Algae for the skin: useful properties and cosmetic applications

Algae contain micronutrients such as:

1. alginic acid;

2. amino acids;

3. proteins, simple and complex carbohydrates;

4. Iodine, potassium, manganese, chlorine, sodium, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc and other minerals;

5. Vitamins A, E, C, K, PP, all B vitamins;

6. Fatty acids, polysaccharides, phenols, lignans, enzymes.

The composition is similar to that of human blood plasma. Therefore all the biologically active substances are well absorbed and maximally assimilated. For the same reason algae rarely cause allergic reactions.

Algae species

Of the several thousand species of algae, only 40 are actively used in cosmetics. They differ in color, composition.

Brown algae

They contain a lot of iodine, polysaccharides. They are effective for anti-cellulite wrappings. In facial cosmetics, they have a tightening and moisturizing effect and detoxify. Several types of brown algae are popular.

1. Fucus, which has the most powerful lifting effect.It is rich in alginic acid, polysaccharides. It is used to improve skin turgor, eliminate toxins, stimulate blood circulation, increase protective properties.

2. Laminaria) or seaweed has antiseptic properties, contains a lot of iodine, polysaccharides, phytohormones. It is used for delaying aging, moisturizing, restoring elasticity. Suitable for dry, aging skin.

3. Ascophyllum– The best moisturizer for the skin. Contains a lot of plant mucus, amino acids, fatty acids. Draws out toxins, improves elasticity and turgor. Suitable for dehydrated, flabby, aged skin.

Red algae

They are rich in vitamins, proteins, fatty acids. Helps renew cells and is often used in anti-aging cosmetics.

1. Lithothamnia (

2. (thothamnion)Rich in lime, chromium, magnesium, calcium. It helps the accumulation of moisture in the skin, saturates it with minerals and speeds up the creation of new cells. Suitable for dull, tired, dry skin.

3. PorphyraContains a lot of protein, ascorbic acid. It also has beta-carotene, B vitamins, fatty acids. Moisturizes, nourishes, brightens, rejuvenates. It is a powerful antioxidant that slows down the aging process and improves tone and luminosity.

4. PalmariaContains many B vitamins, iron, oligosaccharides, antioxidants. It has a lifting effect, improves microcirculation, and drains excess fluid. Good for sensitive skin, improves complexion.

Blue-green

It is an antioxidant, containing many amino acids, iron, vitamin B. It is ideal for treatment of the tired, aged skin, protects from the negative influence of the external environment.

1. Spirulina (spir

   ina)Has a rich composition, so has a complex effect. It tones, nourishes, heals, slows down age-related changes, tightens the skin. It speeds up the regeneration process, excretion of toxins.

   • Codiumrich in ascorbic acid and polysaccharides. Brightens, improves circulation, reduces inflammation, prevents moisture loss.

   • Sea Salad (

     va)Algae powder is similar in its composition to elastin. Increases skin turgor, protects elastin fibers from destruction, improves the supply of cells with oxygen and nutrients.

Diatoms

In the composition of cosmetics are indicated as diatomaceous earth. This is a microscopic single-celled algae with a dense shell of silicon. Their main properties are exfoliation, stimulation of cell renewal, synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen.

How Seaweed is used in cosmetology

Algae-based cosmetics are ideal for dry dehydrated skin. It is useful for aging, withering and sagging skin. It is effective in the presence of acne, age spots, wrinkles, acne marks.

Although algae rarely cause allergies, such cosmetics are not suitable for everyone. They contain a lot of iodine, so it is not recommended to use in case of thyroid disorders, pregnancy. Such means are contraindicated for inflammatory skin diseases, infections, exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Home Recipes

Algae can be used to prepare home masks with moisturizing and anti-aging effects. The raw material should be bought in drugstores or cosmetic stores. Algae are sold in the form of powder or dried grass, it must be crushed into a powder. A concentrate of sodium alginate can also be used.

Before preparing the mask algae powder in an amount of 1 tbsp. l. Pour a glass of cool water and leave for 1-1.5 hours. During this time the algae swells up and turns into a gel. It should be mixed with additional ingredients.

In our opinion, there are several easy to prepare and effective recipes for algae-based masks.

1. For clearing pores, removing swellings, rejuvenationA mask with white clay is made. You need to take 2 tsp. l. Kaolin, algae and sodium alginate. Soak in water in separate containers, then mix together. The mask is suitable for sensitive skin, for the eye area.

2. For a quick cleansing, refreshing and moisturizing facialYou can make a mask from kelp. Into the swollen mass prepared add 5 drops of lemon juice, if the skin is oily, or 5 drops of tocopherol for dry skin.

3. Anti-WrinkleAn apple mask will do. 1 Tbsp. l. Mashed with prepared algae. Laminaria, porphyra, spirulina.

4. Another anti-aging maskcontains egg yolk, 1 tbsp. l. Sodium alginate concentrate can also be used, as can olive oil and 2 tbsp. l. swollen algae. It nourishes the skin, improves its elasticity, and restores the hydro-balance.

