Since time immemorial, seawater has been a source of life, a symbol of power, beauty and purification!

The very oldest civilisations instinctively understood that it was brimming with exceptional benefits and used it during care rituals or for daily regeneration. Very early on, humanity discovered that seawater was a treasure to be preserved: it could both soothe the body and mind, invigorate and revitalise.

Even today, while practices have evolved, particularly thanks to the constant contributions of science which have allowed us to explore and highlight its unparalleled mineral richness, it is still the same regenerating virtues that we honour in seawater treatments. Oceau Marine.

In this article, I invite you to discover this «timeless beauty elixir» by delving into the history of its use…

Ancient rituals

From antiquity, humankind has been fascinated by the power of seawater. Ancient civilisations turned to this natural and abundant resource, which was both part of their sacred universe and their daily lives, for the cleaning of bodies and places.

Sea salt, obtained from the evaporation of seawater, was a symbol of wealth and abundance. It even facilitated the growth of trade, as it was a sought-after currency.

We already knew the techniques for extracting the precious fleur de sel in salt marshes (the methods of hand-gathering are almost always the same nowadays).

Sea salt was used to preserve food, season it, make offerings, or aid in Wound healing…

An ancestral inheritance…

In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, known today as the father of medicine (particularly through the famous Hippocratic Oath), already recommended seawater baths for their healing properties for the skin, joints, or respiratory system.

La thalassotherapy (from the Greek thalassa for sea and therapia for healing) was born!

Among the Romans, The thermal baths also played a social role in the community: people met there to perfect their personal hygiene, enjoy the relaxing benefits of the water, as well as to discuss politics or share the latest news!

Even today, this legacy of Public bath and has endured and modernised through the centres of balneotherapy and the Thermal stations which offer thalassotherapy treatments.

In addition to seawater, natural ingredients derived from the ocean (seaweed, sea salt, marine mud, etc.) are used, combined with specific care techniques (hydro-massage, remineralising baths, etc.) to stimulate the body, providing maximum physical well-being and mental relaxation!

The Belle Époque: The rise of seaside bathing fashion and coastal tourism

What a pleasure it is to be able to indulge in swimming in the energising ocean waves!

It was in the 18th century, in England, that Doctor Richard Russell prescribes the first Seawater cures and the absorption of seawater for its therapeutic effects on the body. He was able to observe the benefits of seawater on his patients and studied its effects on their health (regulated skin problems, lessened respiratory conditions, soothed joint pain, etc.).

This is a major breakthrough that will later inspire other researchers, particularly in the field of cosmetics and the development of seawater-based treatments.

Richard Russell can be considered the pioneer of balneotherapy car, very quickly, his methods will make waves.

Following the example of the coastal town of Brighton, located in the south of England and highly popular with the entire English bourgeoisie, the first seaside resorts began to develop all along the French coasts: Biarritz, Deauville…

The Belle Époque saw the rise of seaside holidays explode!

The Quinton Sea Water Revolution

René Quinton is a French biologist from the early 20th century, particularly known for his work on seawater and its effects on health.

He will discover that the Sea plasma has a very similar chemical composition to that of our blood plasma, which makes isotonic seawater a perfectly assimilated element by our cells, allowing it to regulate without disrupting our internal balance.

In 1897, he would develop a protocol and his famous serum, known by the name « Quinton's water » : a sterilised and diluted seawater containing a perfectly balanced concentration of’Oligo-elements and minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium…), similar to that of our blood plasma. It will be used for rehydration and revitalisation of cellular functions in ill or deficient subjects.

These days, skincare products, food supplements and marine therapies often draw inspiration from the work of René Quinton.

Today and tomorrow... with Oceau Marine care!

While innovation is at the heart of our business, Oceau Marine is also inspired by this magnificent history of seawater to perpetuate ancestral beauty rituals.

Every day, we also focus on the possible developments in our treatments to enrich your daily practices and improve your physical and mental well-being.

We are working to offer you treatments that respect the fragility of each skin, even when it is atopic, sensitive and prone to skin problems.

This also involves better releasing tension and stress during your daily routines through various techniques that we regularly share on our social media (beauty tips from my expertise in naturopathy, facial massage to better apply your skincare and totally relax).

Seawater is a sacred treasure from which we draw many virtues every day. We want to share its secrets with you, to think about future care and to maximise its positive effects starting now.

Les rituels de soin anciens qui m'inspirent sont ceux qui mettent l'accent sur la connexion avec la nature, comme l'utilisation d'herbes et de plantes médicinales, ainsi que des pratiques holistiques qui prennent en compte le corps, l'esprit et l'âme.

Come and talk to us on our networks and share your feedback on Oceau Marine products!