Red Algae, cited as the next skincare super-ingredient, vital at repairing your skin barrier, rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients. But what does it ACTUALLY do? Here are six ways Red Algae benefits your skin.
We all know and understand that feeling of jumping into the ocean and feeling refreshed. The sea is rich in salts and minerals that make us feel and look good. This has led to a rise in seaweed skincare and mineral based skincare as we all chase the coveted holiday glow.
Dermatologists and scientists have taken that euphoric moment of feeling good in the sea and turned it into doing good for the skin.
But what is it in the sea that we think makes us look good?
Red Algae grows deep in the ocean and contains nature’s strongest antioxidant, Astaxanthin. Antioxidants are critical in skincare because they protect our skin from the damage of free-radicals, UVA and UVB rays and pollutants. These substances cause our skin to develop fine lines, premature ageing as well as blocked pores, uneven skin texture and tone, redness and a host of other unwanted effects. You can read more in What is Red Algae.
Let’s dive into the different ways Red Algae benefits your skin.
Red Algae Targets Acne
Red Algae contains high levels of beta carotene which the body can convert to Vitamin A. You probably use Retinol in your skincare already, this is your source of Vitamin A. Topical retinol is continually supported as an effective antimicrobial therapy against acne. Vitamin A protects the skin from free radicals and prevents the build-up of excess oil that results in acne.
As studies have suggested, in recent years the resistance of C. acnes (the bacteria behind Acne Vulgaris) to many of the antibiotics used most often in acne treatment has emerged. About 80% of the treatments used on women fail in multiple doses because bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics.
Red Algae is an excellent source of biologically active compounds, having several valuable properties including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Red Algae contain polysaccharides and bioactive compounds that have been shown to inhibit bacterial growth, as well as treat skin inflammatory conditions by inhibiting the effect of pro-inflammatory genes. When it comes to acne, Red Algae is an effective ingredient for many reasons—it aids in treating pigmentation and redness that comes along with this condition; supports the work of other active ingredients; and most importantly keeps your skin hydrated.
Red Algae reduces inflammation and redness
Porphyran, a polysaccharide extracted from Red Algae, suppresses nitric oxide production, which can cause tissue damage associated with chronic inflammation when there’s too much present in the body. For example, people with Rosacea have higher levels of an inflammatory mediator called cathelicidins, which are part of the skin's defence system. Red Algae contains bioactive compounds that can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce the expression of inflammatory genes. You can read more in Is red algae good for rosacea?.
Exposure to environmental stressors such as UV rays, smoke and chemicals can cause your skin's cells to produce excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This overproduction may trigger inflammatory skin diseases like Rosacea. Antioxidants can be your best weapon against ROS.
Red Algae contains one of the most powerful antioxidants—Astaxanthin. This substance is six thousand times more effective than Vitamin C at neutralising free radicals and 550 times better than Vitamin E in this respect.
Red Algae helps to repair your skin barrier. You can read more about the skin barrier here.
Red Algae improves Skin Hydration
Great skin starts with hydration. Soft, supple, glowing skin is skin that is well hydrated.
The carbohydrates that make up Red Algae better preserve moisture in the skin and prevent dehydration when compared to the beauty industries holy grail Hyaluronic acid. Red Algae is also high in potassium and sodium, two electrolytes that enable cells to retain water and promote hydration, which shows through on your skin.
Red Algae reduces hyperpigmentation
Bioactive compounds of Red Algae have been shown to have anti-melanogenic properties. Melanocytes are the cells that give your skin its colour. The more melanin produced by these cells, the darker the skin will appear.
Sun damage or acne marks can cause hyperpigmentation that makes your skin look dark in specific patches. Lightening the skin pigmentation is achieved by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that promotes melanin production in the skin. By inhibiting excess amounts of melanin, you aid in lightening the pigmentation of your skin. Red Algae-infused skincare products effectively treat fading dark areas; they help lighten dark patches in your skin, restoring it to its natural healthy glow.
Red Algae is a natural anti-ageing product
When exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the skin produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause DNA damage, contributing to premature ageing and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Red Algae contain natural anti-aging substances such as fucoidan and carotenoids that protect your skin against ageing caused by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and other sources, effectively reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Red Algae can amp up the benefits of your SPF
Red Algae contains UV blockers that protect the skin from harmful sun rays. These include sulphated polysaccharides and carotenoids. Carrageenan’s have shown significant protection against cell damage by UV light and have decreased the release of reactive oxygen species, which lead to ageing skin and cancers.
Carotenoids are found in all photosynthetic organisms, including Red Algae. They absorb energy from the sun and mitigate the harmful effects of UV rays by dissipating excess energy.
How do I find the best source of Red Algae?
The Recovery & Repair gel contains the bio-active compound in Red Algae, Astaxanthin. This super ingredient is highly coveted in the skincare world but there was a major problem with efficient extraction from the Red Algae itself. Using an innovative scientific technology, we have managed to efficiently extract Astaxanthin in its most potent form to date.
The Recovery & Repair Gel contains ten times more Vitamin A than Retinol, 550 times more potent than Vitamin E itself and 6,000 times more potent than Vitamin C. It’s also more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid itself.
Most importantly, it contains naturally active ingredients. The Recovery & Repair Gel hydrates and soothes and works deep within the epidermis and dermis to create more and more healthy cells which strengthens the skin barrier, making it less affected by pollutants, irritants and free radicals.
It’s able to even skin tone, reduce redness, clear blemishes, reduce eczema – all by treating the problem of bad skin at the root – the skin barrier.
The miraculous Astaxanthin is an extremely versatile compound making it a major advance in skincare. It’s able to lock in hydration, provide increased antioxidant protection which essentially supercharges your SPF and acts as an even stronger barrier to fight off free radicals.
