Fucus vesiculosus, commonly found in the British Isles, is rich in minerals such as iodine, magnesium, potassium, Sulphur and silicon. It also contains vitamins A, C and E. It was used as an alternative medicine for thyroid disorders due to the iodine content. Traditionally, it was used for treating wounds, to soothe skin irritation and reduce inflammation. Bladder wrack was also applied to the skin for certain skin diseases, burns, ageing skin and insect bites. Recent research reports improvements in contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gels by enriching integrin molecules. The aqueous extract of it decreased skin thickness and increased elasticity by topical application.
