The sea has long been recognised as a rich source of the elements essential for life, and marine algae and seaweed in particular are packed full of minerals.

In the 1960s French spa company Thalgo started research into marine algae as a way of extracting beneficial compounds for use in the pharmaceutical industry.

It developed an algae-based powder for which it received a medical patent and this was used to treat arthritis, rheumatism and skin disorders.

The success of the treatments was thanks to the fineness of the powder created by a micronisation process which literally exploded the algae to release their active ingredients.

Research showed that minerals obtained in this way were readily absorbed by the body when applied to the skin. Those from different species of algae and seaweed had different properties.

Thalgo — pronounced talgo — then turned its attention to supplying spa-based beauty salons around the world.

Over the years the number of Thalgo products has expanded, as has the number of salons offering its treatments. One of the latest to do so in the UK is based at the Park Health Club in Hook.

I went along to find out what seaweed could do for me, under the guidance of therapist Maxine Avery, who is a perfect advertisement for the products with her flawless porcelain complexion.

The session started with a discussion about my skin type and needs, to decide which treatments would be best for me.

I told Maxine about my current skincare regime and the products I use and she confirmed with me that I had neither a seafood allergy nor a thyroid condition which could make the treatment unsuit-able.

“Thalgo is a product from the sea, so it could contain traces of shellfish and it also has high levels of iodine,” she said.

“Because of this, the treatment should only be carried out under medical supervision if you suffer from these conditions.”

She pointed out that the products are very pure and cannot damage the skin in any way, as they contain no alcohol, additives or acids — unlike some brands.

As I wanted to perk up my circulation generally and relieve the odd ache and pain, Maxine recommended I try the Thalgo Micronised Marine Algae Body Wrap.

“This treatment is great for remineralising and detoxifying the body and it’s good for tackling cellulite,” she said. “But first we have to prepare the body for the wrap to get maximum benefit.”

Preparation took the form of a thorough exfoliation using the Desco body scrub. Maxine said the particles in the scrub are man-made, with no sharp edges to scratch, unlike cheaper products.

“Exfoliation doesn’t have to be harsh and we’re not taking much skin off — just a few dead cells on the surface.”

When it was applied, the scrub certainly felt pleasant and gentle, which was not what I had expected. I could see the evidence of the exfoliation on my body as little clumps of what were apparently dead skin cells.

The scrub was followed by a smooth plasma gel, which Maxine said would help the minerals in the wrap to penetrate the skin.

Then came the wrap itself, which consisted of micronised marine algae mixed with water to form a paste.

Although mud-like in appearance it smelled, much as you would expect, of the sea. It was a bit chilly on application, but soon warmed up to give a soothing and relaxing sensation.

Once covered in paste, I was wrapped in polythene, foil and towels like a cocoon, and enjoyed a relaxing scalp massage while the minerals did their thing.

After 20 minutes I showered off the paste and then it was back on to the treatment bed for further pampering while my skin was finished off with an intensive moisturiser cream. This was rich without being heavy and smelled heavenly.

For anyone feeling a little self-conscious, as I had done, I must point out that throughout the procedures the body was only exposed in small sections at any one time, so everything was carried out discreetly.

Having dealt with my body, Maxine turned her attention to my face, applying a Thalgo Fundamental Wrinkle Control Facial as, like most women, ageing is foremost in my mind.

“We can’t stop ageing,” said Maxine. “But we can slow it down.”

The facial started with a thorough cleansing to remove make-up, followed by a gentle toner.

As with the body wrap, the skin was prepared for the anti-wrinkle treatment by being exfoliated, the difference being that the exfoliator did not contain any particles.

This was wiped away and my face was sprayed with a marine mist, which Maxine said would open the pores to allow better penetration of the moisturising treatments.

Finally my skin was ready and Maxine started by massag-ing in an intensive moisturising cream called Wrinkle Control Smoothing Concentrate.

Because it is so rich, she recommends using it for just one month twice a year, to give the skin a boost, rather than as an ongoing daily face cream.

Next, to tackle the main areas where wrinkles form, I had wrinkle control strips applied to give my lines a concentrated treatment.

“These strips contain compounds which plump out the wrinkles,” said Maxine. “In fact many clients use them in between botox treatments.”

With the strips in place, Maxine covered my whole face with the Wrinkle Control Intercellular Fundamental Mask, which is an intense anti-ageing treatment.

This was left on for 20 minutes, during which time I was treated to a soothing hand and arm massage using Youthful Hand Cream.

After the mask was removed, Revitalising Eye Contour Cream and Wrinkle Control Smoothing Care were applied to finish me off, leaving me fresh-faced, glowing and radiant.

Clients can carry on the good work at home by buying the products they particularly like. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the cost was pretty much what one would expect to pay for good quality skincare products from a department store.

“I never pressurise clients to buy lots of products,” said Maxine. “It can work out very expensive, so it’s better to build up your range over time and limit it to ones you think you really need.

“I’m always mindful too of the fact that most people don’t have the time or inclination to follow a complicated beauty routine, so if they ask for my advice I try to keep things simple.”

For myself, I was impressed with the treatments and the products and left with a purchase of cleanser and toner to start my collection.

It had been a wonderful and a completely relaxing after-noon when time had almost seemed to stand still. I felt fabulous, I smelled gorgeous, I’d been totally pampered and as if that wasn’t enough, my skin from head to toe was as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

For details of the treatments and products call Maxine on 01256 766173.