Spirulina For Skin: Benefits And Uses

Key points

• Spirulina is a low-calorie but nutrient-dense product that provides all the vitamins and minerals you need for healthy skin. It contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for managing ageing signs and keeping your skin soft and moisturised. Spirulina is rich in protein and minerals, including iron, potassium, and magnesium - all of which contribute to healthier skin.
• Spirulina protects our skin from free radical damage and boosts collagen production, making it look more firm. It also detoxifies the body, which may improve skin appearance. 
• Spirulina may be used as an alternative acne treatment due to its antibacterial properties. This alga improves cell metabolism, which speeds up the healing process and prevents bacteria build-up.
• Spirulina can be applied topically or taken internally. Using spirulina topically helps to alleviate swelling, manage ageing signs and make the skin more soft and firm. However, getting spirulina through your diet may be more beneficial. Spirulina helps to maintain a healthy gut, which directly influences skin health. 

The way our skin looks depends mostly on two factors: what we consume and what skincare products we use. Some products are available both as dietary supplements and as skincare ingredients. One of them is spirulina - one of the best and most potent superfoods of all time. Spirulina’s unique and impressive nutrient profile allows it to provide numerous benefits for our skin and overall health both when it’s ingested through food or applied topically.

Spirulina is cyanobacteria cultivated in fresh water and dried after harvesting. This algae is abundant in all vital amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also one of the best plant protein sources. Plus, this superfood offers the benefits of vitamins B, A, K, and E and minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium. All of this means that spirulina is definitely worth including in your skincare routine.

Spirulina Benefits For Skin

Spirulina is one of the most well-studied supplements on the earth due to all the benefits it offers. Thus, scientists have carried out numerous studies to evaluate how taking spirulina may improve skin health. 

Spirulina Has Antioxidative Properties

Many people know that spirulina has strong antioxidative properties, but how does that help improve skin health? Well, studies suggest that spirulina may help detoxify the body and protect it from the impact of free radicals, improving the overall skin condition. Our skin is exposed to free radicals (oxidants) all the time, and these molecules may cause certain skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

Besides environmental factors, a poor diet can also increase free radical levels, which is why it’s essential to consume antioxidant foods like spirulina. Phycocyanin is the main active compound in spirulina that gives this algae its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Spirulina is also a rich source of carotenoids which protect the skin from environmental pollution and UV light.

Spirulina Boosts Collagen Formation

Studies indicate that consuming spirulina may increase the amount of growth factors in dermal fibroblast cells - cells that produce collagen. Increased collagen production makes the skin looks more firm and tight. Consuming spirulina can not only make the ageing signs less visible but also prevent them from appearing before their time.

Spirulina Helps The Skin To Be More Toned

Spirulina is rich in vitamins A and E - very popular ingredients used in skincare products due to their moisturising and antioxidant effects. Including spirulina in your diet may help to make your skin look less tired and more toned. Spirulina also helps with loose skin since it eliminates metabolic waste products from cells. 

Spirulina Is A Remedy For Dark Circles

Dark circles are an inevitable result of general fatigue, and luckily, spirulina may help you to manage them. Spirulina’s detoxifying effects can help you effectively alleviate dark circles and dry eye symptoms. 

Spirulina Has Anti-Aging Effects

Due to its antioxidant content, spirulina can effectively manage and prevent ageing signs. As mentioned above, spirulina destroys free radicals and prevents oxidative damage. And as you probably know, ageing signs like wrinkles and fine lines most commonly appear as a result of free radical exposure. 

Spirulina is also rich in essential amino acids such as glycine and proline, which don’t naturally form in our bodies. These amino acids contribute to collagen formation and help keep the skin tight.

Spirulina May Help With Acne

Spirulina may help with skin healing and alleviating acne. A recent study found that since spirulina has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it may be very effective in treating acne. This is because spirulina improves cell metabolism, which promotes healing and prevents bacteria from growing on the skin uncontrollably. Spirulina is also effective at keeping your skin hydrated by strengthening its moisture barrier. When compared to local antibiotic therapy in the fight against acne, spirulina has fewer side effects and doesn’t cause antibiotic resistance. However, you should always consult a professional before stopping or switching treatments.

Spirulina also promotes gut health and maintains healthy pH levels, which has a direct influence on the skin. A healthy gut helps prevent skin inflammation and allows you to get a clearer complexion. 

Spirulina Can Prevent Different Skin Conditions

Studies suggest that regular consumption of spirulina makes you less prone to skin infections such as candida. In addition, Spirulina’s antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties can also potentially prevent and treat conditions like eczema and psoriasis. 

Spirulina is also beloved by nutritionists for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that lends this superfood its anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies have found that GLA can be an effective treatment for different inflammation-related skin conditions, which is why many dermatologists include spirulina in treatment plans for their patients.

How To Use Spirulina For Skin?

Spirulina can be used both internally and externally. Using topical products with this algae helps to protect our skin from UV light and environmental pollution. However, collagen production, cell generation, and detoxification are all internal processes, so taking spirulina internally in the form of a dietary supplement may be more beneficial if you want to target these skin functions. While topical application helps to neutralise free radicals and brighten your skin, following a healthy diet is what can really make your skin healthy and glowing permanently.

The Easiest Way To Get Spirulina Into Your Diet

Spirulina is available in different forms, including gummies, topical skincare products, and traditional plain powder. Many people think that consuming spirulina in powder form and doing your best not to pay attention to its unpleasant taste and smell is the best way to go. But there are many alternative ways to consume spirulina without having to pinch your nose and hold back the sensations of nausea. 

For example, sparkling spirulina drinks by FUL® offer an easy and delicious way to give your body an antioxidant and nutrient boost. Developed with your health and palate in mind, these drinks contain flavourless spirulina extract to help you get all the spirulina nutrients without experiencing the supplement’s unpleasant smell and flavour! What can be better than drinking a refreshing, delicious, and natural sparkling beverage infused with essential minerals and vitamins? So order your sparkling spirulina drinks by FUL® today and enjoy a tasty drink while reaping all the benefits of spirulina. 

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