The Benefits of Spirulina for The Skin

Spirulina is a naturally occurring blue-green algae which forms and thrives in warm water lakes. Blue green algae is a type of bacteria that lives in water. Its scientific name is cyanobacteria, and as its name would suggest, it’s a type of bacteria that’s found in both fresh water and salt water. There are lots of different varieties, and while some are toxic, the most popular one – spirulina – is, in contrast, extremely nutritious and boasts an abundance of impressive skincare benefits. Spirulina in powder or tablet form nourishes your body from the inside out. 

The latest trend that’s gaining traction is topical algae, specifically blue green algae. It’s by no means a new discovery – it’s actually been around for centuries, and scientists have long hailed the benefits of this impressive looking, pigment-rich ingredient. So, if it’s a hydration boost you’re after, or added protection against the ever-increasing pollution levels we’re faced with, incorporating it into your daily regime can keep your skin looking and feeling its very best.

Boost the overall health and radiant appearance of your skin, as well as preventing acne build up and swelling with The Z’s bath salts. Rich in nutrients and vitamins, Blue Spirulina decreases inflammation, tones the skin, and works wonders on dull, congested skin as it gently detoxifies and encourages cell renewal. Swirl a generous handful into a filled, warm bath. We recommend immersing for a minimum of 20 minutes to fully absorb the active ingredients.

Skin Nutrition

Blue green algae spirulina is extremely nutritious and contains no less than eight essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, and is rich in many nutrients, including B vitamins and iron. Oh, and it’s also high in protein – essential for repairing those cells. Plus, it contains gamma linolenic acid, a rare fatty acid that not only helps to decrease inflammation in skin but that works to maintain overall skin health, which is important for just about everybody. Because of these qualities, spirulina makes a great addition to your skin care and bodycare routine.

Free radicals are the pesky things that damage skin, making it look older than it should. With the help of antioxidants, free radicals can be eliminated by increasing the skin’s metabolism, which is exactly what spirulina does. It helps your body produce new, healthy cells faster. When that happens, you’re left with fresh, glowing skin.

Benefits For the Skin

Spirulina can boost the overall health and radiant appearance of your skin, as well as preventing acne build up and swelling. Rich in nutrients, vitamins and both fatty and amino acids, spirulina decreases inflammation, tones the skin, and encourages cell turnover to promote a more youthful-looking complexion. 

Not only does it have anti-inflammatory benefits and skin toning abilities, but it can also help reduce the appearance of pores and regulate sebum production – it’s a crucial companion for anyone with oily skin. It’s also antibacterial and antimicrobial, properties which enable it to destroy candida (yeast) found on skin – which is often an underlying cause of persistent acne breakouts.

As with many superfood skincare ingredients, spirulina also works wonders on dull and congested skin as it gently detoxifies and encourages cell renewal. By supporting the shedding of dead skin cells, it helps to maintain a healthy, lit-from-within glow.

Furthermore, it has powerful antioxidant benefits and is incredibly effective in fighting against free radicals and other environmental, skin-damaging stressors. And if all that wasn’t enough, a study showed that spirulina also has impressive hydration benefits for mature skin types.

Anti-aging

Spirulina may provide anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects; thanks to the many antioxidants it contains. Spirulina fights free radicals and, therefore, can prevent skin damage that can lead to wrinkles and signs of aging.

Phycocyanin is the main active ingredient in spirulina and gives the algae its rich blue-green colour. Phycocyanin helps activate cellular antioxidant activity, which results in the elimination of free radicals. Spirulina also contains many important amino acids, including glycine and proline, which keep the skin firm and support the body’s collagen production.

Collagen production and Skin tightening

Spirulina may increase growth factors in dermal fibroblast cells, which are the cells responsible for creating collagen. This could possibly contribute to a skin tightening effect. Spirulina contains all the amino acids, trace elements, and vitamins necessary to slow down skin aging and boost collagen production. Found naturally in our body, collagen is responsible for the elasticity and suppleness of our skin. Its synthesis in our body declines over time, causing sagging skin and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Spirulina helps maintain collagen levels, and thus promote elasticity and suppleness of the skin.

Regeneration of the skin

Spirulina also contains proteins, which participate in the renewal of our cells. Phycocyanin helps to regenerate cells and limit skin inflammation of all types. The detoxifying properties of spirulina help naturally promote skin radiance and more easily eliminate toxins accumulated over time. In addition, the high chlorophyll content of spirulina helps retain moisture in the skin.

Benefits For Skin Conditions

While great for skin, the benefits of spirulina don’t stop there. Spirulina possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially help with conditions like acne and eczema.

Acne

As a natural antimicrobial, this famous blue-green algae actually kills off candida (aka yeast), which is often the underlying cause of acne breakouts. Due to its high antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, spirulina might be a better option than local antibiotic therapy due to fewer side effects and no antibiotic resistance.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis stems from disorders arising from the body’s immune system. Spirulina contains an essential omega 6 fatty acid known as GLA (Gamma-linoleic acid), which is vital in easing some of the key symptoms of psoriasis. GLA is known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a helpful ingredient for psoriasis.

Eczema

One of the best ways to cope with eczema is helping the body to eliminate toxins by using spirulina or other super greens, as they have excellent detox and energy boosting effects.