ishga: The power of seaweed

Celebrating ten years of marine skincare excellence, we talk to ishga’s co-founder, Malcolm Macrae about the brand’s success and what makes it a great spa partner

Sustainably sourced, formulated and manufactured in the Scottish Hebrides, ishga is an award-winning skincare range based on a mineral-rich potent seaweed extract. Organic ingredients and essential oils contribute to a collection of pure, results-driven products and professional spa treatments. Combining the natural resources of the pristine shores of the Hebrides with locally sourced, sustainably harvested seaweed, the organic range is certified to COSMOS standards by the Soil Association.

Since first offering fresh seaweed baths at Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow, the brand has grown to include 39 retail products and 18 professional treatments. The brand’s reach extends to the USA, Australia, Poland, Japan, Papua New Guinea, China and the UAE. Found in 88 spas globally, ishga counts Coworth Park, Ribby Hall, Nàdarra Spa and Seaham Hall in the UK and Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi in Japan among its prestige spa partners.

We talk to ishga co-founder Malcolm Macrae about the benefits of seaweed and his plans for the business.

Malcolm Macrae, co-founder, ishga

What skincare benefits does seaweed bring to spas?

Seaweed is one of the world’s most naturally abundant sources of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Used throughout the ishga skincare range, our seaweed extracts and powders deliver powerful anti-ageing, hydrating and skin-renewing properties.

Antioxidant polyphenols provide protection against environmental damage to the skin by neutralising free radicals. Seaweed is an incredible marine plant which has been proven to regenerate skin cells, support collagen, promote hyaluronic acid production, hydrate, protect and heal.

Why is seaweed so good for the skin?

Seaweed is a natural marine substance, 70-90% of it is water, depending on the species, and as our bodies are around 60% water, this means we work together with similar natural substances better than synthetic ones.

Not only is it less risky to apply natural ingredients to our skin to reduce the chance of a potential reaction, but our skin recognises its beneficial components more easily. Polysaccharides, molecules found in both our skin and seaweed, are good for moisture retention and hydration. The polysaccharides in our skin are similar in structure to those found in seaweed which allows our skin to form a stronger bond with these molecules compared to other moisturising agents.

What makes your particular seaweed extract so potent?

Our unique seaweed extract is the cornerstone of ishga’s range. It’s extracted directly into Hebridean spring water using a low temperature extraction process, which protects the beneficial compounds and enzymes. Our process has been independently tested with outstanding results, rich in polyphenols for healthy skin.

Studies have found that seaweed from cold water environments contains higher levels of fucoxanthin and omega 3-fatty acids than seaweed from warmer climates. The Outer Hebrides also has some of the cleanest waters in the world, allowing seaweeds to flourish in an unpolluted, mineral-rich environment.

From our bestselling moisturiser – our Anti-oxidant Marine Cream – to our award-winning natural cleansers and body oil, our seaweed extract delivers effective results from the first use and with long-term consistency, can help to transform skin and maintain a healthy appearance.

How does seaweed help to boost collagen production?

Studies show that fucoidan-rich seaweed increases collagen production, playing an essential part in the repair and regeneration of the skin. From the age of 25, collagen production reduces about 1-2% per year and is broken down quicker by an enzyme called collagenase. This can cause wrinkles and reduces elasticity of the skin. Seaweed from the Hebrides has been found to contain bioactive compounds which block this enzyme, resulting in higher levels of collagen, preventing visible signs of ageing.

Are ishga products sustainably made?

Sustainability is at the heart of ishga. Our seaweed harvesting is certified by the Biodynamic Association, which means our harvesting method is sustainable and allows for natural regeneration and biodiversity. We are certified organic by the Soil Association, our supply chain is too, and we can maintain traceability of our ingredients.

Our product packaging is made from FSC-certified cardboard, which comes from sustainably managed forests. When supplying our spa partners, we use biodegradable packaging. We no longer use plastic bubble wrap, gloves, wet wipes or laminated boxes.

We offer screw cap refill options across our glass bottles range, allowing customers to keep their existing pump, leading to less plastic use. We have also made a commitment to stop the production of single-use plastic sample sachets.

What makes ishga a great spa partner?

ishga has a team of dedicated professionals to support spas, regardless of size or location. We offer free in-person and online training, and spa teams have access to the ishga e-learning platform with detailed video guides. Therapists who complete the online modules receive certification and free ishga products.

We provide a range of complimentary retail point-of-sale marketing materials and incentives to help drive ishga bookings and sales in spas. This includes eye-catching displays to share the wonderful benefits of seaweed with spa guests, brochures to share the ishga story and boards that highlight our award-winning skincare range.

What developments does ishga have planned for this year?

The Little ishga collection is set to launch this summer, including a retail range and treatments in partnership with Luxury Family Hotels. Our bestselling Marine Creams will welcome a new addition to the family, with an exciting launch coming in August 2023.

Our team in the lab in Stornoway have been working on this development for some time now, bringing together all of our scientific research from the last ten years. The new formula includes some potent ingredients to deliver efficacy for all skin types.

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To find out more about what ishga’s seaweed-based skincare can bring to your spa, visit: www.ishga.com