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Marine Algae's - How Can It Benefit Your Routine!


Marine Algae's have been a hidden little ingredient that has some amazing properties and can even be found in some of the skincare we may already use, or used in the past (Youth To The People, The Ordinary, Paula's Choice to name a few)

Studies have shown that marine algae have various benefits to the skin. Here’s some of the more commonly used marine algae's in skincare to look out for:

Red Algae/Micro-algae (Astaxanthin, Ahnfeltia Concinna, Gigartina Skottsbergii and Undaria Pinnatifida) 
Have moisture binding properties and is well suited for normal-dry/dehydrated skin types. Astaxanthin for example algae contains significantly more antioxidants than other superfood heroes like blueberries, Kale, etc, is anywhere from 10 to 100 times more powerful than other carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene, and is significantly more potent than skin-enhancing vitamins C and E. This also has skin-soothing properties and can assist in imparting a natural healthy glow to the skin.

Ahnfeltia Concinna
This micro algae has demonstrated anti-aging effects, can retain hydration as effectively as Hyaluronic Acid (it can actually boost the penetration of HA's). 

Gigartina skottsbergii
It is fantastic for addressing fine lines by plumping up the skin. Undaria pinnatifida helps protect skins natural collagen/HA's. 
Blue/Green Microalgae (Spirulina/chlorella) Well suited for Normal-Combo/Oily Skin Types as it's full of things like magnesium, B vitamins, and Zinc which provides a detoxing effect on the skin.

Spirulina 
It is packed full of chlorophyll, which has natural cleansing/antimicrobial properties. It also helps your skin retain moisture. This is a good alternative to clay masks as these green micro-algae are rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, which help detox the skin without excessive drying commonly caused by clay masks.

Red, Green, Blue, and Brown Algae have notable skin brightening properties for pigmentation issues, skin-soothing, antioxidant/anti-aging properties. 

Spirulina, Astaxanthin, Brown Algae, Blue/Green Algae variations provide UV protection properties to the skin (however, not a substitute for an SPF) as it has similar free radical scavenging properties to Vitamin C while being more stable. Algae also have natural UV filters that add to their UV protection properties.

These can also be taken internally to assist with the above conditions combined with topical products containing these ingredients.

Here are some products containing some of these amazing ingredients:

UV Filters:
- Paula’s Choice Defense Triple Algae Pollution Shield - Product review coming later today

- The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF Antioxidants - A lightweight mineral sunscreen containing Astaxanthin

- Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Spf 30 Mineral Moisturizer For Normal To Oily Skin

- Paula’s Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF30

- Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel (Product review coming later today)

Masks
- Youth To The People Superfood Skin Reset Face Mask - Great if you’re looking to decongest your face, or a great alternative to the traditional clay masks. Paula does have a clay mask from the clear line I’m testing which also has algae and will link a product review soon so stay tuned. 

Paula’s Choice Super Hydrate Overnight Mask - A Lightweight and hydrating/moisturising mask somewhere between a gel and cream base. That when applied soaks into the skin beautifully. I sometimes just double cleanse, do a mask exfoliant and tap this on.

- Peter Thomas Roth Blue Marine Algae Mask - Similar to the Paula’s Choice but a little more robust with hydration and didn’t provide as much moisture as Paula’s did. 

Serums
- The Ordinary's Marine Hyaluronics - An alternative for those who find The Ordinary’s HA too tacky, or HA in general. It’s a light formula, that also contains low concentrations of salicylic acid along with other moisture-binding properties. Great for congested skin looking to add hydration and moisture back into the skin. 

Moisturisers 
- Paula’s Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturiser - Lightweight moisturiser, great for tired or dehydrated skin. Well suited for normal, combo and oily skin types. Dry skin may require additional moisture.

Eye Creams
- Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream - Rich yet somehow lightweight eye cream that provides amazing firmness to the underage area. May be too rich for those with excessively oily skin types.

- Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream - A product I found somewhere between an eye gel and an eye cream. Lighter in texture than the Paula’s Choice but good for most skin types except severe dry skin types.

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