Glycerin and Seaweed Benefits
June 23rd, 2009Sun radiation and pollution are important sources of free radicals and even though you can protect yourself against UV radiation and other contaminants you can’t protect yourself 24/7. Free radical forming elements are constantly present, as a matter of fact, the very same oxygen we require to live is a strong source of free-radical molecules. Thus antioxidants are state-of-the-art ingredients to look for when shopping for skin-care solutions, and there are dozens available (with no clear-cut “best” choice among them).
A variety of different ingredients found in Nature contain antioxidant powers that contribute to repair damaged cells and protect our organism against damaging free radicals. Among these ingredients are glycerin and seaweed, mentioned below.
Natural Ingredients Help Fight Free Radicals
Glycerin is a humectant. This implies it has the capability to capture water right from the air bringing it closer to your skin and promotes the retention of water. It helps enhance the skin’s defences by reinforcing the intercellular matrix and keeps just the right quantity of water to keep the skin’s homeostasis whilst helping the other skin lipids perform better. Glycerin is a by-product of the saponification process of vegetable fatty acids.
A wide range of compounds help skin hold water (moisture). Glycerin is one of the more typical and effective water-binding agents used in cosmetics. Some water-binding agents can mimic the skin’s actual structure and can be of benefit in a formulation; these include glycerine, hyaluronic acid, elastin, amino acids, polysaccharides, phospholipids, ceramide, proteins, mucopolysaccharides, cholesterol, glycosphingolipids, glucose, sodium PCA, sucrose, collagen, fructose, lecithin, sodium hyaluronate, glycogen, and glycosaminoglycans. No single one of these is chosen over the other because even though they are all effective, none of them can permanently change the actual structure of skin.
Seaweed is the name commonly used for several types of sea algae. Seaweed extracts include cellular glyconutrients and trace minerals. They facilitate skin hydration as well as tightening the skin. Seaweed also has anti-inflammatory properties, toning, re-mineralising and rejuvenating properties.
Algae, in its hundreds of varying species, are well-known antioxidant constituents and have been around for a long time. Algae show anti-free radicals or antioxidant properties (Sources: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, February 2002, pages 840-845; and Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2004, pages 219-222).
Furthermore seaweed component is odor-free, non-irritating and non-allergic. It promotes the softness and moisture of both hair and skin. More specifically it impedes oxidative degeneration of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which in turn can collaborate in fading out wrinkles and fine lines: a welcome anti-aging ability.
An interesting component in algae is Fucoidan, a type of glyconutrient that is being developed as a especial type of nutraceutical. The main effective ingredient in Fucoidan is the fucose, one of the eight basic biological sugars. It has been included in the diet of Okinawa inhabitants for centuries and is attributed as one of the reasons why the region has one of the world’s best rates of longevity.
A biological skin care product is the latest solution created to fade scars, imperfections and skin discolorations, while at the same time taking care of your skin.
- Danna Finnerand
