A Sea Change

The remedy for dry, sensitive, and aging skin just might be found floating in the ocean

- By Sherrie Strausfogel

Algae—aquatic plants that can be as big as sea kelp or tiny enough to be microscopic—are awash with therapeutic benefits for your skin. Only a few algae species have been studied for use in cosmetic products, including the three major classes of seaweed, which are green, red, and brown kelp, as well as microalgae such as spirulina and chlorella.

The studies have shown that algae hydrate, soften, and detoxify the skin while replenishing essential vitamins and minerals. Algae also have significant antioxidant power to protect skin from free radicals that cause premature aging, and are being studied for possible UV protection.

Astaxanthin, found in algae, is one of nature’s most potent antioxidants—proven more powerful than vitamin C, CoQ10, green tea, and alpha lipoic acid. It can neutralize multiple free radicals at once, protecting your skin and body from oxidation, damage, and inflammation. Classified as a carotenoid because of its red-orange color, it was originally isolated from a lobster. It is also found in microalgae, wild salmon, red trout, krill, shrimp, and crabs.