No longer restricted to aquarium walls and sushi platters, algae are now breaking out as superstar ingredients in the skin care industry. From high nutrition content to ultra hydration and antioxidant delivery, people are buzzing about the benefits of algae on the skin, especially the popular blue-green, brown and red algae varieties. With their reputation as the “superfood of the sea,” algae are transforming skin care products. Read on to find out how they may help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What Are Algae? | Blue-Green, Brown & Red Algae Skin Care Benefits | Algae In Our Marine Flower Peptide Collection
What Are Algae?
First of all, what are these aquatic organisms called algae? For clarification, we called on our in-house expert Katy Muenter who is a marine biologist and our Vice President of Product & Education. Katy explains: “Algae are special types of photosynthetic organisms that use the energy from the sun to grow. These range in size from a single cell to over 50 meters long, and can be found in every environment on the planet, including marine intertidal zones, hot springs, and even within ice and snow.”
Algae have many unique adaptations that help protect them from environmental damage so they can survive in these extreme conditions. You also might not know that algae represent some of the most sustainable ingredients in skin care. The fast growth rates and minimal impact from harvest means that these superfoods of the sea can provide health and skin care benefits without concern over environmental impacts.
Blue-Green, Brown And Red Algae Skin Care Benefits
Algae have been used for thousands of years in skin care for delivering skin hydration. The extraordinary properties of algae evolved from their many and varied living conditions. With advancements in skin care science, we can now harness the unique properties of algae.
Some benefits include:
- Replenishing, hydrating skin benefits
- A reduction in the appearance of wrinkles
- An improvement in the appearance of skin firmness
Like land-based superfoods, blue-green and red algae are vibrant in color and contain antioxidant pigments that naturally protect the skin. These compounds boost the skin’s defenses against a variety of environmental stressors. Besides acting as antioxidant powerhouses, algae also contain high concentrations of nutrients and amino acids. The intense dose of nutrition and protein building blocks replenish the skin and deliver superior hydrating benefits.
More specifically, blue-green algae extract acts as a natural retinoid alternative that reduces wrinkles. The brown algae extract contributes to increasing the appearance of firmness, hydration and elasticity in the skin thanks to its high water-holding capacity and ability to protect against the appearance of aging caused by collagen and elastin degradation. Lastly, red algae extract contains vitamins, minerals, and amino-acids to reduce the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
The marine flowers used in our collection are an assortment of freshwater and saltwater algae sourced from all over the planet. When combined, the algae work together to deliver a high concentration of different nutrients, minerals and amino acids while effectively reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving hydration. Let’s explore how the diverse and advanced skin care benefits of algae show up throughout our Marine Flower Peptide Collection.
Algae In Our Marine Flower Peptide Collection
Sustainably sourced around the globe, the advanced algae ingredients in our Marine Flower Peptide Collection combine minerals, amino acids and antioxidants to increase the look of firmness on the skin and minimize wrinkles. This combination also provides the skin with long-lasting hydration. Blended together into our Smart Collagen+ Complex, algae actives provide essential nutrients like antioxidants and amino acids to ensure that skin looks smoother, plumper and more youthful-looking. This complex is found in our Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Serum.
Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream contains red algae extract, a Smart Collagen+ Complex, botanical peptides (rice extract) and botanical hyaluronic acid (from beetroot). This combination encourages fewer fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes puffiness and provides deep hydration. The plant-based peptides are naturally derived from sacha inchi and rice protein and are used to enhance skin’s elasticity. They also contain compounds to boost the skin’s natural defense against drying effects of the sun and the visible signs of aging.
The Marine Flower Peptide Serum rejuvenates the appearance of skin and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. It contains both blue-green and red algae extracts, which reduce the visible signs of aging. You can also use our Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate, a gel that keeps the skin firm and supple. It contains two types of algae. Blue-green algae extract reduces the appearance of wrinkles, while brown algae extract helps the skin appear firmer. The formula absorbs rapidly to reveal smoother, revitalized, supple-looking skin.
If you’re suffering from dry skin, the Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream deeply hydrates and protects against transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Featuring dual peptide technology, this velvety nighttime essential is formulated specifically for delicate, crepey skin. Since losing water and moisture from the skin is a major cause of dry skin, this night cream works overnight to safeguard against TEWL. Like magic, this rejuvenating formula effectively locks in moisture and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with each application — all in a night’s work.
And we can’t neglect the lips! The Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum plumps lips and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Containing brown algae extract, this silky serum helps the skin look firm and hydrated for a plumped and rejuvenated effect. Together, the products in the Marine Flower Peptide Collection reveal a more radiant, youthful-looking complexion with the look of fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Dive into our aquatic-inspired skin care products and experience the Marine Flower Peptide Collection at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.
This article was originally written in September 2017.