Due to its properties, algae are widely used in cosmetology. Algae face masks are a very popular cosmetic product. They resemble mucus, have a rather unpleasant consistency, but their benefits to skin health 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 manufacture of cosmetics.
Structure
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 species of this plant. They contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, iodine, potassium, magnesium, chlorine and iron compounds, and in addition, traces of copper, zinc, cobalt, vanadium, strontium and vitamins A, E, C and B1, B2, B5, B6, B12 and PP (B3, niacin).
Alginic acid, found in aquatic plants, has special water-absorbing properties. Due to this, it is used both in the food and cosmetic industries. As part of food, 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 the manufacture of 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 restores its elasticity.
D-mannitol and sorbitol, which are present in marine plants, are in special demand in cosmetology, because they not only nourish and moisturize the skin, but also regulate the production of sebum. It is worth noting that algae cosmetics are ideal for the care of mixed and oily skin, 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, eicosapentaenoic, linoleic acids 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 in the manufacture of cosmetics for people with dry skin and prone to irritation.
Types of algae: freshwater and marine
The 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 manufacture of products that accelerate healing, regenerate and rejuvenate the skin. Thanks to regular use of a face mask made of algae with spirulina, the skin restores freshness and a healthy color.
The cosmetic properties of chlorella are used in the manufacture of products for deep skin cleansing.
Brown, green, and red algae, in turn, are marine plants. Their actions are similar, but brown is the richest source of alginic acid. Greens are used mainly for the production of cleansing cosmetics. The most widely used in cosmetology are reds - they have a moisturizing, cleansing and soothing effect, which makes them suitable for dehydrated, acne and hypersensitive skin.
Use in cosmetics
- Get rid of cellulite - green and brown marine 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 vitamins B, beta-carotene and enzymes in them, which improve metabolism and even out the epidermis. Iodine in their composition accelerates the burning of fat.
- Acne and seborrhea treatment - contain a lot of sulfur, which has a disinfecting 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 routine and estin. These substances strengthen and seal the capillaries in the skin. They improve blood circulation and reduce the tendency of capillaries to rupture.
- Restoring skin elasticity - freshwater algae stimulate cell division, and thanks to a special protein (ao-sain) support the production of elastin and collagen in the skin, increasing its elasticity.
In addition to these properties, algae, due to their high content of antioxidants, slow down the aging process and additionally make the skin smooth and radiant.
Indications for use
The most common indications for algae 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 components into the skin.
Contraindications
Algae masks cannot be used by everyone, despite a wide range of applications. Contraindications to their use:
- wounds;
- taking antibiotics or steroids;
- allergy to iodine;
- hyperthyroidism
- active viral and fungal skin diseases;
- claustrophobia;
- vitamin A derivative treatment
How to use?
Before applying the mask, it is necessary to peel the skin. And read the instructions on the packaging carefully - can you use the product in the eye area. Masks usually have a gel-like consistency. They are applied to the face, neck, dΓ©colletΓ©, depending on the needs - usually 2-3 times a week. Leave them on the skin from a few minutes to half an hour. Then the residues are removed and washed off with warm water.
Face mask recipes for all skin types
In pharmacies you can choose from hundreds of cosmetics containing marine plants. However, firstly, their price is usually too high, and secondly, the algae content in them is really insignificant. But you should not be upset: you can very well prepare an inexpensive algae mask for your face at home. It effectively moisturizes and nourishes your dermis. Below are some guidelines for making masks for different skin types.
- Mask with seaweed for the face with extended visible pores. The enlarged pores look unsightly, and they are extremely difficult to hide even under a thick layer of makeup. Moreover, acne with such a problem appears much more often. Preparing a mask to narrow the pores is extremely simple. The only things you need are wheat flour, natural yogurt and some algae powder. Prepare all the ingredients, mix a tablespoon of flour, a tablespoon of natural yogurt and seaweed. All 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 several procedures, you should notice the first results.
