Algae Extract for Skin Acts to Provide a Number of Skin Care Benefits
3 min readWhen you think of algae the first thing that comes to one’s mind is the seaweed, kelp and other plant material that you see in oceans. These are the macro-algae, but there is also the smaller single-cell micro-algae that can be seen only with microscopes and is found in freshwater.
Algae has been used in skin care for thousands of years and has been considered a miracle ingredient. Many brands have skincare lines that are completely based on the algae extract for skin. Both types of algae, macro and micro have been used in skin care for the many benefits that their use brings. Algae’s most notable ability is the one that acts to instantly hydrate the skin and condition it. The constant use of this ingredient in the products that you use to care for your skin, will make your complexion supple and leave it properly moisturized while making it soft to the touch.
Algae also have antioxidant properties and this prevents premature aging, while the skin gets protected from free radicals. It is, therefore, an important ingredient for people concerned with the aging of the skin. Algae can be considered a super ingredient because it is high in a variety of vitamins, proteins, and essential amino acids. Vitamins A, B, C, and E are part of algae. Products that have an infusion of algae are good for people with skin that is dry and sensitive and the countless others who would like to prevent the signs of the skin aging.
Studies have indicated that algae in skin care products stabilize the minerals that can help in the moisturizing of the skin. It also has anti-acne properties that do not cause any irritation. There are types of algae extract for skin that can help to lighten the skin. The benefits that come from algae often depend on its specific type of extract, and the way that it is processed after extraction. The quantity of the extract used in the skin care product can also determine its effectiveness to provide benefits.
The effectiveness of algae for the caring of the skin comes from the evolution of this species that has been on the surface of the sea for millions of years and constantly strove to protect its DNA from the ill effects of the sun’s ultra-violet rays. The anti-aging properties of algae come from its ability to inhibit the enzymes that cause the breakdown of the collagen in the skin. The algae also reduce the breaking down of the hyaluronic acid that is within the skin, and this not only improves its hydration but also helps to make the skin more supple. Red microalgae found in Iceland has a greater concentration of Astaxanthin that has a strength that is 6000 times more than that of Vitamin C, making it one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world. It helps the skin to improve its elasticity, reducing lines and wrinkles and gives it its anti-aging properties. Algae can also help to reduce dark circles and acne scars.
