When we think of the Mediterranean Sea, we often imagine its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, or the famous Mediterranean diet, widely recognized for its health benefits. However, there is much more to discover about this sea that makes it a true source of well-being. Did you know that the minerals found in the Mediterranean have multiple benefits for the skin? And that they can even help improve fertility?
In this article, we explain how these minerals can be used during the summer to enhance your health and beauty.
The Mediterranean Sea, with its rich mineral composition, is like a magical elixir for your skin and overall well-being. Did you know that its water has a molecular concentration similar to our blood plasma? It’s as if the sea and our body speak the same language. This unique characteristic makes sea bathing a revitalizing experience for both the body and mind.
But what makes this sea so special? As we mentioned earlier, the answer lies in its minerals—seven little heroes that work together to take care of you:
1. Zinc: This mineral is a powerful ally against acne; it is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and reduces sebum production, which is essential for maintaining balance in acne-prone skin. Additionally, it supports your immune system and is crucial for collagen synthesis, a key component for keeping the skin firm and elastic.
Zinc is an essential mineral that can have a positive impact on fertility in both women and men:
- In women, zinc helps regulate hormone levels and is necessary for ovulation, as it helps improve egg quality.
- In men, zinc is crucial for testosterone production and the proper development of sperm. Zinc deficiency has been associated with poor sperm quality and lower sperm count.
Zinc also plays an important role in early embryonic development and helps prevent birth defects. Adequate zinc levels during pregnancy are important
2. Selenium: Known for its antioxidant properties, selenium neutralizes free radicals that can damage the skin and accelerate aging. It is key to preventing wrinkles and spots and also plays an important role in thyroid health.
In women, selenium can help prevent recurrent miscarriages by reducing oxidative stress.
Meanwhile, in men, selenium is essential for sperm production, quality, and motility.
3. Silicon: A vital component for the production of collagen and elastin, silicon is essential for keeping the skin smooth and firm. It is also necessary for the formation of hyaluronic acid, which ensures good hydration.
Silicon has antioxidant effects that could protect sperm and eggs. It also helps in the absorption of other minerals important for fertility, such as zinc.
4. Magnesium: Known as the "multi-action mineral," magnesium is essential for healthy skin. It helps reduce inflammation, regulates sebum production, and protects the skin from external pollutants. Moreover, it is famous for its relaxing properties, helping to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost your mood.
In women, magnesium can help regulate hormone levels and improve ovarian function, which can facilitate ovulation. Some studies suggest that magnesium may help prevent issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility.
In men, magnesium can improve semen quality by increasing sperm motility and concentration.
5. Sulfur: This mineral is a key component for the production of collagen and elastin, improving the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Sulfur also reduces inflammation and stimulates cell regeneration, making it an essential component for maintaining youthful and healthy skin.
In women, sulfur can improve egg quality by promoting cellular health. In men, it contributes to the production of testosterone, a crucial hormone for male fertility, and improves sperm quality.
In both, it helps with the absorption of other nutrients important for fertility, such as zinc and selenium.
6. Copper: With anti-aging properties, copper boosts collagen and elastin production, helping to repair the skin and improve its tone. Additionally, it is crucial for tissue regeneration.
Copper helps in the ovulation process and overall ovarian health, and contributes to the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.
Copper plays a role in the formation and mobility of sperm and aids in the absorption and metabolism of iron, which is crucial for fertility.
7. Calcium: This mineral is essential for maintaining skin firmness, acting as a shield that protects against sagging and premature aging.
Calcium is necessary for many basic cellular functions in the reproductive organs, helps with sperm motility, and aids in the process of egg release. It also plays a role in regulating hormones related to reproduction, is essential for the bone and dental development of the fetus during pregnancy, and maintains the mother’s bone health, which is important for both conception and pregnancy.
You might wonder, how does your skin absorb these mineral benefits from the Mediterranean Sea?
Human skin acts as a protective barrier that prevents most substances, including the minerals in seawater, from entering. Therefore, the minerals in seawater are not significantly absorbed through the skin in measurable amounts.
But don't be discouraged! Even though you can't turn into a human sponge and your skin doesn't absorb large amounts of Mediterranean Sea minerals during a regular bath, it can still benefit in various ways from contact with seawater. For example, your skin gets cleansed, stimulated, and its circulation improves. It’s like a natural spa that leaves you feeling refreshed and full of energy.
So, how can we benefit from the sea's minerals? The answer lies in thalassotherapy.
Thalassotherapy is a therapeutic method that uses the benefits of seawater and the marine environment for health. This method has an analgesic effect due to its properties; seawater helps to reduce pain.
In thalassotherapy, seawater and other marine elements like algae, mud, and sand are used to revitalize and rejuvenate the body.
As for the absorption of minerals through thalassotherapy, the process occurs as follows:
1. Cutaneous Absorption: The skin can absorb certain minerals present in seawater when submerged in it. This is because the skin is a semi-permeable organ.
2. Inhalation: By breathing in sea air, which is rich in salt particles and other minerals, small amounts of these elements can be absorbed through the lungs.
3. Osmosis: When the body is submerged in seawater, an exchange of minerals occurs between the water and the skin due to the difference in concentration.
4. Ionization: The minerals in seawater are in ionic form, which makes them easier for the body to absorb.
5. Temperature: Warm water dilates the skin's pores, facilitating the absorption of minerals.
Spending time in the Mediterranean Sea is not only beneficial for the skin; the sea breeze, the relaxing sound of the waves, and contact with salty water can have therapeutic effects on our mental well-being. By reducing stress levels and improving mood, the sea becomes a space for holistic healing.
At Mater Clinic, we understand that the Mediterranean Sea offers much more than just a place to enjoy a vacation. It is an inexhaustible source of minerals and well-being that, through practices like thalassotherapy, can naturally enhance our health and beauty. Before the summer ends, dive into its waters and discover its revitalizing secrets!
At Mater Clinic, we have caring professionals always ready to answer your questions. If you want more information, feel free to write to us with no obligation or book an appointment with us. We are on Doctoralia, or you can message us on WhatsApp at +34 645 096 548, or through your preferred contact method—we would be delighted to speak with you!
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