Sea Algae Extract Health and Skin Benefits

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Introduction to Sea Algae Extract:

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The skin, our body's largest organ, acts as a protective shield against environmental aggressors and harmful pathogens. However, it is constantly exposed to stressors such as UV radiation and reactive oxygen species, which can accelerate skin aging. 

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Therefore a unique natural ingredient enters the picture: sea algae extract. Packed with a range of bioactive compounds, sea algae extract has gained recognition for its potential in combating oxidative stress, moisturizing the skin, and even exhibiting anti-cancer properties. 

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Sea algae extract is a rich source of metabolites that possess remarkable antioxidant properties, making it a valuable ingredient in the fight against oxidative stress and skin aging. These metabolites include mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), polysaccharides, sulphated polysaccharides, glucosyl glycerols, pigments, and polyphenols. By neutralizing harmful free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, sea algae extract can help maintain a youthful appearance and protect the skin from external stressors.

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Carbohydrates, another key component of sea algae, have also been recognized for their beneficial properties for the skin. They are widely used in cosmetic formulations as moisturizing and thickening agents. Additionally, marine carbohydrates have been identified as promising bioactive biomaterials, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-melanogenic, and skin anti-aging properties. Their presence in sea algae extract makes it a powerful ally in nourishing and revitalizing the skin.

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One specific type of sea algae extract, Saccharina japonica, has shown impressive moisture retention abilities. In fact, S. japonica polysaccharides have been found to be superior to hyaluronic acid (HA) in terms of water retention, making them highly effective humectants. This means that sea algae extract can help prevent skin dehydration and maintain optimal hydration levels, keeping the skin plump, supple, and healthy.

 

Beyond its moisturizing properties, sea algae extract has demonstrated potential in protecting against skin cancer. Fucoidan, a kind of sea algae, has been the focus of studies exploring its chemopreventive activity. In a study conducted in 2008, water-soluble fucoidan inhibited neoplastic cell transformation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and TPA, thus exhibiting anti-skin carcinogenic properties. This suggests that fucoidan has the potential to be developed as a chemopreventive agent for skin cancer.

 

In conclusion, sea algae extract has many benefits from antioxidant to moisturizer to its ability to fight cancer.

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Sea Algae Extract Benefits:

• antioxidant

• fights cancer

• moisturizer

• maintains optimal hydration level

• leaves the skin plump and supple

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Resources:​

• NIH 2017

• NIH 2018

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