From the sea to your skin, one ingredient that is quickly gaining recognition for its numerous skin care benefits is seaweed. Yes, you read that right – seaweed! While this may seem like an unconventional choice to some, this powerful ingredient is one that I have been making with for many years. I even like to take advantage of any seaweed I find while at the beach and rub it into my skin. While I’m not exactly Sure how beneficial this is, sometimes I like to put the real deal in my body in hopes that I can get just a few of the many benefits of seaweed.
Whether you’re looking for hydration, antioxidant protection, inflammation relief, or minimizing the appearance of fine lines, incorporating seaweed into your beauty regimen can be what takes your skincare routine to the next level! Read on to find out exactly how this natural ingredient works its magic.
What is algae?
“Algae” is a broad categorization of plant organisms ranging from tiny single-celled organisms to large algae. They are found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, meaning they thrive in a variety of ecosystems worldwide. Algae come in different colors, including green, red, brown, and even blue-green, giving them properties and health benefits that are specific to their species.
While seaweed has been around for centuries in traditional medicine, it’s only recently that the skin care industry has discovered its powerful properties.
Where do they come from?
Seaweed comes from a variety of methods, including wild harvesting from natural waters, controlled collections that encourage algae growth, and even laboratory cultivation. Some biotech companies have even taken a high-tech approach, training algae to produce specific valuable compounds by exposing them to different frequencies of light, resulting in personalized extracts. One company even trained algae to produce triglycerides, or algae oil – something impossible to create outside of the lab!
What are the benefits of using seaweed?
Algae is as abundant as it is useful, with one of its key benefits being that almost all types of algae offer the ability to hydrate and protect the skin. This is largely due to their high content of polysaccharides, which act as a moisture magnet, attracting water to the skin. In addition, the film-forming properties of certain algae create a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss. Some seaweeds have also been shown to soothe inflammation, provide antioxidant protection, fight cellulite, boost collagen production and improve cell cycle.
Algae also play a functional role in cosmetics, helping to thicken or stabilize a formulation or even create a new texture. For example, carrageenan is a popular ingredient in algae (specifically red algae) that is often used to create clear, thick gels that can help stabilize formulations.
What types of algae are in skin care?
Skin care manufacturers often incorporate macroalgae, such as algae and kelp, into products, while microalgae (such as plankton) are less common. In terms of the products I have created, the following are some specific types of algae that I choose to compound with:
Macroalgae
Hawaiian seaweed
Found in AHA/BHA Spot Control Cleanserthis seaweed is popular for its ability to provide soothing hydration to sensitive, irritated skin.
Laminaria Digitata
This is a popular brown algae found in both Advanced Resurfacing Serum and Phytolipid Comfort Creme. The main advantage of Laminaria digitata, which is very rich in polysaccharides, is its deeply moisturizing properties. It’s also great for minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Microalgae
Chlorella
Chlorella, a microalgae invisible to the naked eye, is an essential ingredient in aiding collagen synthesis in the Hard and restorative night serum. This microalgae is particularly dense in chlorophyll, a green pigment often used in cosmetics for its antioxidant properties. Manufacturers also capitalize on chlorella for its high nutrient content, making it a powerful addition to boost cell metabolism. When your skin cells have an optimal metabolism, overall cell function improves. This translates into better fighting free radicals, addressing general signs of aging and optimal collagen production.
You may also have heard of it if you like powdered microgreens! I have loved using chlorella in my smoothies since learning about its benefits both topically and orally.
Carrageenan and others
Carrageenan
As I mentioned earlier, carrageenan is an algae extract that cosmetic chemists use as a formulation aid in skin care. Products like Pure Radiance Creme Masque benefit from its thickening and moisturizing properties.
Chondrus Crispus Extract
An extract of red algae, Chondrus crispus is extremely rich in minerals. Chondrus crispus benefits the skin with overall anti-aging, firming and moisturizing properties, even helping with serum texture, as in Redness Care Firming Serum. This seaweed is really remarkable when it comes to making the skin soft to the touch.
Seaweed Derivatives
Although it is not an algae or extract per se, you may notice the skin care package mentioned on the Methylsilanol Carboxymethyl Theophylline Alginate package, such as Intensive firming neck cream. This is a seaweed derivative that is formed when we extract alginic acid from seaweed and chemically react it with other molecules. This particular seaweed derivative helps with body contouring, body and face firming, eye bags and deflation.
Chlorophyll
Again, while this is not necessarily algae, it is a component of algae and serves as the compound involved in photosynthesis (remember high school biology?). The role of chlorophyll is to receive UV light and react with sugars to create energy for plants. Chlorophyll is great for your skin care formula because it’s an amazing antioxidant, meaning it will protect the skin from free radicals and environmental aggressors, as well as reduce the visible signs of aging. Moisturizers such as Daily mattifying solution use chlorophyll to hydrate skin and soothe irritations.
What skin types will benefit from algae?
The best part about algae is that it is suitable for all algae 9 skin types. After all, everyone can benefit from seaweed’s ability to hydrate the skin, act as an antioxidant and provide nutrients. In my 30+ years as an esthetician, I have never met someone whose skin didn’t react badly to algae. With little to no downsides to using this ingredient, kelp truly deserves its recent popularity. Just remember, not all “seaweed extract” labels offer the same benefits – they all have different functions!
Incorporating algae into your skincare routine can bring a number of benefits to your skin. From hydration and antioxidant protection to collagen-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, seaweed offers a natural and effective solution to a variety of skin concerns. Whether you have dry, aging or sensitive skin, there’s an algae-infused product to suit your needs. So why not dive into the world of seaweed and experience the healing power of the sea?
Celebrity Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real solution — products designed to nine different skin types so your face will have exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare enthusiasts around the world, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research is why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin professional we know.”
