Seawater has always been a source of life, a symbol of power, beauty and purification!
The most ancient civilizations instinctively understood that it abounded in exceptional benefits, and used it for ritual care and daily regeneration.
Early on, mankind discovered that seawater was a treasure to be preserved : it could both soothe the body and mind, invigorate and replenish.
Even today, while practices have evolved, thanks in particular to the constant contributions of science, which have enabled us to explore and bring to light its unrivalled mineral wealth, it is still the same regenerative virtues that we honor in Oceau Marine seawater treatments.
In this article, I invite you to discover this “timeless beauty elixir” by delving into the history of its use...
OF ANCIENT RITUALS
Since ancient times, man has been fascinated by the power of seawater. Ancient civilizations turned to this abundant natural resource, which was both part of their sacred universe and part of their daily lives, to cleanse their bodies and their surroundings.
Sea salt, produced by the evaporation of seawater, was a symbol of wealth and abundance, and was a much sought-after currency for trade.
The techniques for extracting the precious fleur de sel from the salt marshes were already known (hand-picking methods are almost always the same today).
Sea salt was used for preserving food, seasoning, making offerings or helping to heal wounds...
AN ANCESTRAL LEGACY...
In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, known today as the father of medicine (notably through the famous Hippocratic Oath), was already recommending seawater baths for their curative properties for the skin, joints and respiratory system.
Thalassotherapy (from the Greek thalassa for sea and therapia for treatment) was born!
Among the Romans, the thermal baths also played a social role in the community: people gathered there to perfect their personal hygiene and enjoy the relaxing benefits of the water, as much as to discuss politics or share the latest news!
Even today, this heritage of public bathing lives on and has been modernized through balneotherapy centers and spas offering seawater treatment cures.
In addition to seawater, natural ingredients from the ocean (seaweed, sea salt, sea mud, etc.) are used in combination with special treatment techniques (hydromassage, remineralizing baths, etc.) to stimulate the body and provide maximum physical well-being and mental relaxation!
THE BELLE ÉPOQUE: THE FASHION OF SEA BATHS & SEASIDE TOURISM
What a pleasure to be able to swim in the ocean's energizing waves!
It was in 18th-century England that Dr. Richard Russell prescribed the first sea-bathing cures and the absorption of seawater for its therapeutic effects on the body.
He observed the benefits of seawater on his patients and studied the effects on their health (regulated skin problems, reduced respiratory ailments, soothed joint pain...).
It was a major breakthrough that would later inspire other researchers, notably in the field of cosmetics and the development of seawater-based skin care products.
Richard Russell can be considered the pioneer of balneotherapy, for his methods soon made waves.
Following the example of the seaside town of Brighton, located in the south of England and popular with the English bourgeoisie, the first seaside resorts sprang up all along the French coast : Biarritz, Deauville...
The Belle Epoque saw the boom in seaside resorts explode !
THE QUINTON WATER REVOLUTION
René Quinton was a French biologist of the early 20th century, best known for his work on seawater and its effects on health.
He discovered that marine plasma has a chemical composition very similar to that of our blood plasma, making isotonic seawater an element perfectly assimilated by our cells, allowing us to regulate our internal balance without disturbing it.
In 1897, he developed a protocol and his famous serum, known as “Quinton's water”: sterilized and diluted seawater containing a perfectly balanced concentration of trace elements and minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium...), similar to that of our blood plasma. It is used to rehydrate and revitalize the cellular functions of sick or deficient subjects.
Today, seawater-based skin care products, dietary supplements and marine therapies are often inspired by René Quinton's work.
TODAY AND TOMORROW... WITH OCEAU MARINE SKINCARE!
While innovation is part of our core business, Oceau Marine is also inspired by the magnificent history of seawater to perpetuate age-old beauty rituals.
Every day, we also focus on the possible evolutions of our treatments to enrich your daily practices and improve your physical and mental well-being.
We work to offer treatments that respect the fragility of every skin type, even those that are atopic, sensitive or prone to skin problems.
It's also about better evacuating tension and stress from your daily routines thanks to various techniques that we regularly share on our networks (beauty tips from my expertise in naturopathy, facial modeling to better apply your treatments and totally relax you).
Seawater is a sacred treasure from which we draw many virtues every day, and we want to share its secrets with you so that you can think about the skincare of the future and maximize its positive effects today.
What ancient skincare rituals inspire you ? Come and talk to us on our networks and share your feedback on Oceau Marine products!
