This is the first of a series of posts about Breakthrough Technologies from Marine Algae by marine scientist, Dan Fryda.
Over the past years the importance of marine algae in skin care has firmly found its place in the spa industry. Use of pure powders of seaweed are used commonly in body wraps, facial masks, scalp treatments and hydrotherapy. A mask made of pure Laminaria algae powder is still considered an amazing anti-aging treatment transporting vital elements and vitamins to the skin that are both bio-compatible and bio-available.
However there are thousands of species of marine algae that dwell in the ocean coastlines most of which are yet to be analyzed for potential human benefits. I would like to touch on a few of these algae that we are using that have special properties you should know about.
First let’s discuss the causes of some species of algae to have extraordinary powers. Environmental Stress! Extreme conditions such as frigid temperatures, availability of sunlight, ultraviolet exposure, etc., stimulate certain algae to modify their DNA to adapt to these stressful conditions. These algae, as well as other plant life, are called Extremophiles—organisms that can adapt and even thrive under conditions not hospitable to most life forms. To survive they may produce enzymes to protect their DNA, create extra powerful antioxidants, or buffers to counteract extreme acidic or alkaline environment.
This series describes a few of them, what makes them unique, and in which products they can be found.
Fucoidan: There is not enough room to tout this extraordinary marine polysaccharide from the extremophile group. It's secreted by the family of brown algae including Laminaria, Fucus, Ascophyllum and Undaria during low tides when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Fucoidan works to protect algae DNA and, when extracted and applied topically, works in many ways that are similar. Research from labs in Russia, Australia, France, etc., show that:
- Stimulates collagen synthesis (according to research from Australia as well as the Pasteur Institute)
- When applied topically, helps prevent collagenase and elastase, enzymes that break down connective tissue in the skin's dermis
- Provides strong antioxidant protection
This is on top of the many health benefits fucoidan has nutritionally:
- Supports liver functions
- And most impressively promotes cellular apoptosis (destruction of cancer cells)
Fucoidan is found in all seaweed formulations containing Laminaria algae.
