I have vivid childhood memories of school trips to the rocky beach of Southend filled with slimy seaweed as opposed to picturesque white sands. I never quite understood the purpose of seaweed or sea vegetables, but as a child, they looked ‘ugly’. Ironically, seaweed contains properties that enable you to look younger which I fully appreciate as an adult. The moral of the story is “never judge a book by its cover.” The Ishga natural skincare range, which I discovered recently, is made from seaweed harvested by hand in the pure waters of the Hebridean Islands of Scotland. The name Ishga stems from the Gaelic word for water.

“Hebridean seaweed contains natural antioxidants that have anti-ageing properties to help protect the skin,” says founders Malcolm and Joanna Macrae.

I chose six different products from the Ishga skincare range including their Regenerating Face Serum, Anti-oxidant Marine Cream, Exfoliating Mask, Hebridean Sea Salt Scrub, Invigorating Body Lotion and Body Wash. Here is my verdict.

Ishga Organic Seaweed Body Wash.

Ishga Organic Seaweed Body Wash

The Ishga body wash consists of 82% organic ingredients including natural oils. I applied a small amount to the wet skin which transforms into a lather within seconds. I then rinsed off the foam with a sponge.  The body wash has a high oil content hence why I suggest using a small amount. My skin, which is prone to dehydration, reacts well to products enriched with essential oils. On the whole, natural ingredients are kind to all skin types, particularly sensitive skin.

I have been using the body wash on a daily basis for approximately a week. In the first instance, I appreciated the fresh scent of the body wash which has undertones of lemon with a hint of lavender. One of the key ingredients is Lavandula angustifolia oil. I find lavender somewhat soothing thus my skin felt soft and showed no signs of irritation after using the body wash. On a scale of 1-5, with one being poor and five excellent, I would give this product a score of five.

Ishga Invigorating Body Lotion & Hebridean Sea Salt Scrub

Made with 92% organic ingredients, Ishga’s body lotion has a light consistency. It is recommended to use the cream following the Hebridean sea salt scrub. Initially, I used the lotion without scrubbing my skin with the sea salt, prior. My skin rapidly absorbed the lotion considering I applied a small amount several times.

Ishga Invigorating Body Lotion

The following morning, I used the sea salt scrub, which is quite oily, before using the cream. The scrub left my skin feeling quite moist without the need to apply a lot of lotion.

Ishga Hebridean Sea Salt Scrub

As a result of using one product after the next, my skin felt less dry in comparison to when I used just the cream. The light consistency of the latter caused my skin to flake after a while; therefore, I would use a thicker moisturiser on a daily basis and the scrub a few times a week as an exfoliator. For those with normal to combination skin, I suggest using the Ishga body lotion regularly. The sea salt contains 69% mineral ingredients including Linalol and 31% organic ingredients such as seed oil. Out of five, I would give the sea salt scrub a four, and a three out of five for the lotion. Overall, I appreciate the gentle scent of lemon and ginger.

Ishga Regenerating Face Serum & Anti-Oxidant Marine Cream

The Ishga Regenerating Face Serum consists of 92% organic ingredients. The texture of the latter is of a light gel. For best results, apply morning and evening followed by Ishga Marine cream, made with 71% organic ingredients.

Ishga Regenerating Face Serum

Anti-Oxidant Marine Cream

When I first used both products together, my face looked bright and healthy the following morning. I am fussy about which face cream I use but like to have a few options between which to alternate, regularly. The Marine Cream is an anti-oxidant that has anti-ageing properties to help protect the skin. Further to this, it has a somewhat raw or ‘salty’ scent, which I like, as opposed to a ‘sweet’ aroma like the other products. The cream has a thick texture so I found that a tiny amount was sufficient to keep my face moist. Out of five, I would give both products a score of five.

Ishga Exfoliating Face Mask

Ishga Exfoliating Face Mask

The face mask is my favourite product. My face feels extremely clean whenever I use the mask which I apply after cleansing. As recommended, leave for 5 to 10 minutes then dampen the skin and massage in gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water. For best results, follow with Ishga toner which I do not have so I applied the Marine cream. Once again, I love the fresh smell which conjures up images of the seaside. The mud-like look and texture of the granules make it quite authentic. Apply only a tiny amount. As a tip, I suggest using the face mask 3-4 times a week especially after makeup. It leaves my skin looking bright such that I feel confident about the appearance of my skin, especially the day after. Out of five, I would give the face mask a score of five.

Written by @StyleIonNat | #StyleIconNat on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Pinterest, YouTube | Thank you Ishga Skincare | Overall S.I.N.Rating Below.