They're dark, slimy, and gross, but perfect for your skin
Hydrate and plump your skin with marine algae polymers
The sun is out. Many women claim to be #vaxxedandwaxed. President Biden declared that the U.S. turned the corner on the global health pandemic. The economy does not appear to be in a free-fall as it has been in the past 18 months. Dare I say that things are already better? I sure hope so! We all deserve the summer of a lifetime after the mess that was Summer 2020, okay?!
One of the things that most people look forward to every summer is going to the beach. Basking under the harmful UV rays of the aggressive summer sun appeals to more people than it should. Then again, you are reading the musings of a girl who grew up in The Bahamas where the sun does not stop shining. Ever. I digress.
If you plan to be a part of the beach brigade, I have a crap ton of advice to give, but that might annoy you. Instead, I will focus on what matters most for us here at Masktini - your good skin! In your excitement, you may neglect to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 to protect your skin from severe sun damage! Excessive sun exposure can result in sun damage that is beyond repair for the average person. Avoid the pitfalls of sun overexposure by:
- Investing in a broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Wearing protective clothing
- Limiting your time in direct sunlight
The basic facts about marine algae polymers
To continue our discussion about antioxidants that fight against free radicals, let’s go to the beach! Marine algae polymers. Huh? They sound like what they are, and that could either excite you or gross you out. If you are like many people, algae are dark, slimy, and unappealing. Marine biologists group marine algae into three main groups: red, green, and brown. There are scientific names for them, but for this post, we will call them seaweed. Yes, this grass of the sea that feels awful to walk on, but is quite the addition for a sushi roll, is the most common type of marine algae.
A common misconception about seaweed is that it’s a plant. It’s not. Although they share similar characteristics, seaweed neither produces seeds nor flowers as plants do. Seaweed is a type of marine algae, and marine alga is a species with thousands of different species. Marine algae are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- Vitamin K
- Niacin
Marine algae are best known for how they hydrate the skin. That should not surprise you, considering these natural skincare ingredients survive and thrive in fresh and saltwater environments. Typical marine algae retain water. When you add these ingredients to a skincare product, you can expect the same benefits. Now, let’s break down marine algae benefits by category.
Red marine algae or Rhodophyta
As mentioned, marine algae are rich in antioxidants. Red marine algae are a carotenoid. That means that these marine algae are rich in vitamin A. Red marine algae:
- Increase skin moisture
- Improve moisture retention and elasticity
- Promote smooth skin
Red marine algae are also a natural sunscreen. They block harmful UV rays and prevent dark spots caused by sun overexposure.
Brown marine algae or Phaeophyta
Like red marine algae, brown marine algae are also an antioxidant that blocks harmful UV rays. Apart from their natural sunscreen properties, brown marine algae:
- Reduce inflammation or swelling and skin redness
- Promote skin cell turnover and slow the decline of collagen
- Hydrate the skin
Blue/green marine algae or Chlorophyta
If you have sensitive skin, blue/green marine algae may be for you! These antioxidant-rich marine algae come in a variety of species, and spirulina is the most common. Many skincare brands that use blue/green marine algae harvest spirulina that was grown in alkaline freshwater. That can be beneficial if you have sensitive skin, as the acidity can cause skin irritation. Other benefits of blue/green algae include:
- Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Even out or brighten skin tone
- Increase the absorption of other skincare products used alongside them
We would never promote skincare ingredients or products unless we tried them ourselves. Gentle skincare is a way of life for us here at Masktini. So what can be gentler for your skin than natural skincare ingredients? If you want to experience the purified hydration of marine algae polymers, try our Woke Bae Whenever Moisture Spritz. This is an excellent face spritz for when you’re on the go during balmy summer months. You can also use it as a base before you apply makeup or as a setting spray. Either way, your skin will have a dewy finish! Until next time...