What Pink Algae Extract Does for Your Skin
One of the most popular ingredients we’ve ever seen. No color treatments required. Promise!
The next generation of seaweed, sea cucumbers, and spirulina to be incorporated into cosmetic formulas, pink algae (more specifically/scientifically Dunaliella salina extract) delivers a high dose of antioxidants to the skin. You know those drone shots of Western Australia’s Pink Lake that have been popping up on Instagram? Well, it’s pink because it’s filled with pink algae.
It takes on this very aesthetic color because it contains a high percentage of carotenoids. Carotenoids are antioxidants that are usually highly pigmented, and it’s what gives the skin of many fruits and vegetables (carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes) their radiant glow! Our Pink Algae Extract is rich in so-called colorless carotenoids (especially phytoene and phytoene), which are the building blocks of all other carotenoids.
Of course, we wanted the strongest pink algae because we wanted it to go straight into our luxurious creams. So of course we went with the Mediterranean. The Dunaliella salina you now find in our most advanced moisturizers is consciously harvested from a pond in Spain. After the crop is collected and dried, supercritical CO2 extraction is used to produce a highly purified extract. This is a low-temperature extraction method that ensures the nutrients contained in the algae are as close to their natural state as possible. (We like to let the plants do their botanical work undisturbed.) After cleansing and blending with jojoba oil, you get the ultimate skincare-friendly form of pink algae extract.
These carotenoids (which we’ve already identified as an antioxidant) can prevent the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Stay tuned… this is a more scientific way to explain the cellular responses that may contribute to the aging process in the body. Through this antioxidant protection, pink algae extract can improve skin redness, fine lines and wrinkles, reduce skin roughness, and increase firmness and elasticity.
Let’s quickly recap what the participants in the consumer study said after using the Very Luxe cream for 6 weeks:
100% of participants confirmed that their skin felt firmer
100% of participants noticed that their skin tone became more even
100% of participants reported improvements in tired, dull skin
The proof is in the plants! Or something like that. But please don’t pick a handful of seaweed from the pink lake on your next road trip. It’s too salty.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.