5. For pimplesSpirulina mask is suitable. In the soaked algae, add 1 tbsp. l. Honey and aloe juice.

The best cosmetics with seaweed

The alginate masks are especially often used in cosmetology. Alginate is a unique substance extracted from brown and red algae. It has a lifting effect. Such masks remove toxins from the cells, break down fat deposits, stimulate regeneration processes, tighten. They normalize the water and mineral balance of the skin, regulate the production of sebum.

The alginate masks contain additional ingredients. It’s usually diatomaceous earth with adsorbing properties, plant extracts and oils. The ingredients should be selected according to the skin type, individual tolerance. There are several products that are suitable for most people and have won many positive reviews. We have analysed and chosen 10 most effective masks.

Mask with hyaluronic acid and Kora algae

Rating: 4.9

Quickly moisturizes, suitable for all skin types, regenerates dehydrated and dull skin. Protects from moisture loss, negative environmental influences and free radicals. It improves firmness and elasticity, evens out tone and texture. This effect is due to the rich composition: hyaluronic acid, thermal water, lactic acid, betaine, lysine, arginine, fucus, kelp. Also contains vegetable oils, wheat germ, and oat extract.

L’Oréal Paris Magic Clay Scrub Mask

Rating: 4.8

Cleanses and purifies pores and stimulates cell renewal thanks to the 3 types of clay. Red algae and vitamin E provide hydration, nourishment. The mask restores skin hydration and its protective properties and slows down age-related changes. Improves complexion and evens out relief.

Biotherm Everplump Night Aquasource Mask

Rating: 4.8

Thanks to its light gel consistency and rich composition, it is suitable for dry and fading skin. Restores the hydration balance, tones and tightens the facial contour. Contains kelp, glycerin, tocopherol, biotin, sea water, complex of extracts. Improves cell nutrition, eliminates peeling, slows down aging. Recommended to be applied before going to bed, in semi-darkness, as it activates the components of the mask.

Moisturizing Algae Mask with Laminaria Planeta Organica

Rating: 4.8

For dry and sensitive skin, it has a light gel consistency. Saturates cells with moisture, prevents drying out. Eliminates irritation, flaking, smoothes, nourishes. Makes skin soft, improves complexion. Contains vitamins, panthenol, herbal extracts, plant oils.

ARAVIA Professional Myo-

fting

Rating: 4.8

Contains 3 kinds of algae that saturate the cells with useful microelements. The mask has a rejuvenating tightening effect, improves elasticity and normalizes the hydro-balance. The impregnation contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, pearls, adenosine, panthenol. Moisturizes, smoothes wrinkles, makes skin smooth and fresh.

Mild Sea Clay Pack

Rating: 4.7

Suitable for all skin types. It contains Okinawan sea clay, coral powder, algae, sea salt, honey, aloe. Gently exfoliates, purifies, mattifies. Moisturizes and whitens. Keeps the skin hydrated, smooth, healthy complexion.

GREEN PLANET foil mask for all skin types

Rating: 4.6

Contains algae and minerals, panthenol, charcoal. The lightweight gel is easy to apply, sets and removes in one go. Clears skin of black spots, excess sebum. Stimulates regeneration processes, tightens pores, softens.

Lifting alginate mask Levrana

Rating: 4.6

Comes in a powder, which is diluted with water before use. It is based on spirulina and diatomaceous earth. It also contains grapefruit oil, alginate, citric acid. Deeply moisturizes, prevents moisture loss. Smoothes wrinkles, improves elasticity, tones.

Clay detox mask Enjo

cosmetics

Rating: 4.5

Moisturizing cream for all skin types with seaweed, hyaluronic acid, lecithin, plant oils and extracts. Normalizes the lipid balance, accelerates cell renewal. Eliminates flaking, oily shine. Cleanses pores, prevents irritation and inflammation.

Vitex Cleansing Foam for all skin types

Rating: 4.4

Contains aloe vera, algae. Effectively removes makeup, impurities and excessive sebum. It moisturizes, preserves the skin’s hydrobalance and improves its elasticity.

Helo Beauty serum with red algae extract and hyaluronic acid

Rating: 4.3

Under makeup, protects from dryness, evens out, moisturizes skin. Suitable for areas around the eyes, for thin, sensitive skin, increases its protective properties.

Lamaris Repair and Moisturizing Seaweed Cream

Rating: 4.3

Lamaris revitalizing and moisturizing cream with seaweed, vitamins and hyaluronic acid. Nourishes, softens, restores skin protection and hydration. It improves firmness, slows down age-related changes.

Rejuvenating serum SRA-Alganica 8 Algae ANTI-AGE

Rating: 4.3

SPA-ALGANICA 8 Algae Rejuvenating ANTI-AGE Serum for face care after 30 years of age. Contains aloe, panthenol, hyaluronic acid. It is designed for saggy, dull and toneless skin. Smoothes wrinkles, restores complexion, slows down age changes.

Algae can remedy many cosmetic problems. Homemade and ready-to-use masks are the best way to care for dry, sensitive, aging skin.