What is Red Algae? Is one of the questions that we get asked a lot. We thought it would be beneficial to create a quick fact sheet on this skincare superhero so you can see how it might benefit you.
What is Red Algae?
Red algae is a type of species of algae characterised by its red colour. They are the oldest type of eukaryotic algae and are red in colour due to the presence of a pigment called chlorophyll A, phycocyanin, and phycoerythrin.
How do I use Red Algae?
Red Algae is a superfood and can be used topically on the skin, taken as a supplement in tablet form or drank as a drink. It has different benefits when used topically compared to when ingested.
Can I use Red Algae every day?
Yes, Red Algae has been found safe to use on the skin or ingested on a daily basis. You can use it both topically and ingest it at the same time each day.
Is Red Algae safe?
Red Algae is considered safe and there have been many clinical trials on the topical and ingestible benefits of Red Algae. Here at Seacra, we ran our own clinical trials with our products to check the benefits.
Why hasn’t Red Algae been used in skincare before?
Red Algae has been used in skincare and is a highly coveted ingredient. However, one of the main problems was the extraction process. While many skincare companies use heat extraction processes, this damages the algae and makes the properties less efficient. At Seacra, we use a unique cold-pressing technology to extract the bio-active ingredient from the Red Algae to make it highly effective.
The Science of Red Algae?
The bioactive compounds in Red Algae protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulating oxidative stress-responsive enzymes resulting in the ultimate anti-ageing ingredient.
Red Algae is rich in polysaccharides and bioactive compounds. It actively combats bacterial growth and reduces inflammation, assisting in the noticeable reduction of redness and acne pores. They are also shown to help enhance the skin’s barrier function, replenish the skin’s natural water reservoir, and increase its moisture-retention capabilities.
Red Algae significantly reduces the expression of inflammatory genes.
Red Algae has also been proven to be rich in protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it an ideal ingredient to nurture and support healthy skin.
What are the benefits of Red Algae for the skin?
As you may have realised by now, Red Algae holds many benefits for the skin, but some are:
- It holds anti-melanonid properties meaning it is great at lightening and brightening the skin and targeting hyperpigmentation and sunspots.
- It is a natural humectant meaning it has great moisture retention properties so can effectively target dry skin.
- It is rich in antioxidants and is naturally antibacterial so it can target blemishes.
- Rich in anti-inflammatories and can target inflammatory conditions such as Rosacea.
- It helps build your skin barrier and can effectively fight reactive oxidative species helping it to target a range of skin conditions and improve texture and tone.
What are the properties of Red Algae?
Red Algae has many unique properties but some of its most commonly cited properties are:
- Contains nature’s strongest antioxidant, Astaxanthin that has a range of benefits for the body and skin
- 6,000 times more effective than Vitamin C at combatting free radicals
- A natural alternative to Retinol due to its high levels of Vitamin A
- One Hundred times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid
- Fights free radicals 550 times more effectively than Vitamin E
- Packed with anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin
What products do you offer and how should I use them?
Our current range of products consists of a Red Algae cleansing soap, Recovery & Repair Gel and a Red Algae plus Collagen Glow Shot.
You should cleanse and use our Recovery & Repair Gel twice daily and take our Glow Shot once a day. Both the topical and ingestible benefits of Red Algae are different.
