We are familiar with seaweed as a slippery ocean plant that brushes up against our toes and as the main ingredient in our diet. But did you know that seaweed can be used to make skin, hair, and makeup?
Algae is one of the most well-known types of seaweed. Algae is used in skincare for a variety of uses, including gelling, thickening, and stabilizing formulations. Although various types of ocean plants, such as alga and sea kelp, are abundant in our goods, the specific kind we specialize in is Asparagopsis armata: alga.
There are various types of seaweed and algae, and each has its own range of benefits. Let's find out what alga can do.
Antioxidant Protection
One of the most well-known truths about algae is that it has antioxidant properties. An alga from the genus Asparagopsis has antifungal and antibacterial properties. To promote the activity, Asparagopsis armata produces molecules such as bromoform and dibromoacetic acid.
Because of this property, the alga is an effective and safe alternative to chemical preservatives, as well as a potent anti-acne component.
Seaweed contains a variety of beneficial chemicals, including polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates), sugars, lipids, pigments, and vitamins. These skin-nourishing ingredients are easily absorbed. Some bioactive, such as carrageenan, allow alga to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Defense from the sun
Alga contains mycosporine-like amino acids, also known as MAAs, which provide sun protection. These amino acids act as antioxidants, absorbing solar energy and protecting species from UV rays. As a result, the alga is often used in cosmetics to promote SPF functions.
We all know that sun exposure is one of the leading causes of visible aging, so incorporating alga into your skincare regimen could be a good decision. When using alga ingredients (along with a good natural sunscreen), you can manage to keep your skin looking young and new for as long as possible.
Hydration and plumping
Red algae are fantastic for nourishing and hydrating dry skin. Because of the pulpy texture of algae, it stores a lot of water; when used in skincare, it can help attract water to the surface of your skin. This plumping operation makes it effective for growing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it can also increase moisture to prevent overdry skin, which may lead to acne. After using irritating or drying acid solutions, an excellent humectant can also help balance the skin.
Enhances Skin Tone
Red algae contain high levels of vitamin C, which is important for skin revitalization. This antioxidant is beneficial not only for scavenging skin-damaging free radicals but also for brightening and evening out uneven skin tone.
Vitamin C prevents tyrosinase, which is responsible for the darkening of some patches of skin as a result of sun exposure. It lightens dark spots when leaving the rest of the skin alone. If you have hyperpigmentation from sun exposure or acne marks, an algae-infused Dark Spot Remover such as SBL’s NO-Blu: Daily Face Protection, Blue Light Defense is just what you need.
Why is Seaweed Beneficial to the Skin?
Red algae are extremely beneficial to the skin, this is frequently due to the fact that many seaweeds contain antioxidant compounds that shield us from free radicals, which can be present anywhere from the air we breathe to the foods we consume.
Collagen-promoting components such as copper, zinc, and magnesium are brought to our epidermis through seaweed extracts. Collagen boosts two indicators of youthful skin: density and elasticity.
Seaweed extracts impurities from your skin in the same way as it filters impurities from the ocean, and is perfect for unclogging pores and washing the skin.
The ocean contains a plethora of well-kept skin-loving secrets that will help our beauty regimen. As a hydrating and UV-fighting superfood, we now know that alga will effectively fluff up and shield our skin – and its benefits are right at your fingertips.