Marine algae, the small but mighty skincare miracle worker from the depths of the sea, is beloved by formulators and consumers alike for its multifunctional abilities to repair everything from dry skin to reducing the appearance of wrinkles. But, marine algae has another supremely useful function for skin care formulations…
A powerful combatant in battling breakouts, marine algae is the perfect, natural ingredient to use in skin care products designed to banish bumps, blemishes, and fight acne flare-ups.
A natural antibacterial agent
Acne breakouts occur when the tiny hair follicles on the face and neck become plugged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes. To manage acne prone skin, keeping the skin clean is key – and exactly where marine algae-based formulations can help sufferers.
Marine algae is a naturally antibacterial agent, thanks to the fatty acids found naturally within an organism. These beneficial fatty acids are great for both promoting the overall appearance of skin and for combatting acne. The fatty acids within marine algae have been proven to halt the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium that leads to breakouts and acne.
“Many fatty acids inhibit or kill bacteria and now some of these (in marine algae) have been shown to prevent the growth of Propionibacterium acnes. Fatty acids are present naturally on our skin to defend us against unwanted bacteria so the application of additional fatty acids will augment our existing defences,” said Dr Andrew Desbois, University of Stirling, lead researcher on a study about marine algae and acne. “The fatty acids (in marine algae) inhibited the growth of the bacterium at concentrations similar to other acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
For a naturally potent and effective way to keep skin clean and clear marine algae simply can’t be beaten.
A gentle exfoliator
Additionally, red marine algae are a perfect addition to acne-fighting skincare formulations because algae is a naturally exfoliating agent. For consumers struggling with acne, our own exfoliation process is ineffective, leading to dead skin cells clogging pores and eventually creating comedones.
Which grainy external exfoliators like salt, sugar, or fruit kernels will remove dead skin cells from the face, too often these kinds of scrubs are too harsh for acne-sensitive skin. Even worse, manual exfoliators have a tendency to irritate and inflame the skin, which can make broken out skin even angrier – and lead to more breakouts.
However, marine algae is the perfect gentle exfoliator for acne sufferers to slough off dead skin cells, dirt, and remove built-up sebum from their pores.
An awesome alternative
However, marine algae is the perfect gentle exfoliator for acne sufferers to slough off dead skin cells, dirt, and built up sebum from their pores.
“As alternatives to harsher, surfactant-based cleansers, red algae recipes help gently remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and other contaminants [from] the skin,” said Sean Patrick Harrington, Founder of Previse Skincare, in an interview about algae with Refinery29.
Using a marine algae-based skincare for frequent and gentle exfoliation is not only a way for acne sufferers to treat current blemishes, but also an excellent tactic for keeping skin pores clean – and acne-free – over a longer period of time.
While tens of millions of Americans are plagued by acne, marine algae-based skincare formulations can offer quick, natural, and eco-friendly solutions to banishing breakouts and combating acne flare-ups. It’s only one of the many astonishing capabilities of this fantastic ingredient.
