The beauty community calls algae a cosmetic breakthrough and a must have for supercity residents. The secret behind its popularity? Its multi-functionality. Want to clear pores? Done. Need to moisturize intensively and retain moisture for 24 hours? This is the solution. Hoping to provide your skin with protection? To reduce wrinkles? To lift facial contours? You got it!
Algae is like the denim of the skincare world: fit for any situation. We decided to find out more and asked Prof Dr Siti Hamidah (UTM) expert in green nano-technology about this magic ingredient.
You’ll notice that algae is always several things: It can grow deep in the water, it can float in water, and it also retains a lot of water. It has this mushy consistency, which means it has a lot of water retention within the algae fibers. So when you use algae in skin-care products, it’s always going to be the driving force for hydration. So that yucky feeling it may have underwater can work wonders when used topically via a beauty product.
It has more minerals than most any other plant on the land or in the sea. Algae works as a purifier, and it’s often referred to as the lymphatic system of the sea. Similarly on skin, it can draw out impurities and detox the skin.
Prof Watanabe from University of Tsukuba (Director of the Algae Biomass and Energy System R&D Center) have figured out ways to extract high amounts of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants from The Miracle Algae : Botryococcene Algae, which can then be infused into skin-care products to moisturize and detoxify skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, fight against wrinkles and aging as well as boost microcirculation and protect cells from oxidative damage.
So, What Makes Botryococcene Algae So Powerful?
Battling Hyperpigmentation
Green microalgae extract has a strong brightening effect and is very similar in performance to vitamin C, the top ingredient in the fight against age spots. As an ingredient in skincare products, Botryococcene inhibit the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation and activation of melanin. Since tyrosinase is involved only in the production of melanin, its inhibition does not harm either the skin or the body as a whole.
Skin protection
Every day, when we go outdoors, our skin is exposed to pollutants such as exhaust gases, heavy metal particles, organic pollutants, as well as blue radiation from smartphones and computer screens. All of them are even more harmful to the skin than ultraviolet rays, and significantly accelerate the aging process, making skin dry, dull and tired. Earlier it was believed that the protective layer of the skin can prevent negative effects; however, recent studies have shown that fine particles of pollutants easily penetrate the hydrolipid mantle (skin barrier), poisoning the entire body.
Continuous exposure destroys the hydrolipid mantle, and the skin becomes more sensitive and easily loses moisture. To protect itself from overdrying, skin accumulates a stratum corneum on its surface. Consequently, the face becomes gray, and tired, and often, couperosis develops. At the same time, a lack of skin moisture triggers intensive sebum production. And an oily sheen emerges in addition to the dullness. None of this is very pleasant.
The good news is that Botryococcene -containing products create an additional protective layer on the skin surface, whilst defending it from three “aggressors”: ultraviolet radiation, blue radiation (from gadgets) and air contaminated with pollutants.
24/7 hydration
Cosmetic moisturizing ingredients can be roughly divided into two types: those which retain moisture, and those that “lock” it in. The former include glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which attract and retain moisture within the skin, whilst the latter create a film on its surface, that prevents moisture from evaporating.
Algae and their extracts are water-retaining ingredients, making them much more beneficial to skin. They create a sort of “sponge” that is saturated with moisture under its surface, and help maintain an optimal level of moisture for 24 hours. This simultaneously strengthens the hydrolipidic mantle of the skin and eliminates fine lines and wrinkles.
Detoxing
The free radical theory of aging is one of the most popular ones out there. Here’s how it works: Free radicals, oxidants, enter the body with oxygen. They attack cells, trigger oxidation processes in DNA, proteins (collagen, elastin) and lipids (cell membranes). An excess of free radicals reduces the production of collagen and elastin and, of course, accelerates the aging process. Antioxidants, which the body receives from food and cosmetics and produces on its own as well, may help fight radicals.
Botryococcene are rich in several: vitamins A, E and B12 and selenium, and therefore are simply essential in the summer. They work as invisible bodyguards, effectively removing the harm caused by free radicals. As a result, the systemic use of Botryococcene -containing products make even tired, aging skin look noticeably fresher. And the chlorophyll contained additionally cleanses and disinfects the skin, preventing breakouts.
Anti-aging
In anti-aging care, it is difficult to find an ingredient more effective than retinoic acid, or retinol. It effectively eliminates the signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, sun damage and skin roughness. Regular use of the ingredient is associated with skin renewal, and the improvement of its tone and texture. Recent studies have shown that Botryococcene, firstly, contain retinoic acid derivatives, due to which they function in exactly the same way, but, unlike classic retinol, provide a more gentle effect, do not cause irritation and are absolutely safe during pregnancy and lactation. Secondly, they are able to inhibit hyaluronidase, an enzyme which destroys hyaluronic acid. And it is optimum level of hyaluronic acid that makes the skin looks more elastic and nourished.
The Perfect Pair: First In The World
Botryococcene Algae + Rossell Extract
We’ve taken things a step further. Our NK-ROSSERIE New Face Cream pairs Botryococcene Algae with Rossell Extract, combining the latest in algae-based technology (Roselgae Cellfix™) with a nutrient-rich botanical powerhouse. Backed by the expertise of Professor Makoto Watanabe from the University of Tsukuba and Professor Dr. Siti Hamidah from UTM, this blend leverages years of research to create a formula designed specifically for educated, professional women who understand the importance of effective skincare.
Indulge in a face cream that’s as advanced as you are—because great skincare doesn’t have an age limit.
Get more detail HERE