7 Ways Algae Enhances Your Glow
Algae is one of the oldest living organisms on the planet. The “ancestor of all plants” has survived and thrived in an extreme environment due to an abundance of bioactive properties—antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial—that give it unique defense mechanisms.
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 and antioxidants, algae’s therapeutic effects have been harnessed in food and medicine for centuries, and more recently in skincare.
Here are seven ways the preventive and reparative goodness of algae enhances your glow.
1. Guards Against UV Damage
Marine algae are exposed to extreme stress, including UV radiation. A high concentration of amino acids and antioxidants act as a potent photoprotective shield to defend algae from UV. Additionally, marine algae contain a large variety of pigments, which absorb the light for photosynthesis. The pigment acts as a shield to the cells from UV irradiation. These same properties work to protect skin from damaging UV rays.
2. Fights Acne
Algae is rich in zinc, an essential mineral that is often lacking in acneic skin. Zinc aids in cell growth and tissue repair, protects against oxidative stress, and has a sebum regulating effect. Additionally, algae has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help clear and calm angry acne lesions.
Some have linked algae to comedogenicity because of its high iodine content. However, that concern should be limited to the consumption of seaweed, and only when the overall diet is high in salt. Many studies show that topical algae can significantly reduce acne symptoms.
3. Protects Collagen and Elastin
Algae is rich in polysaccharides, which play a major role in protecting collagen and elastin, the essential components of firm, elastic skin. Additionally, phlorotannins in algae act to protect hyaluronic acid, which is essential for keeping elastin fibers from drying and stiffening. These properties make algae a potent ally for youthful skin, reducing wrinkles, firming up laxity, and maintaining suppleness.
4. Dark Spot Defense
Tyrosinase is the enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of melanin. Overexposure to UV rays and oxidative stress from pollutants and chemicals induces abnormal melanin synthesis, which results in pigmentation. Algae acts as a natural tyrosinase inhibitor due to its high vitamin C and antioxidant content, including astaxanthin a “super antioxidant” that’s been drawing the attention of scientists for its ability to significantly reduce free radicals and oxidative stress. Green marine algae is the richest source of natural astaxanthin.
5. Tsunami-level hydrating powers
Polysaccharides, which algae is rich in, have maximum water holding capacity, which can act as a humectant and moisturizer. Studies have shown the polysaccharides from some algae types have greater hydrating and moisturizing effects than hyaluronic acid. Maintaining moisture in the skin helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, keeps skin looking plump and youthful, and improves elasticity.
6. Detox master
Algae is sometimes referred to as the sea’s lymphatic system because of its ability to filter toxins. When applied to the skin, algae has a similar detoxifying effect, drawing impurities to the surface and oxygenating tissue. Studies of glycoproteins, which are abundant in algae, have been shown to boost oxygen content, increase circulation, and boost cellular metabolism, resulting in more youthful, vibrant skin.
7. Soother and Replenisher
Rich in nourishing mineral elements, omega 3 fatty acids, sea proteins, and antioxidants, algae is intensely nourishing, hydrating, and reparative. And algae have chemical compositions similar to human body's plasma, which enables particularly good penetration of the nutrients. Algae is anti-inflammatory, enhances the skin's elasticity and tone, soothes damaged or irritated skin, speeds healing, improves the skin barrier function, and protects against external stress. It’s a powerhouse of protection and repair.
Vivant Recommends
An intensely hydrating blend of antioxidants, bioactive marine minerals, and regenerative sea proteins to restore suppleness and elasticity and protect against free-radical damage. Helps boost the skin’s natural stores of hyaluronic acid, reduces redness, and enhances resilience. The ultimate in repair and renewal.
Totaloe Calming and Hydrating Gel
Whole leaf aloe, algae, and other richly healing and nourishing elements plus make this lightly firming, oil-free gel the optimum skin enhancer. Restores, refines, and replenishes without clogging pores or weighing skin down. Makes an excellent primer under makeup, and gives bare skin a polished appearance.
A deeply restorative and clarifying mask rich in healing marine minerals, lipids, sea proteins, and antioxidants. Repairs and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, aids in cell regeneration, reduces sebum, and leaves skin radiantly smooth and supple.
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