April 16, 2022

4 Benefits of Red Algae for the Skin

Written by Fadi Mourad

Red Algae might sound like a pretty odd ingredient to find in a skincare product, but it's actually a fabulous organic plant extract that is used in a wide range of premium commercial skincare products.

In this article we’re going to dig into what Red Algae is, how it's used and its various benefits. Next time you see it on a product label, you’ll be fully informed about what it does and why its inclusion is a good thing for your skin.

What Exactly is Red Algae?

Red Algae is a type of aquatic plant harvested from the ocean and traditionally has a wide range of uses, even as a food source. In skincare and cosmetics, Red Algae is most commonly used as a natural thickener and emulsifier in products such as body lotions, makeup and high quality clay masks. The most common variety of Red Algae used in skincare products is carrageenan, which occurs naturally in the cell walls of the Red Algae plant. The carrageenan extracted from Red Algae is a purified extract that's used in products such as face and body lotions, creams, serums, gels and clay masks.

Is Red Algae Good for Your Skin?

Red Algae has been studied extensively for its skincare benefits and has been shown to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. It's very rich in antioxidants, which help combat the signs of aging and it's a great source of hydration and moisturizing agents that keep your skin soft and supple. Red Algae extract is also known to help reduce inflammation, which is a critical factor in skin health and appearance.

Top 4 Red Algae Benefits

Now that we’ve established, in a general sense, that Red Algae has a range of positive attributes, let’s get into some of the key benefits that you can look out for in products that contain this ingredient.

1. Hydrating and Nourishing the Skin

Red Alga is a natural humectant. Simply put, humectants attract and retain moisture in the skin. This makes it an ideal ingredient in products designed to hydrate and nourish the skin, such as face masks and moisturising lotions. Red Algae can also help improve the appearance of skin that has been stressed or damaged by dehydration from an over exposure to sun or wind.

2. Reducing the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Red Algae is also an excellent ingredient for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. The way it does this is by naturally increasing the production of elastin in the skin, which is vital for maintaining skin strength and elasticity. This then improves the density of the skin which makes any lines and wrinkles far less noticeable.

3. Helping to Combat Acne

Because Red Algae is a rich source of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, it has the welcome effect of relieving the symptoms of acne and other unwanted or untimely flare ups.

4. Aiding Collagen Production

Red Alga has also been shown to help increase the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is critical for maintaining the strength and elasticity of the skin. It’s a primary building block of the skin and helps keep the skin firm, smooth, and youthful in appearance.

In summary, Red Algae is an excellent addition to any skincare routine when used in a variety of skin care products. There aren’t really any downsides to using this ingredient but as always, when in doubt moderation is recommended.