- Algae-based face mask with skin prone to dryness and irritation. Especially in winter, the skin is subjected to excessive dryness. At this time, most people remember moisturizing 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 prepare an effective moisturizer. To prepare a face mask with seaweed, you must combine a teaspoon of primrose oil (it can also be linseed oil) with honey and algae previously dissolved in the hydrolyte. You can use pink hydrolyte 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 must 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 a greasy sheen in the forehead, nose and chin, less often cheeks. Therefore, if at the end of the day a characteristic oily T - zone appears on your skin, you should try to prepare this mask. For it, you will need two teaspoons of powdered algae, a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a tablespoon of olive oil. All ingredients should be thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained, and then applied to the face, paying particular attention to problem areas. After 15-20 minutes, everything needs to 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 types of skin, because imperfections appear almost without interruption, and their removal is sometimes very difficult. However, algae can also help here. To prepare an algae cleansing mask, you must combine a teaspoon of powdered algae, a tablespoon of potato flour, and grated small onions. You can add a little nettle infusion. The finished mass should be applied to the face for about 30 minutes, and then washed off with chamomile infusion.
Spirulina mask
The mask from this aquatic plant moisturizes dry and tired skin, providing relief. How to use it? It is better to apply it 1-2 times a week, after cosmetic peeling. A face mask of powdered spirulina algae should be done solo (only with water) or mixed with green clay (in the proportions of 1: 1 or 3: 1). Depending on the proportion of components, it takes on a color from dark blue to turquoise. It is also worth adding it 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 texture that can be easily applied to the face. You can also add cleansing green clay to the mask to enhance its effect. Leave the product to dry completely on the skin and rinse it off after 20 minutes.
Laminaria powder for facial skin
A face mask made from kelp algae restores youth, freshness, deep hydration, nourishes and deeply regenerates the epidermis. After the first use, you will see how small wrinkles are smoothed out. The product has a lifting effect (noticeably attracts the skin).
Instructions for use: dissolve 2 g of dry powder in 20 ml of warm water. Leave on for 20 minutes. The mask should have a gel consistency. Apply it on cleansed skin. 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.
Brown seaweed face mask
A face mask with brown algae (i.e. from spores) is a cosmetic product with natural collagen. It has a tonic, refreshing, anti-aging, moisturizing epidermis effect. The tool brightens age spots, reduces swelling. This mask is produced by many manufacturers, mainly in Thailand, China, Vietnam. Algae face mask suitable for all skin types. To achieve good results, it is recommended to use it 1-2 times a week. When applying it, you must adhere to some rules and manufacturer's instructions:
- To dilute the mask you need good quality water - mineral or purified.
- The ratio of water to dry seeds should be 1: 1. For single use, 15-20 grams of dry brown algae spores are usually sufficient. To dilute the mask, you can use two methods. The first is dilution with cold water. Then the spores 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 in 10 minutes.
- Before applying the composition, clean and steam the face.
- Alginate mask with algae for the face has a jelly-like stretching texture. It should be applied gently to the face, making holes in it with fingers in the eyes and nose.
- Within half an hour, you must take a horizontal position, as the mask can 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 about the mask of seaweed for the face are very positive. Users note its beneficial effect on the skin - it moisturizes, whitens, controls the release of sebum, treats acne, and makes wrinkles less noticeable.
Best Chinese Algae Facial Masks
Chinese women have always struck with their china skin. Their secret to eternal youth is the regular use of cosmetics with algae and other natural ingredients. Consider the best of them.
1. Bioaqua is a popular collagen mask made from seaweed seeds. It has an amazing cleansing and smoothing effect.
2. Caicui - a series of masks, which include hyaluronic acid, aloe extract and algae. These masks are rich in rare vitamins, minerals, amino acids and polysaccharides. According to satisfied women, the skin after application of the product really takes on a fresh young look.
3. Rolanjona is a well-known Chinese brand with a wide range of products. His most popular product is an algae face mask. Reviews about this cosmetic product are very positive. It includes brown algae seeds (Sargassum pallidum) and rosehip seeds with a moisturizing effect.
4. MyBeauty Diary - Thai algae 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.
Advice
When buying ready-made masks containing algae for home use, carefully choose them taking into account the type of skin - dry, mixed, oily - and its needs. Otherwise, you may not get the desired cosmetic result, but rather harm yourself.