Due to their properties, algae are widely used in cosmetology. Seaweed face masks are a very popular beauty product. They are slimy and have a rather unpleasant texture, but their skin he alth benefits are invaluable.
What is algae?
Algae are aquatic plants that can be found in the seas, oceans, lakes, rivers and even aquariums. They reach sizes from a few millimeters to several meters. Plants contain almost all useful trace elements, which is why they are used in the production of cosmetics.
Composition
First of all, it should be noted that the beneficial properties of algae vary depending on their type, however, some components are common to different types of this plant. They contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, iodine, potassium, magnesium, chlorine and iron compounds, as well as traces of copper, zinc, cob alt, vanadium, strontium and vitamins A, E, C and B1, B2, B5, B6, B12 and PP (B3, niacin).
Alginicacid found in aquatic plants has special water-absorbing properties. Due to this, it is used both in the food and cosmetic industries. In food composition, it is known under the number E400, that is, it is used as an emulsifier in the production of ice cream or drinks. Similarly, this component is used in cosmetics to thicken the consistency of shower gels, shampoos and toothpastes. In addition, alginic acid has a moisturizing and protective effect.
It is estimated that up to 60 percent of the active substances contained in algae are polysaccharides, including the most important in the cosmetics industry - hyaluronic acid. Thanks to the use of algae preparations with a high content of this acid, the skin regains its elasticity.
D-Mannitol and Sorbitol, present in marine plants, are in particular demand in cosmetics because they not only nourish and moisturize the skin, but also regulate sebum production. It is worth noting that algae cosmetics are ideal for combination and oily skin care, as it regulates the functions of the sebaceous glands and is a bacteriostatic that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Algae are a source of unsaturated fatty acids: arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, linoleic acid and rare gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). They stimulate the restoration and protection of the skin, relieve irritation, have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to these properties, aquatic plants are used inproduction of cosmetics for people with dry skin and prone to irritation.
Algae species: freshwater and marine
Freshwater algae used in cosmetics are mainly spirulina and chlorella. The first is characterized by a very high content of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. In the cosmetic industry, it is used in the production of products that accelerate healing, regenerate and rejuvenate the skin. Regular use of the Spirulina Algae Face Mask will restore freshness and he althy complexion to the skin.
The cosmetic properties of chlorella are used in the production of products for deep skin cleansing.
Brown, green and red algae, in turn, are marine plants. Their actions are similar, but brown ones are the richest source of alginic acid. Greens are used mainly for the production of cleansing cosmetics. Reds have the widest application in cosmetology - they have a moisturizing, cleansing and soothing effect, which makes them suitable for dehydrated, acne and hypersensitive skin.
Use in cosmetics
- Getting rid of cellulite - green and brown sea plants are added to balms and slimming gels. They contain alginic acid, stimulate microcirculation in the capillaries and facilitate the removal of toxins. Their beneficial effect is supported by the content of B vitamins, beta-carotene and enzymes that improve metabolism and smooth the epidermis. Iodine in their compositionaccelerates fat burning.
- Treatment of acne and seborrhea - contain a lot of sulfur, which has a disinfectant and stabilizing effect on the sebaceous glands. The component cleanses the skin of toxins and helps restore its natural pH level.
- Strengthening blood vessels - laminar algae and spirulina contain rutin and estina. These substances strengthen and seal the capillaries in the skin. They improve blood circulation and reduce the tendency of capillaries to break.
- Restoring skin elasticity - freshwater algae stimulates cell division, and thanks to a special protein (ao-sain), supports the production of elastin and collagen in the skin, increasing its elasticity.
In addition to these properties, algae, due to its high content of antioxidants, slows down the aging process and additionally makes the skin smooth and radiant.
Indications for use
The most common indications for seaweed masks are rosacea and acne. Cosmetics are recommended after cleansing the face and using acids, after burns and sunbathing. In addition, the algae mask forms a so-called impermeable film to prevent the evaporation of nutrients and ensure better absorption of beneficial ingredients into the skin.
Contraindications
Algae masks cannot be used by everyone, despite the wide range of uses. Contraindications to their use:
- wounds;
- taking antibiotics or steroids;
- allergic to iodine;
- hyperthyroidism,
- active viral andfungal skin diseases;
- claustrophobia;
- treatment with vitamin A derivatives.
How to use?
Before applying the mask, it is necessary to exfoliate the skin. And read carefully the instructions on the package - can you apply the product in the eye area. Masks usually have a gel-like consistency. They are applied to the face, neck, decollete, depending on the needs - usually 2-3 times a week. Leave them on the skin from several minutes to half an hour. Then the residue is removed and washed off with warm water.
Face mask recipes for all skin types
In pharmacies you can choose from hundreds of cosmetic products containing marine plants. However, firstly, their price is usually too high, and secondly, the content of algae in them is really insignificant. But don't worry, you can make an inexpensive algae face mask at home. It will effectively moisturize and nourish your dermis. Below are some guidelines for preparing masks for different skin types.
- Mask with seaweed for the face with enlarged visible pores. Enlarged pores look unsightly and are extremely difficult to hide even under heavy makeup. Moreover, acne with such a problem appears much more often. Preparing a mask for narrowing the pores is extremely simple. All you need is wheat flour, natural yogurt and some seaweed powder. Prepare all the ingredients, mix a tablespoon of flour, a tablespoon of naturalyogurt and seaweed. Everything must be mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained, and then applied to the face. The product should be left to dry, and then rinse with cold water. After a few treatments, you should notice the first results.
