.7% of the Earth's surface. There are 5 oceans, which are in turn divided into seas, gulfs, bays, and straits. Water is life, and life began in seawater. 

The use of seawater was empirical until the end of the 20th century. Its healing properties have indeed made it an ally of balneotherapy and thalassotherapy since Antiquity. 

They are his revitalising effects and remineralising, interesting aspects, which have made this ingredient famous.

An ideal shape and composition for the skin

Historically, seawater experienced a major boom in the 20th century through French biologist René Quinton, who, after multiple studies and reflections, demonstrated the similarity in composition between the main liquids in our bodies and seawater.

During his research, René Quinton also highlighted that current seawater is three and a half times more concentrated than that of our origins. Seawater from the origins of life is considered to be the perfect degree of salinity to allow our cells to function optimally. He then advocated for the use of seawater brought back to isotonicity (the same salinity as our bodies). 

Isotonicity, an optimal medium for the skin

First of all, it's important to know how our skin is made up and how our cells live.

The skin is made up of several layers of tissue which act as the body's primary protective barrier. In anatomy, three layers are identified: 

• The epidermis, the upper layer,
• The dermis, the middle layer, 
• The hypodermis, the deep layer. 

Each part is in turn made up of cells with a predefined role. These cells are then themselves made of a plasma membrane which allows for the maintenance of the cytoplasm (aqueous solution, containing biomolecules necessary for the cell's functioning). 

To maintain and keep the three layers of the skin functioning optimally, it is therefore essential to choose the right concentration adapted to our cellular environment. 

Indeed, there are three types of environments for cells: 

• Hypertonic: an environment with a higher solute concentration than that of the membrane of our cells.
• Isotonic: an environment with a solute concentration similar to that of our cell membranes.
• Hypotonic: an environment whose solute concentration is lower than that of our cell membranes.

Isotonic is what can be most beneficial for aiding the body without upsetting it. The cells will recognise the same concentration and thus take what they need in trace elements and minerals to function optimally. 

Au contraire, the hypertonic solution will tend to transfer its entire composition to the cell, risking overloading it, which could even lead to cell lysis in the worst-case scenario. 

The hypotonic solution, on the other hand, could absorb the electrolytic elements from our cells, risking deficiency. 

Seawater in cosmetic treatments

Thus, everything led one to believe that if seawater helped internally, it would be just as useful and beneficial when applied externally. This is how cosmetics made from seawater came into being. 

Indeed, seawater contains no less than 99 trace elements and minerals which can be assimilated by the body as they are in similar proportions to our extracellular fluid, and also complete, as there is no absorption without minerals. Its specific mineral composition helps the skin barrier strengthen like magnesium, which contributes to electrolyte balance and normal protein synthesis. The skin is then calmed and Protege. 

These minerals also play an important role as some of them make up the Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF). These factors particularly help to maintain the hydration of the stratum corneum playing a role in water retention. 

The quality of seawater

Pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing

We have chosen to use quality seawater that respects the conditions for drawing water according to Quinton's processes, while working with current technologies to ensure irreproachable quality.

Therefore, the production of isotonic seawater is carried out in a pharmaceutical GMP of the highest quality. Seawater is Stable and safe, whether for our cosmetics or as a food supplement. 

Indeed, the seawater used in our cosmetic treatments has undergone triple microfiltration followed by cold thermal sterilisation to eliminate endotoxins (toxins released in small quantities during the dissolution and destruction of cell membranes of pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria) and microcystins (bacterial toxins).

Seawater devoid of oxidants

Oxidants or free radicals are chemical compounds lacking an ion which can lead to a disruption of cellular function when present in excessive numbers. They are notably responsible for skin ageing. These are natural and produced by our bodies but can be disrupted by external aggressors such as pollution or diet. 

Free radicals can also be created by the breaking of chemical bonds during heat treatment. The cold sterilisation carried out on our seawater is performed under operating conditions that guarantee these chemical bonds.

Inert packaging

 
Unemulsified seawater is very reactive, especially with its container.

René Quinton himself had noted the instability of seawater in the container, awaiting more advanced technology in sterilisation and glass to render his seawater inert. 

In 1904, he wrote:

«The water, after autoclaving in an ordinary glass, appears milky white to the eye.»

Indeed, glasses have evolved until very recently; particularly for the pharmaceutical sector. 

Historically, borosilicate glass was first developed in 1983, followed by Pyrex in 1915, with the development of glass for injectables in between. Nowadays, there are three grades of glass available for pharmaceutical laboratories (Type I, II, III: with Type I being the most neutral). 

The seawater used for our creams is thus packaged in stable Type I glass, which does not cause iridescence or crack with heat. Regular analyses prove that the seawater does not attack the container and therefore does not leach no substances (heavy metals, lead...). It is this quality that we are committed to for the best benefits for your skin.