VOYA skincare products exclusively available at Annabelle and Almyra hotels

The pioneering VOYA skincare products, which are made from Irish seaweed and can be used by cancer patients and survivors, are now exclusively available at Thanos Hotels’ Annabelle and Almyra hotels in Paphos.

The news was revealed during a press weekend at Almyra Hotel last week.

VOYA works with the most advanced cosmetic scientists to formulate its highly effective seaweed-based facial and body care products.

“Our latest independent scientific research on the efficacy of seaweed completed in conjunction with the Shannon Biotechnology Research Centre at the Institute of Technology, Tralee confirms that seaweed has a profound effect on Antioxidant Protection, Collagen Production and Skin Barrier Quality,” the company says on its website.

Seaweed has been used for over 300 years as therapy for a variety of skin and rheumatic conditions in Ireland. Seaweed naturally absorbs its nourishment from the sea, while over 80% of the seaweed plant is made up of essential minerals, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds.

VOYA will be one of the first skincare lines in Cyprus that offers safe and effective spa treatments to cancer patients and survivors.

And in August, it plans to launch an exciting spa & wellness global initiative: its Cancer Wellness Training Programme as part of VOYA’s Training Academy. The Cancer Wellness Training Programme can now be adapted to the full VOYA spa treatment menu including facials, scrubs, wraps, massages, and seaweed baths. VOYA believes that everyone affected by cancer deserves safe and effective treatments within spas. The therapeutic benefits of spa treatments for cancer patients and survivors can be enormously helpful for their wellbeing.

‘‘Here at VOYA, we believe when someone has been touched by Cancer, they should be able to have the same deep relaxing day at the spa as anyone else," says Mark Walton, who founded VOYA with his wife Kira.

He added, "To help release stress and worry at a time where they are dealing with physical and emotional stress. VOYA’s training centre has worked closely with some of the leaders in Cancer Wellness and has designed a programme to help spas integrate and adapt Cancer Wellness touch to all VOYA Treatments. This training programme educates your therapists with knowledge and confidence to help someone that has been touched by cancer".

VOYA works with four types of seaweed:

FUCUS SERRATUS – SERRATED WRACK

This amazing plant survives by filtering the ocean for nutrients and as a result, amasses a huge amount of minerals and vitamins. Used for hundreds of years in seaweed baths, the oils from this seaweed have been having truly remarkable effects on skin, hair, and body. The antioxidant compounds found naturally in this seaweed have long been known to have pronounced anti-ageing, skin conditioning, repairing and hydrating effects.

LAMINARIA DIGITATA – TANGLEWEED

Much like Fucus Serratus, this product contains an amazing abundance of minerals. This seaweed is used in VOYA’s facial skincare range for those with dry/dehydrated skin types. It has marvellous anti-inflammatory properties, protects the skin from the environment and helps plump the skin reducing the signs of ageing.

FUCUS VESICULOSUS – BLADDER WRACK

When used in hot seawater baths or steamed, Fucus Vesiculosus reacts in the same way as Fucus Serratus and releases polysaccharides (such as alginic acid) and iodine as well as other minerals which have many benefits. They improve skin condition, lower high blood pressure and ease arthritis and rheumatic pains. We harvest it in autumn for its high Vitamin C content and in the summer for its high Vitamin A content.

HIMANTHALIA ELONGATA - SEA SPAGHETTI

Himanthalia Elongata is used predominantly in VOYA’s facial range for those with problematic, combination or oily skin. It provides high levels of vitamins along with essential amino acids. This seaweed has a natural ability to restore balance to your skin’s moisture levels. It is found growing on rocks on the tide line and in rock pool in-between the harvest of Fucus Serratus and Laminaria Digitata. Commonly known as Sea Spaghetti, this seaweed has several properties which make it attractive as an ingredient in personal care and cosmetic products. It is absorbent, viscosity controlling and skin protecting. It can be used as a binding agent and is also edible when cooked.