Ingredient Spotlight - Marine Algae
Beauty
April 14, 2023
Author: Doré
Beauty
April 14, 2023
Ingredient Spotlight - Marine Algae
Author: Doré
Doré was certainly not the first brand to tout marine algae as a hero ingredient in our products, specifically La Crème. Marine algae benefits in skincare are vast and this ingredient is a celebrated powerhouse in the beauty world for how it can support skin health.What is Algae?The term algae refers to an expansive family of photosynthetic aquatic organisms which range from single cell beings to large kelps that can be found at the beach. Seaweed sits within the algae species. There are more than 50,000 living species of algae on earth, all widely different from a genetic point of view. Some have been around for over two billion years and new algae species are still being discovered today. Typically, algae grows in the sea but they can also grow in inland waters (rivers and lakes) and on land. The key difference is structural – seaweed has a more intricate structure than other types of algae, including stems, leaves and roots.What are the properties of algae?Compared to terrestrial plants, algae contain 10 times more diverse compounds including fucoidan, fucoxanthin, polysaccharides, polyphenols and fucosterols, which all have valuable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and aging support properties. This is mainly due to the ability of marine algae to survive harsh conditions such as heat, cold, ultra-violet radiation and salinity. To adapt to the physiological changes of their environment, algae evolved their structure and metabolism. For example, most seaweeds, subject to low tide, have thick cell walls with protective layers to help prevent them from drying out. Those exposed to the sun will produce UV screening compounds, which act as antioxidants, while algae are also rich in minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium to reinforce the skin barrier.What are the main benefits of using algae in skincare?Given algae’s adaptive nature, it’s no surprise that this ingredient can be found in some of the most luxurious skincare products on the market. These are some of the benefits of algae, as it pertains to skincare products:Hydrates dry skinOne seaweed benefit for skin is its ability to help retain moisture. Dehydrated skin can not only cause skin to be dry and cracked, but it also can make the skin appear dull. When used topically, algae has been found to be a better humectant than one of the most popular hydrators of all, hyaluronic acid. Humectants help to reduce the amount of moisture loss from the skin, so all the moisture stays in the skin instead of seeping out. Additionally, in topical formulations, marine algae have been used as a moisturizing and thickening agent to help the skin feel more moisturized and smooth.Reduces hyperpigmentationIf you suffer from hyperpigmentation, you know the challenge it can be to get rid of discoloration in the skin. And if you're looking for a non-acid option—because you have sensitive skin, for example—the challenge can be even greater. But one of the benefits of seaweed for skin is that it’s a natural brightener. Green, blue, and brown algae have skin-brightening properties that can help to diminish the appearance of dark spots. And even if you don't suffer from hyperpigmentation, algae can help with evening skin more generally. A study done on human skin cells shows that marine algae extracts and algal carbohydrates can improve hyperpigmentation. Some of the brightening power is likely due to the fact that brown and green algae have high levels of vitamin C, a natural ingredient known for its brightening properties.Protects against sun damageAnother way marine algae benefits skin is that some species of algae offer natural UV protection. For combating oxidative stress, especially that which is induced by UV exposure, red and brown algae can offer protection. Additionally, algae produce water-soluble molecules called mycosporine amino acids, and they act as added UV protection, too. The amino acids work not only as antioxidants scavenging toxic-free radicals but also by dissipating UV energy into a form of harmless heat, essentially acting like nature's sunscreen. But don’t stop using your sunscreen! If you choose to apply algae topically, consider it an extra layer of sun protection, but don't make it your only. Daily use of SPF is still key. Clears clogged poresThe benefits of marine algae on skin go beyond hydration and even into exfoliation. Algae contains vitamin B, magnesium, zinc and detoxifying minerals that can all help to clear clogged pores. Reduces fine linesBecause algae are loaded with antioxidants, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The benefits of algae come by inhibiting enzymes, which break down collagen and reduce stimulation of associated inflammation from UV exposure. According to a comparative study, astaxanthin, which naturally occurs in algae, was found to be 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, 800 times stronger than CoQ10, and 550 times stronger than green tea catechins. This helps maintain suppleness and reduces the appearance of fine lines.What types of algae are in Doré skincare?We covered that there are many types of seaweed in skincare, but let’s talk specifically about what types are used in Doré. In La Crème, we use two different sources of marine algae. The first is alaria esculenta, more commonly known as badderlocks, which is an edible form of seaweed that we source from France and Ireland. The other is pelvetia canaliculata, or channeled wrack, which is sourced from Brittany, France. While they have similar properties, these are the ways each benefits the health of our skin.Alaria EsculentaThis form of edible marine algae is also an anti-aging, hydration hero. It’s packed with minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Those minerals include iron, zinc and selenium. It encourages healthy skin metabolic function by stimulating hyaluronic acid synthesis, replenishing the skin barrier while fighting the breakdown of collagen and elastin. It also helps to soothe irritated skinPelvetia CanaliculataThis form of algae is incredibly robust in its antioxidant properties, which helps to neutralize damage from metallic pollutants that are airborne. Additionally, it’s also soothing and hydrating. Pelvetia Canaliculata is also known for its anti-aging properties: its composition of carotenoidss, amino acids and polyphenolic compounds help to neutralize the enzymes that can degrade collagen before they cause harm to the skin.What skin types can benefit from using algae?Seaweed for skin can benefit all skin types, including the most sensitive skin, as it possesses a wide range of biological benefits without any negative side effects for human cells. Skincare charged with algae is especially good for damaged, vulnerable and exposed areas of skin such as the hands, neck and face.How to add algae to your skincare routineWith their numerous skin benefits, algae actives are suitable for daily application throughout the year. As with all marine ingredients, the algae used in your skincare product should have a high level of purity; an absence of heavy metals, pesticides and toxins; be sustainably and organically sourced and extracted using eco-friendly bioprocessed techniques.
