Alginate face masks: algae for healthy skin

Alginate face masks are one of the trends in modern cosmetology, which widely uses biologically active substances of plant origin.

Brown algae of the Laminariaceae family (Laminaria japonicа Aresch, Laminaria hyperborea Аscophyllum nodosum, Fucophycota, Phaeophyta, etc.) contain a large amount of alginic acid and its salts - alginates. That is why cosmetic masks based on natural compounds of these plants are called alginate face masks.

Benefits of alginate masks for skin

The benefits of alginate masks for the skin will become obvious if you find out what brown algae contain besides alginic acid and its salts (we will return to them a little later).

So, the old-timers of the plant world of the oceans and seas of our planet contain almost all groups of vitamins and several dozen different micro- and macroelements - from potassium and iodine to silicon and selenium. Brown algae contain replaceable and essential amino acids, including glycine, alanine, valine, threonine, serine, leucine, arginine, etc.

Also, sulfated polysaccharides fucoidans - biologically active substances - have been identified in the cell membranes of these algae. They are currently being intensively studied, and there is already evidence that fucoidans have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and even immunomodulatory properties.

Now, let's talk about alginic acid, which made alginate facial masks famous. This acid is a water-insoluble anionic polysaccharide (linear copolymer) of brown algae cell walls. It is formed by the remains of two polyuronic acids - β-D-mannuronic and α-L-guluronic, which are covalently linked to each other in different sequences.

This structure gives alginic acid unique adsorbing properties: the acid molecule absorbs at least 250 water molecules. Moreover, sodium and potassium salts of this acid (alginates) turn into a gel when in contact with water and prevent its evaporation. Due to this, the algae do not dry out for a long time outside the aquatic environment and remain alive.

By the way, this is why sodium, potassium and calcium alginates are used in the food industry: these are thickening, gelling and stabilizing food additives E-400, E-401 and E-402.

Considering the entire set of positive physical and chemical effects of brown algae, the benefits of alginate masks for the skin in terms of cosmetic effects mean: moisturizing the skin and supplying it with essential minerals and microelements, increasing its tone, smoothing out expression wrinkles, cleansing and narrowing pores, relieving irritation and improving complexion.

Professional alginate face masks

Professional alginate face masks occupy a separate niche among skin care products and are presented in a wide range. The masks are produced in the form of a powder, which when mixed with water turns into a gel. The mask is applied to the face for 15 minutes, hardens, and then easily removed in one layer.

For example, plastic masks made of seaweed Masks of Alginate are produced by Biogenie Beaute Concept (France). The mask with vitamin C not only perfectly moisturizes the skin, but also stimulates collagen synthesis. And due to the tightening effect of the mask, a modeling effect is achieved. A lightening alginate mask for mature skin makes pigment spots less noticeable. After such a mask, the skin is smoothed, and the overall complexion is evened out. A moisturizing alginate face mask promotes facial skin regeneration: it quickly restores skin moisture, which in turn leads to a significant improvement in its appearance.

Alginate face masks can contain any active ingredients, which facilitates their penetration into the skin. Thus, Magiray Israel Cosmetics produces professional alginate face masks with the addition of various plant ingredients. Modeling Peel-Off Mask improves skin elasticity and firmness and reduces swelling due to the presence of white clay, horsetail and rosemary. Nutrient Peel-Off Mask with cloves, geranium, black pepper and palmarosa improves skin condition by stimulating blood circulation and cellular metabolism. And the Purifying Peel-Off Mask neutralizes toxins and free radicals, cleanses and moisturizes the skin of the face and body not only due to sodium alginate, but also under the influence of sunflower leaf extract and phytic acid.

Similar professional alginate face masks are produced by the Belarusian-Italian company Belita. The line of alginate masks Professional Face Care is enriched with cosmetic clays, hyaluronic acid, betaine, pineapple enzymes, etc.

As you understand, the price of alginate face masks depends on many factors, primarily on the popularity of the brand. You can save a lot by buying sodium alginate powder. And everything else is a matter of practice.

Recipes for alginate face masks

Having sodium alginate powder obtained from brown algae, you can master the technology and recipes for alginate face masks and make them without leaving your home.

So, to prepare the simplest mask with alginate, you should mix the powder with warm (not higher than + 34-35 ° C) boiled water in a 1:1 ratio - the mixture should have the consistency of thick sour cream. Since the mixture quickly turns into a colloidal mass, it should be applied quickly.

But it is necessary to follow the rules: apply only to pre-cleansed skin, while eyelashes and eyebrows should be lubricated with nourishing cream or olive oil; apply the mask in an even, continuous layer - along the massage lines of the face.

Now the main thing is to keep your facial muscles still. Therefore, it is best to lie down and relax. In less than a quarter of an hour, the mask will become like a thin layer of rubber, and you will feel how it tightens your face. From this point on, you need to keep the mask on for another 5-7 minutes, and then simply remove it by grasping its edges in the chin area.

You can make alginate face masks more effective, for example, by diluting the powder not with water, but with a decoction or infusion of medicinal plants (chamomile, sage, lemon balm, calendula), aloe juice mixed with water.

Some recipes for alginate face masks contain vitamins, for example, an oil solution of retinol acetate, Aevit (2-3 drops per tablespoon of water for mixing the mask). Essential oils can and should be added. So, for dry skin, almond, apricot or grape seed, primrose and avocado oils are used. If the skin has large pores, then take lemon, grapefruit, thyme, juniper or bergamot oils. Geranium, verbena, ylang-ylang, rose, neroli and jojoba oils work very well on flabby skin. And for blackheads and acne, alginate face masks with chamomile, juniper, cypress, cedar, lemon, rose, tea and cajeput tree oils are useful.

Reviews of alginate face masks

Many reviews of alginate face masks testify to their effectiveness, and for all skin types. This skin care product is especially praised by women of middle and "above average" age: one such mask per week - and in a month the lifting effect is guaranteed.

Some ladies have tried alginate wraps and say that alginate face masks have a wonderful effect on the skin of the body and are in no way inferior to any anti-cellulite treatments.