NAMA (Caulerpa racemosa) is a unique species of seaweed that grows wild in the pristine, blue lagoon waters of the Yasawa Island region in Fiji. Nama has earned the title of ‘longevity seaweed’ because of its high concentration of essential minerals and vitamins. Nama keeps our skin hydrated by causing intracellular, or within-cell hydration, and increases our cells metabolism to counteract aging.
Symptoms – Fine lines, tight, dull complexion
Causes – Often caused by external elements (weather), unhealthy diet and
lifestyle choices (consumption of alcohol or caffeine), or simply not
drinking enough water, resulting in a less supple appearance
Nama Results – Provides moisture to the cells, hydrates & plumps the skin, minimizes fine lines
Symptoms – Fine and expression lines, crow’s feet, skin feels dryer
Causes – Sun exposure, excessive use of alcohol, stress
Nama Results – Encourages moisture inside the cells, hydrates and plumps the skin to prevent fine lines
Symptoms - Acne, breakouts, dull skin, rough texture, puffiness, and sagging.
Causes - Irregular eating habits, lack of sleep, stress, and insufficient exercise.
Benefits - Boosts blood circulation and skin turnover, helping to expel waste products.
Improves acne, dullness, and rough texture.
Strengthens the skin's barrier function, fostering healthy skin that can resist external irritants and waste products.
Protects cells with its antioxidant properties to suppress skin aging and maintain youthful firmness.
Symptoms – Vascular dilation/redness, broken capillaries
Causes – Environment, spicy food, excessive drinking
Nama Results – Reduces redness, calms aggravated skin conditions, hydrate
Symptoms – Itchy, pinkish color, reacts to harsh products
Causes – Dry allipoid skin, genetic, hormonal, medication
Nama Results – Anti-inflammatory, desensitizes and moisturizes
In 2014 Debra took her passion for skin care into designing skincare formulas, founding Essence Group Fiji, a health and wellness business centered around supporting local economic development goals.
Debra’s extensive knowledge of the benefits of sea minerals for the skin led her to explore the various types of local seaweed. Through her partnership with James Cook University in Australia, Debra learned that Nama, a long time local Fijian delicacy, has incredibly beneficial properties for the skin due to its high concentration of minerals and vitamins.
Debra then embarked on a journey to figure out how best to sustainably harvest and incorporate Nama into her skincare formulas. Being mission driven, Essence Group built the world’s first sustainable Nama harvesting program alongside the Australian Government funded Market Development Facility*.
The sustainable Nama harvesting program was designed to create opportunity for the women of the Yasawa islands. It generates a new income source to compliment that of the traditional village system and safeguard an important natural resource in a pristine environment.
*MDF is a multi-country initiative which promotes sustainable economic development through higher incomes for women and men in their partner countries.
