It is no secret that synthetic products are hazardous to health, and consumers are shifting product markets to natural solutions. Backed with hard science, the beauty industry is looking to what the ocean has to offer, algae.

Scientists have researched how this ocean plant can be used for sustainable and effective product use. Algae has many bioactive ingredients that scientists have found to have health benefits, particularly for the skin. Marine algae grow at a much faster rate than land plants, which makes them a sustainable product for harvesting and development.

When you swim in the ocean and algae brushes your skin, it feels slimy. But algae face masks, serums and even lotions hydrate, brighten skin and protect skin from the sun and future damage.

It is important to understand what algae have to offer the beauty industry before choosing to seek out products. Decrease your trial and error skincare habits by learning about algae benefits, then identify what kind of product you are looking to incorporate into your skincare routine.

From hydrating, revitalizing and even as a treatment to skin damage, the thousands of different algae have a lot of potential for skincare products.

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The Science Behind Red Algae

There are over 20,000 types of algae, which are broken down into two categories: macro and micro, according to studies from the NIH. Both algae types are known for their antioxidant-rich carbohydrate composition which has antiaging and anti-melanogenic applications for skincare, according to scientists.

Macroalgae, otherwise known as seaweed has three categories, red, brown and green.  Whereas there are many microalgae but the most common in the beauty industry are spirulina and chlorella. You may have never heard of them before but scientists say they work well for skin products because their micro size can enter skin pores easily.

Brown algae are most commonly used in beauty products because of their antioxidant-like abilities.  It absorbs UV and fights off free radicals, scientists say. In addition to UV protection, brown algae components are revitalizing for damaged skin and are highly hydrating, even more than hyaluronic acid. These are just some of the many benefits brown algae has for beauty products.

Red algae have been trending as a face mask ingredient because of their bioactive ingredients that retain moisture, reduce wrinkles and lines, and strengthen the skin, according to research.

Finally, science shows that green algae are known to have the highest density of antioxidants and are used for sun protection due to their high amount of chlorophyll. Chlorophylls are what plants use to produce energy from the sun, that mechanism can be manipulated for skincare products.

Understanding the different uses of algae is important if you are looking into trying out this beauty craze. Know what kind of skin you have, what kind of product you are looking for and how algae-infused products can be of service to you.

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What Kind Of Products To Use

For deciding what algae-infused products you want to try for your skincare routine, think about what you want to address or change for your skin.

For sun protection, look for sunscreen with green algae components. Whereas for revitalizing and treating damaged skin, look for serums that contain red or brown algae. If you struggle with damaged skin, it is recommended to speak with a dermatologist about the right natural product to treat your condition.

Try red algae face mask for your next self-care night. Find one that is a wet mask, opposed to a sheet mask, when used over time it will strengthen and brighten your skin. This is a great option for an addition to your curated beauty routine because it is an easy addition and not a substitution from your normal products.

If you are looking for an alternative to hyaluronic acid, brown algae serums are a natural alternative. It can be used in the same way as hyaluronic acid, wash your face and before putting on moisturizer apply the brown algae serum. Read the directions for your product about applying it once or twice daily.

A dermatologist recommended race routine should be kept simple: cleanse, hydrate and protect. Instead of adding serum, replace a synthetic product with a product with algae components such as algae serum instead of hyaluronic acid serum, and green algae sunscreen instead of a synthetic one.

Going natural instead of synthetic seems to be the direction the beauty industry is leading us in. Who knows what scientists will discover below the sea for continuing to develop sustainable and effective products, but for now there is a boom of algae-infused products for every skincare necessity.

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