Every year skincare companies go above and beyond for their customers by introducing them to new ingredients. From bee venom to snail mucus to red algae – the list goes on. However, today is dedicated to red algae. What is it? What does it do for your skin? Why do you need it? We’ll fill you in on all the deets.
Macroalgae are broadly classified into three groups – Brown algae, red algae and green algae. Red algae gets its colour from a pigment called phycoerythrin. There are about 6,000 species of red algae in the world and a variety of them are found in freshwater, coral reefs and tide pools. The red algae species that are used to make cosmetics are Asparaguses Armata, Gracilaria, Rhodophyta Seaweed and Chondrus Crispus.
5 Beauty Benefits of Red Algae For Your Skin
Let’s dive deeper into the world of red algae!
1. Acts As a Natural Sunscreen
Heard of this term ‘MAAs’? It means mycosporine-like amino acids, and, red algae is full of it! They work as antioxidants that help absorb solar energy and protect one from the deadly UV rays. Since sun damage is often linked to premature ageing, red algae does a great job at protecting the skin. A product that contains red algae as an ingredient is bound to change the texture of your skin. Over a period of time, you’ll notice that your skin will start to look fresh and youthful after using beauty products made from red algae.
2. Hello, Bright Skin!
Shutterstock
Did you know that red algae also contains Vitamin C? It’s true! Vitamin C not only helps to brighten one’s complexion but also helps with balancing out one’s skin tone. Since Vitamin C contains tyrosinase, it helps to brighten darks spots and patches on the skin.
3. Makes Skin Plump, Supple & Soft
If you have dry skin, you need red algae in your life. When applied topically, it keeps skin moisturised and nourished. Those using face acid usually experience dry and flaky skin post the treatment, and red algae helps to nurse your skin back to health. Considered as a great humectant, red algae will lock in moisture and hydrate dry skin.
4. An Antioxidant Powerhouse
Shutterstock
Red algae serves as a powerful antioxidant that helps to destroy free radicals. It unclogs pores by scrubbing off dead skin cells, dirt, sebum and bacteria. Red algae is a gold mine filled with minerals, proteins, lipids and vitamins, that can easily get absorbed into the skin. This power ingredient helps to repair damaged skin cells and rejuvenate the skin.
5. Slows Down The Ageing Process
As we grow older, the collagen and elastin fibres tend to become looser and thicker. Skin begins to lose its elasticity and that causes wrinkles and fine lines to appear. Team that up with environmental factors and what you get is premature aged skin. Red algae helps slow down the process of ageing by making skin firmer and boosting collagen production.
Apart from cosmetic use, red algae is also used to treat medical conditions and is a source of food.
So, will you add this super ingredient to your beauty routine?
Images: Shuttestock