Doré was certainly not the first brand to tout marine algae as a hero ingredient in our products, specifically La Crème. Marine algae benefits in skincare are vast and this ingredient is a celebrated powerhouse in the beauty world for how it can support skin health.What is Algae?The term algae refers to an expansive family of photosynthetic aquatic organisms which range from single cell beings to large kelps that can be found at the beach. Seaweed sits within the algae species. There are more than 50,000 living species of algae on earth, all widely different from a genetic point of view. Some have been around for over two billion years and new algae species are still being discovered today. Typically, algae grows in the sea but they can also grow in inland waters (rivers and lakes) and on land. The key difference is structural – seaweed has a more intricate structure than other types of algae, including stems, leaves and roots.What are the properties of algae?Compared to terrestrial plants, algae contain 10 times more diverse compounds including fucoidan, fucoxanthin, polysaccharides, polyphenols and fucosterols, which all have valuable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and aging support properties. This is mainly due to the ability of marine algae to survive harsh conditions such as heat, cold, ultra-violet radiation and salinity. To adapt to the physiological changes of their environment, algae evolved their structure and metabolism. For example, most seaweeds, subject to low tide, have thick cell walls with protective layers to help prevent them from drying out. Those exposed to the sun will produce UV screening compounds, which act as antioxidants, while algae are also rich in minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium to reinforce the skin barrier.What are the main benefits of using algae in skincare?Given algae’s adaptive nature, it’s no surprise that this ingredient can be found in some of the most luxurious skincare products on the market. These are some of the benefits of algae, as it pertains to skincare products:Hydrates dry skinOne seaweed benefit for skin is its ability to help retain moisture. Dehydrated skin can not only cause skin to be dry and cracked, but it also can make the skin appear dull. When used topically, algae has been found to be a better humectant than one of the most popular hydrators of all, hyaluronic acid. Humectants help to reduce the amount of moisture loss from the skin, so all the moisture stays in the skin instead of seeping out. Additionally, in topical formulations, marine algae have been used as a moisturizing and thickening agent to help the skin feel more moisturized and smooth.Reduces hyperpigmentationIf you suffer from hyperpigmentation, you know the challenge it can be to get rid of discoloration in the skin. And if you're looking for a non-acid option—because you have sensitive skin, for example—the challenge can be even greater. But one of the benefits of seaweed for skin is that it’s a natural brightener. Green, blue, and brown algae have skin-brightening properties that can help to diminish the appearance of dark spots. And even if you don't suffer from hyperpigmentation, algae can help with evening skin more generally. A study done on human skin cells shows that marine algae extracts and algal carbohydrates can improve hyperpigmentation. Some of the brightening power is likely due to the fact that brown and green algae have high levels of vitamin C, a natural ingredient known for its brightening properties.Protects against sun damageAnother way marine algae benefits skin is that some species of algae offer natural UV protection. For combating oxidative stress, especially that which is induced by UV exposure, red and brown algae can offer protection. Additionally, algae produce water-soluble molecules called mycosporine amino acids, and they act as added UV protection, too. The amino acids work not only as antioxidants scavenging toxic-free radicals but also by dissipating UV energy into a form of harmless heat, essentially acting like nature's sunscreen. But don’t stop using your sunscreen! If you choose to apply algae topically, consider it an extra layer of sun protection, but don't make it your only. Daily use of SPF is still key. Clears clogged poresThe benefits of marine algae on skin go beyond hydration and even into exfoliation. Algae contains vitamin B, magnesium, zinc and detoxifying minerals that can all help to clear clogged pores. Reduces fine linesBecause algae are loaded with antioxidants, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The benefits of algae come by inhibiting enzymes, which break down collagen and reduce stimulation of associated inflammation from UV exposure. According to a comparative study, astaxanthin, which naturally occurs in algae, was found to be 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, 800 times stronger than CoQ10, and 550 times stronger than green tea catechins. This helps maintain suppleness and reduces the appearance of fine lines.What types of algae are in Doré skincare?We covered that there are many types of seaweed in skincare, but let’s talk specifically about what types are used in Doré. In La Crème, we use two different sources of marine algae. The first is alaria esculenta, more commonly known as badderlocks, which is an edible form of seaweed that we source from France and Ireland. The other is pelvetia canaliculata, or channeled wrack, which is sourced from Brittany, France. While they have similar properties, these are the ways each benefits the health of our skin.Alaria EsculentaThis form of edible marine algae is also an anti-aging, hydration hero. It’s packed with minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Those minerals include iron, zinc and selenium. It encourages healthy skin metabolic function by stimulating hyaluronic acid synthesis, replenishing the skin barrier while fighting the breakdown of collagen and elastin. It also helps to soothe irritated skinPelvetia CanaliculataThis form of algae is incredibly robust in its antioxidant properties, which helps to neutralize damage from metallic pollutants that are airborne. Additionally, it’s also soothing and hydrating. Pelvetia Canaliculata is also known for its anti-aging properties: its composition of carotenoidss, amino acids and polyphenolic compounds help to neutralize the enzymes that can degrade collagen before they cause harm to the skin.What skin types can benefit from using algae?Seaweed for skin can benefit all skin types, including the most sensitive skin, as it possesses a wide range of biological benefits without any negative side effects for human cells. Skincare charged with algae is especially good for damaged, vulnerable and exposed areas of skin such as the hands, neck and face.How to add algae to your skincare routineWith their numerous skin benefits, algae actives are suitable for daily application throughout the year. As with all marine ingredients, the algae used in your skincare product should have a high level of purity; an absence of heavy metals, pesticides and toxins; be sustainably and organically sourced and extracted using eco-friendly bioprocessed techniques.
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