Next time you find yourself annoyed by slimy seaweed at the beach, consider this: Swimming in it may actually do fantastic things for your skin.

New research validates what some cultures have believed for thousands of years: Ocean plants have anti-aging benefits -- whether you apply them topically or eat them for dinner. And it's not just about wrinkles. In the study titled, "Beneficial Effects of Marine Algal Compounds in Cosmeceuticals," scientists Se-Kwon Kim and Noel Vinay Thomas at the Pukyong National University in Korea explain that marine plants also have anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties.

Recently, everything from kelp to brown algae is turning up in skin care products, and entire lines are growing around these ingredients. While some brands -- like La Mer -- have been around for a while, new harvesting technology is making marine ingredients more readily available.

We can expect to see a lot more algae in skin care in the coming years, but here are the seven lines you need to know about now.

If you've been hearing a lot about skin care brand Restorsea recently, you can thank Gwyneth Paltrow. In March, the actress became the spokesperson for the ocean-centric line.

While all the products contain brown algae for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, the star ingredient is the gently exfoliating enzyme Aquabeautine XL. It's derived from the enzyme that's released by baby salmon to dissolve their eggs -- and it works similarly on the skin, breaking down dead cells. Sounds like something GP would love, don't you think?

Star product: Restorsea Rejuvenating Day Cream, $150. It's silky and unbelievably moisturizing, and it makes skin glow after just one use.

San Francisco scientists came across alguronic acid while researching microalgae, and soon after, Algenist was born. That was just a few years ago, and the line continues to pick up steam -- selling out in Sephora and on QVC. Instead of algae, Algenist products contain patented alguronic acid, the molecule that protects the algae cell. In a similar way, it protects skin cells from UV damage and stimulates the production of elastin, which helps with firmness.

Star product: Algenist Catalyst Alguronic Acid Power Treatment, $195. This new trio of serums contains the highest concentration of alguronic acid, and it works fast. In studies, skin looked brighter and tighter in 10 days.

Aerospace physicist Max Huber created La Mer to treat chemical burns he suffered in an accident -- and it worked. By combining fermented sea kelp, vitamins and minerals, he developed the line's signature "miracle broth" -- and the recipe remains the same 40 years later. Now that's the sign of a true cult favorite.

Star product: La Mer Creme de La Mer, $155, is the signature product. It has a rich texture and soothing effect.

Instead of researching any old marine ecosytem, Ahava focused on the most mysterious of all: the Dead Sea. The resulting products contain a patented combination of Dead Sea minerals called Osmoter, as well as other botanical ingredients and brown algae.

Star product: Ahava Age Perfecting Hand Cream SPF 15, $32. This new hand treatment protects with SPF 15 while brightening existing sun damage. It's not the slightest bit greasy, and it smells amazing.