Ingredient Profile: Algae

The word “algae” is an umbrella term encompassing many different types of eukaryotic, chlorophyll-producing organisms generally found in water. Algae has vast potential for use in skincare products. The two main types of algae described here can provide significant skincare benefits, especially in the area of scar care.

Red algae extract (APT) is obtained from a special strain of marine red algae group scientifically known as Ahnfeltia concinna, a native species of the Hawaiian Islands. This particular kind of red marine algae is believed to increase cell production and to rebuild cells more evenly. This means that it may help repair the damage tissue present in a scar and help reproduce cells that are healthy and uniform in nature.

Red algae extract commonly used to correct shallow types of scarring, such as the kind produced by acne or other external factors. It is also believed that, when combined, red algae works with polysaccharides to produce moisturizing, soothing effects

Red algae has also been found to protect the skin against sun damage by aiding in the absorption of UVA rays, making it a kind of natural sunscreen that can help reduce further damage to tissues.

Red algae extract promotes skin hydration, protects cell activity, enhances cell turnover, and acts as a powerful antioxidant and sun protectant. It normalizes the skin’s moisture content and enhances overall elasticity and firmness to the outer most layer of skin, helping to restructure and “even out” skin that has been damaged and turned to scar tissue. These properties make it useful in reducing the appearance of scarring, by rebuilding new skin to replace damaged cells.

In a nutshell, red algae can:

• Improve skin moisture and hydration
  
• Refine skin texture
  
• Reduce the overall look of scars
  
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines by filling in “pitted” areas
  
• Improve skin firmness, elasticity, and flexibility
  
• Increase cell turnover and production for improved skin texture
  

Blue-Green algae extract (cyanophyceae) is another strain of algae that acts as a natural alternative to retinoids. Like retinoids, blue-green algae is known to smooth the skin, without the risk of common unwanted side effects such as irritation and dryness that are commonly associated with formulas containing retinoids. This smoothing action can have a dramatic effect on the look of raised skin abnormalities such as hypertrophic or keloid scars.

Blue-green algae extract accelerates skin cell regeneration by stimulating several elements involved in the skin’s natural repair process. This type of algae contains high concentrations of Vitamin B, along with amino acids, polyunsaturated fats, calcium, and protein, all of which aid in the maintenance and reinforcement of the skins natural functions.

In a nutshell, blue-green algae can:

• Sooth and de-sensitize skin
  
• Purify the skins cells by helping push out excess fluid and toxins
  
• Draw healthy moisture into cells, ultimately softening the skin and enhancing flexibility
  
• Promote collagen and elastin production for a smoother overall look
  
• Stimulate renewal of normal skin cells by stimulating metabolism
  
• Improve the overall look and feel of scars
  

Both red marine and blue-green algae can have enormous skincare benefits for all kinds of skin conditions. We especially recommend seeking out products containing algae for the treatment of scars, including atrophic, hypertrophic, keloid, and acne scars, as well as stretch marks.