The green algae, such as Chlorella vulgaris, is increasingly valued for its beneficial effects, particularly due to its biochemical composition rich in antioxidants. Let's explore together how to optimally use this algae.
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- In what form is green algae used?
In what form is green algae used?
- The green algae as a dietary supplement
- The application of green algae on the skin
- The green algae on the hair
- Sources
The green algae as a dietary supplement.
green algae by consuming it as a dietary supplement .It is available in the form of capsules, tablets, or a green powder.
Ki Won LEE and his team wanted to investigate the effect of a six-week oral intake of Chlorella vulgaris (100 mg/L in pellet form) on the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in mice. Scores of 0 (none), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), and 3 (severe) were used for each symptom (erythema, edema, excoriation, and desquamation), with the total score corresponding to their sum (maximum: 12).
The intake of 3% or 5% of C. vulgaris reduced dermatitis scores to 5.00 and 3.67, respectively, compared to the standard diet (6.50). Additionally, transepidermal water loss decreased in the algae-supplemented groups (43.79 g/m2/h for 3% and 42.00 g/m2/h for 5%). The groups supplemented with 3% and 5% showed higher skin hydration (8.48 and 16.98) than the control group (3.71).
Scientists have delved into the mechanisms involved. Further analyses revealed that treatment with C. vulgaris reduced the infiltration of white blood cells induced by atopic dermatitis in the skin, and it decreased the levels of TARC (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine) and MDC (macrophage-derived chemokines).
The treatment also reduced the mRNA expression levels of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γ. These cytokines are involved in the development and exacerbation of skin conditions and increase skin inflammation. Therefore, oral consumption of green algae could calm skin inflammation, maintain skin hydration and restore the skin's condition.
The application of green algae on the skin.
Thegreen algae is also interesting for topical application. Creams, lotions, masks, scrubs... it is often found in skincare products. It can also be used in tinted cosmetic products, such as green concealers, due to its chlorophyll content. Because of its green color, it is believed to be capable of "neutralizing" the red color and thus reducing the appearance of redness. Several studies have shown the effects of applying green algae on the skin.
Applying a cream with C. vulgaris from 1 to 5% for a period of 7 to 28 days can enhance and accelerate wound healing. It may also improve skin hydration, have an antioxidant activity that counters the effects of skin aging, and potentially reduce redness and vascular lesions, associated with conditions such as rosacea. It is important to note that this latter result is only a hypothesis.
The majority of studies have been conducted on cells, not through topical application on human skin. Therefore, the effects might not be as significant due to the penetration of the skin barrier.
The green algae on the hair.
Finally, you can apply thegreen algae to your hair, which is found in hair care products such as detangling milks and serums. As of today, no study has proven any property of using green algae on hair. However, assumptions can be made about its possible hair benefits.
Indeed, we have previously mentioned potential antioxidant effects of green algae. It can also prevent lipid peroxidation. Hair fiber damage, related to lipid oxidation, is part of the photo-aggravation of hair aging. By absorbing and filtering the incident ray, hair pigments ensure the protection of hair proteins, such as keratin. However, when pigments act to protect these proteins, they themselves can be degraded, resulting in white hair. Green algae could reduce the effects of oxidative stress on the hair, making it less brittle, and may limit white or gray hair through the preservation of hair pigments.
These properties have not been scientifically demonstrated.
Sources
MORVAN P. Y. Effect of Chlorella extract on skin. Personal Care (2007).
Complément alimentaire : Chlorella. VIDAL (2014).
LEE K. W. & al. Chlorella vulgaris attenuates dermatophagoides farinae-induced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in NC/Nga mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2015).
ACHMAD H. & al. Effect of the application of Chlorella vulgaris ointment to the number of fibroblast cells as an indicator of wound healing in the soft tissue of pig ears. Pesquisa Brasileira em Odontopediatria e Clínica Integrada (2020).
RAYA I. & al. The effectiveness of Chlorella vulgaris cream applied to male and female rats. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology (2020).
RAYA I. & al. Antioxidant activity of Chlorella vulgaris used as an antioxidant cream. Journal of Physics: Conference Series (2021).
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