- Algae-based face mask for dry and irritated skin. Especially in winter, the skin is exposed to excessive dryness. At this time, most people remember to moisturize their hands, but often forget about the thin skin of the face, and it is she who is constantly exposed to cold winter air. By choosing the right ingredients, you can also make an effective moisturizer. To prepare a seaweed face mask, you must combine a teaspoon of evening primrose oil (it can also be flaxseed oil) with honey and seaweed previously dissolved in hydrolate. You can use rose hydrosol to dissolve them. After thoroughly mixing the ingredients, the product should be applied not only to the face, but also to the neck. After 15 minutes, everything should be washed off with warm running water.
- Algae mask for oily and combination skin. Oily and combination skin are the most common. A characteristic feature of this type is oily sheen in the area of the forehead, nose and chin, rarely cheeks. Therefore, if your skin develops a characteristic oily T-zone at the end of the day, you should try preparing this mask. For this, you will need two teaspoons of powdered seaweed, a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a tablespoon of olive oil. All ingredients should be carefullymix until smooth, and then apply on the face, paying particular attention to problem areas. After 15-20 minutes, everything should be washed off with cold water.
- Mask for problem skin. If you have a lot of acne on your face, then most likely you have problem skin. This is one of the worst skin types because imperfections appear almost non-stop and removing them can sometimes be very difficult. However, algae can also help here. To prepare an algae cleansing mask, you should combine a teaspoon of powdered algae, a tablespoon of potato flour and a grated small onion. You can add some nettle infusion. The finished mass should be applied to the face for about 30 minutes, and then washed off with chamomile infusion.
Spirulina mask
This aquatic plant mask hydrates dry and tired skin for relief. How to use it? It is better to use it 1-2 times a week, after cosmetic peeling. Powdered spirulina algae face mask should be done solo (only with water) or mixed with green clay (in proportions 1:1 or 3:1). Depending on the proportion of the components, it acquires a color from dark blue to turquoise. It is also worth adding to the bath - as it relaxes the entire body and has antifungal activity.
Recipe:
- 2 teaspoons of spirulina;
- mineral water.
Mix spirulina with a little water until it forms a sticky consistency that can be easily applied to the face. YouYou can also add Purifying Green Clay to the mask to enhance its effect. Leave the product to dry completely on the skin and wash it off after 20 minutes.
Kelp powder for facial skin
Laminaria algae face mask restores youth, freshness, deep hydration, nourishes and deeply regenerates the epidermis. Already after the first use, you will see how small wrinkles are smoothed out. The product has a lifting effect (visibly tightens the skin).
Instructions for use: dissolve 2 g of dry powder in 20 ml of warm water. Leave for 20 minutes. The mask should have a gel consistency. Apply it on cleansed face. After 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water and remove the residue with a soft cloth. A 10-day treatment is recommended, later it can be used 1-2 times a week.
Kelp seed face mask
Kelp (spore) face mask is a cosmetic product with natural collagen. It has a tonic, refreshing, rejuvenating, moisturizing effect on the epidermis. The tool brightens age spots, reduces swelling. This mask is produced by many manufacturers, mainly in Thailand, China, Vietnam. Seaweed face mask is suitable for all skin types. To achieve good results, it is recommended to use it 1-2 times a week. When using it, you should follow some rules and manufacturer's instructions:
- Water is needed to dilute the maskgood quality - mineral or refined.
- The ratio of water to dry seeds should be 1:1. For a single use, 15-20 grams of dry brown algae spores are usually enough. There are two ways to dilute the mask. The first is dilution with cold water. Then the disputes will soak for 1 hour. The second is dilution with warm water (no more than 60 degrees), the product can be applied to the face after 10 minutes.
- Before applying the composition, clean and steam the face.
- Alginate mask with algae for the face has a jelly-like stretchy texture. You should apply it gently on the face, making holes in it with your fingers in the area of \u200b\u200bthe eyes and nose.
- Within half an hour, you must take a horizontal position, as the mask may slip. After this time, it dries up, becomes denser. It should be removed in one motion - from the chin to the forehead. After you need to wash and apply a nourishing cream to the skin.
Reviews of the seaweed face mask are very positive. Users note its beneficial effect on the skin - it moisturizes, whitens, controls sebum, treats acne, and makes wrinkles less noticeable.
Best Chinese seaweed face masks
Chinese women have always amazed with their porcelain skin. Their secret of eternal youth lies in the regular use of cosmetics with algae and other natural ingredients. Consider the best of them.
1. Bioaqua is a popular seaweed seed collagen mask. Possesses amazingcleansing and smoothing effect.
2. Caicui - a series of masks, which include hyaluronic acid, aloe extract and seaweed. These masks are rich in rare vitamins, minerals, amino acids and polysaccharides. According to satisfied women, the skin after using the products really takes on a fresh, youthful look.
3. Rolanjona is a famous Chinese brand with a wide range of products. His most popular product is the algae facial mask. Reviews about this cosmetic product are very positive. Formulated with kelp seeds (Sargassum pallidum) and moisturizing rosehip seeds.
4. MyBeauty Diary - Thai seaweed face mask. The products of this company managed to gain popularity all over the world and in our country. According to consumers, the Black Pearl mask whitens and moisturizes the skin. It has a natural composition - sodium hyaluronate, protein hydrolyzate and extracts of various plants: aloe, cucumber, kelp, licorice, etc.
Tips
When buying ready-made algae masks for home use, choose them carefully based on your skin type - dry, combination, oily - and your needs. Otherwise, you may not get the desired cosmetic result, but, on the contrary, harm yourself.
