From the pure waters surrounding the Hebridean Islands off the northwest coast of Scotland, fresh seaweed is harvested to provide a natural skincare alternative. ishga is an organic beauty company specialising in seaweed skincare with a strong commitment to sustainability, ethically sourcing both their main ingredient of Scottish seaweeds and light oil bases.

This company has blended ethical skincare with natural Scottish seaweed to develop products with a list of sought-after properties. The high-performing active ingredients work to provide healthy skin, with increased hydration, nourishment, and elasticity. This helps to drive away unwanted fine lines, wrinkles, and irritated skin, all with the unassuming power of seaweed. 

 

The Power of Seaweed

Although the concept might make you wrinkle your nose, seaweed has been used in traditional medicine for years to treat various ailments. Rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, before modern medicine, this vitamin-rich plant was used to treat arthritis, parasites, and the most interesting for ishga researchers, seaweed was used to heal wounds, rashes, burns, and other skin conditions.

Benefits

The unique extract used by ishga is taken from freshly harvested seaweed in a low-temperature extraction process. This allows antioxidant polyphenols to be extracted from the marine plant, protecting important enzymes and compounds. These polyphenols are important to include in the broad skincare range as they have been proven to regenerate skin cells and support collagen.

As an extremely resilient plant, the extracted enzymes are still valuable even when removed, with the ability to continue to provide valuable benefits to our skin. These benefits include 

• Hydrate and nourish the skin
• Improvement of elasticity and firmness
• Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Ability to soothe and calm irritated skin

See our previous blog on the benefits of Hebridean seaweed here: https://www.crerarhotels.com/blog/archive/exploring-the-benefits-of-hebridean-seaweed/ 

 

Product Range

Natural skincare is just one part of ishga’s extensive product line. Whether you’re looking for anti-aging skincare, revitalising hair care, or even candles, the range of available products from ishga is lengthy. Tosimplify your search, we have broken down some key items into the following categories.

Face

This is where you can find the majority of ishga products, including cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers, eye balms, and more. We have highlighted some of our favourite items so you can learn more about the products.

• Hebridean Marine Toner: Filled with powerful antioxidants, this toner refreshes and smooths skin, making it perfect for priming or touching up makeup throughout the day. 93% organic ingredients, the Hebridean Marine Toner comes as a spray, ideal for applying onto a cotton pad or directly to the skin in a light mist, and is suitable for all skin types. 
• Active Cleansing Lotion: Crafted with the intent of harnessing the rejuvenating, healing effects of Hebridean seaweed, this cleansing lotion works to hydrate and nourish the skin without clogging pores. The Active Cleansing Lotion is the perfect addition to your nighttime makeup removal routine, dispelling all the daily grime to leave your skin clean and refreshed.
• Any of the Marine Creams:  This range of face creams is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Using Hebridean seaweed extract paired with different oils, these creams deliver youthful and glowing skin by reducing fine lines and inflammation. Different skin types and needs may align with different creams so we encourage you to compare them according to your concerns for the best results. 

For more of ishga’s customers' favourite products, you can go to their Best Sellers Page.

Body

This product line contains nourishing creams, oils, and even bath products. Just as important as keeping your internal body healthy, is keeping your external body healthy. After all, the skin is the body's largest organ. Cruelty-free and certified organic, these products leave skin feeling fresh and supple. From Hydrating hand creams to Hebridean Seasalt Scrubs, this line of products has everything to keep your body feeling clean and healthy. We have included more about our team's favourite body product, the Muscle Recovery Oil.

• Muscle Recovery Oil: As well as being the Winner in the Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards in 2024, this stimulating blend of essential oils aids the natural muscle recovery process and has an invigorating quality. Along with naturally sourced Hebridean seaweed, Scottish thistle is used alongside almond oil, eucalyptus, lavender extract, and other organic sources. Perfect muscle restoration for after a workout, or just after work. 

This is one of ishga’s refillable products. Coinciding with their sustainability efforts, after your first order, keep the original pump and recycle the bottle. This means less plastic pollution is leaving ishga’s facility, but you’re still getting the same great product experience. 

Haircare

The recent development of the new haircare line from ishga is a simple, natural shampoo and conditioner. These products are made with the same 100% natural and organic ingredients that the skincare line is popular for. The rich vitamins and minerals contained in Hebridean seaweed combined with natural oils of olive, sunflower, and jojoba work to strengthen hair elasticity and restore your hair to its full glory.

The recent addition of a duel action body and shampoo bar rounds off the three-piece set. Keeping things simple, yet effective.

 

Sustainability

From the ingredients to the production, ishga is committed to a sustainable workplace and product. As a way of lowering the company's carbon footprint, ishga uses as many locally sourced ingredients as possible from its base location on the Isle of Lewis. This includes harvesting Hebridean seaweed, certified by the Biodynamic Association, allowing natural regeneration and biodiversity. Everything harvested is used then, meaning no dried seaweed and no extra carbon-producing storage is required. 

Spring and sea water is also locally sourced from Lewis. Each drop is naturally infused with local vitamins and minerals, infused with those of naturally occurring blue clay. According to local legend, this clay has been used for thousands of years, claiming healing and therapeutic properties. 

It is not only the locally sourced ingredients but also the additional oils and other ingredients included in the certified organic products. This means you can trust what is in each bottle to be of over 90% organic composite. 

 

Crerar Hotels Spa Breaks

If you are interested in trying out the product but not sure where to start, find your local ishga-supplied spa. Here, the professionals can walk you through individual products and show you how and when to use them. 

Crerar Hotels spas are all stocked with ishga products. Our spa therapists are trained specifically with these oils and lotions to provide a luxury experience while also being able to recommend products for at-home use. This means your trip to the spa doesn’t have to end when you leave. By purchasing what is used in your treatments you can continue the relaxation and rejuvenation at home on your own. 

This doesn’t have to be a single or one-hour appointment. You can book a spa break at any Crerar Hotel spa location, perfect for celebrations or even as a self-love treat. These luxury spa escapes include both spa appointments and two nights in one of our award-winning hotels, dinner, and breakfast on both mornings. 

To find more information on our Spa Breaks, go to our website: https://www.crerarhotels.com/spa/spa-breaks-in-scotland/

 

If you’re interested in hydrated, younger-looking skin, look no further than this sustainable product. When using ishga, not only will your skin feel better, but your conscious will be clear. Book a spa appointment today or order products for home to get started on your better skin journey.