All About Red Seaweed for Skin.

Red algae (Rhodophytes) belong to a large taxon of marine algae that includes several species. They owe their color to their pigmentary composition characterized by the presence of a single type of chlorophyll. They grow mainly on the Atlantic coast and are harvested on the beaches. There are several varieties of red algae: Chondrus crispus, Porphyra conchocelis, Palmaria palmata ...

In skin care, but also in the food sector, carrageenan is a sulfur polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed that is used to thicken formulas and give them a jelly-like consistency. Traditionally extracted from the species Chondrus crispus (the Irish moss), carrageenan is nowadays mainly derived from the species Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheuma denticulatum.

Red seaweed for skin and hair care is often used to thicken formulas. Indeed, red seaweed extract contains carrageenans, natural polysaccharides composed of sulfated D-galactose residues. In contact with water, these biopolymers unfold and form a gelled network. As a natural thickening agent, red algae extract is often used in organic cosmetics to replace certain synthetic gelling agents such as carbomers.

In addition to this essentially functional capacity, the red seaweed comes with benefits for  the skin. Its humectant power retains water in the superficial layers of the skin and decreases the insensible loss of water. When applied externally, red seaweed extract combats the tightness that often accompanies dry skin and prevents the appearance of fine dehydration lines.

Moreover, the extract of red seaweed is able to stimulate the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. As a reminder, hyaluronic acid is a biomolecule mainly produced by the fibroblasts of the dermis which ensures the hydration of the skin and gives it its plumped-up appearance.

Over the years, not only does its level 
decrease but its quality also changes. 
Every decade, we lose about 
6% of hyaluronic acid. 

This drastic drop leads to an atrophy of the fatty pockets located in the depth of the dermis, which is the cause of the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin's surface. Thus, stimulating its synthesis allows keeping a plump skin as long as possible.

Moreover, the red marine algae benefits the limitation of imperfections on skin’s the surface. Indeed, studies have demonstrated the bactericidal activity of carrageenan towards Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis, two microorganisms involved in the development of acne and associated inflammatory reactions.

Finally, red algae stimulates the synthesis of ceramides, which reinforces the waterproofing of the epidermis and limits insensible water loss. As a reminder, ceramides are lipids organized in dense and structured lamellae that form the intercellular cement.