Spirulina: Superfood For Your Skin Care Routine

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, including its positive effects on skin health. This superfood is known for its rich nutritional content and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve skin health and reduce signs of aging. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of spirulina for skin, where it comes from, and its sustainability.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both saltwater and freshwater environments. It has been used as a food source for centuries in some cultures, particularly in African and Mexican communities. Spirulina is a rich source of protein, iron, and vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, and B3. It also contains powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene and phycocyanin.

How is Spirulina Good for Your Skin?

Spirulina is rich in nutrients that can benefit skin health in several ways. Here are some of the ways spirulina can improve your skin:

1. Anti-Aging Properties: Spirulina is a rich source of antioxidants that can help protect the skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and accelerate the aging process. Spirulina's antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation on the skin. It contains chlorophyll which can help soothe skin. It can be particularly helpful for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

3. Hydrating Properties: Spirulina is rich in amino acids that can help retain moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy.

4. Nourishing Properties: Spirulina is loaded with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. When included in a skin care product these nutrients are extremely bioavailable and can help improve skin texture and tone.

Where Does Spirulina Come From?

Spirulina is commonly grown in warm, alkaline, and brackish water environments. It is cultivated in countries like China, India, and Japan. 

The cultivation process starts with inoculating the ponds with spirulina cultures, which can be obtained from previous batches or specialized laboratories. The algae then begin to grow and multiply, feeding on a mixture of nutrients and minerals in the water. As the spirulina grows, it produces oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, making it an efficient and eco-friendly process.

Once the spirulina has reached maturity, it is harvested using fine mesh screens or filtration systems, which separate the algae from the water. The harvested spirulina is then dried and processed into various forms such as powder, capsules, or gels, which can be incorporated into skincare products.

Is Spirulina Sustainable?

Spirulina is considered a sustainable product because it requires minimal land, water, and resources to grow compared to other ingredients. Spirulina can be cultivated in both freshwater and saltwater environments, and it has a high yield per acre compared to other crops. Spirulina can also help improve water quality by removing nitrogen and phosphorus from water sources, making it an environmentally friendly crop.

In conclusion, spirulina is a superfood with numerous health benefits, including its positive effects on skin health. Its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and detoxifying properties can improve skin texture, tone, and overall health. Spirulina is a sustainable food source and skin care ingredient that requires minimal resources to grow, making it an environmentally friendly crop. 

A great way to add spirulina into your skin care routine is in a face mask, like our Nourishing Spirulina & Coconut Milk Mask. You get a high dose of high quality spirulina and your skin has the time to absorb all of it's benefits while you enjoy a relaxing mask. Another way to to get spirulina into your routine is with in your body care routine with our Powder Body Wash. Preorder this product on Kickstarter and help us get this novel sustainable body care product launched!