Beauty Benefits of Spirulina
Spirulina Is the Superfood Beauty Savior Your Regimen Has Been Missing
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It may not be as familiar an ingredient as coconut oil, shea butter, or even matcha, but spirulina is still a superstar in the skin and beauty realm. For those unacquainted, it's a form of microalgae, and you can apply it topically or even consume it. Celebrity esthetician Wendei Smith refers to it as "the ocean's fountain of youth," and its use in products and beauty DIYs is on the rise.
"Spirulina contains large amounts of antioxidants, which destroy free radicals," Smith said. "It also has tons of B vitamins and minerals and contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid, and lots of amino acids and proteins."
Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more, along with 11 ways you can add spirulina to your own regimen.
Firm and Tone Skin
"Spirulina is the perfect antiaging ingredient. The proteins, healthy fat, and antioxidants will help skin appear firmer and more even toned, and it slows down the aging process in general," Smith explained.
You can DIY your own skin-firming mask by combining two parts spirulina (you can buy it in powdered form on Amazon) and one part water to make a paste. "With a large fan brush, paint over the face and any other areas you feel need a boost," she said. Let it set for 20 minutes and then rinse off.
For a premade treatment, try Erno Laszlo Firmarine Eye Serum ($80), which utilizes spirulina as a star ingredient.
Stimulate Cell Repair
In addition to firming and toning, spirulina can expedite cell turnover. In REN Skincare’s Clarimatte Invisible Pores Detox Mask ($34), spirulina is added to energize the skin and stimulate cell repair. The French white clay sucks out impurities and excess oil, while essential oils give blemishes the boot.
Treat Acne
The stimulation of cell turnover combined with spirulina's antibacterial properties helps reduce overproduction of candida bacteria, one of the primary culprits of acne. DIY an anti-acne treatment by combining a teaspoon of spirulina with four drops of tea-tree oil and one cup of alcohol-free witch hazel. Mix well and apply with a cotton ball or pad, then rinse after five minutes.
Strengthen Your Nails
Spirulina is loaded up with proteins that nourish and repair your nails when applied topically or when consumed. With consistent use for at least a month, you'll notice stronger nails and fewer ridges. Nails Inc's Overnight Detox Nail Mask ($15) contains spirulina, acai, and green tea.
Hydrate Your Hair
"Try washing and conditioning your hair with spirulina, as the healthy fatty acid (GLA) will make your hair super shiny and soft," Smith advised. Try Bumble & Bumble's Seaweed Shampoo ($24) and Seaweed Conditioner ($25), which both contain spirulina extract to hydrate hair.
Promote Hair Growth
Not only is spirulina a whiz when it comes to hydrating and softening hair, it also acts as a hair-growth stimulator when applied topically thanks to beta-carotene and fatty acids. You can purchase a shampoo and conditioner set that contains spirulina, or you can make a DIY hair treatment. Combine one egg, 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel, and a tablespoon of spirulina powder. Mix well and massage into your scalp for a couple minutes. Let it set for 15 and then rinse.
Prevent and Treat Dandruff
When applied topically or taken as a supplement, spirulina kicks dandruff to the curb. Apply a shampoo or DIY treatment regularly, or take a daily supplement, and you'll notice a difference within a month.
Make Skin Glow
Spirulina is rich in vitamins, including A, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. It's also high in copper, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc. This buffet of nutrients "gives the skin a beautiful glow," said Smith, especially when spirulina is consumed.
You can add spirulina to your diet by throwing in a tablespoon of powder in your smoothies or a glass of juice or water, or you can take it in pill form. Perricone MD's Super Greens Dietary Supplement ($80) contains spirulina and other green superfoods.
Detox Your Body
Nix Bad Breath
The high chlorophyll content in spirulina also helps keep your breath smelling fresher. Chlorophyll is actually one of the primary ingredients in over-the-counter mouth fresheners, and you can DIY your own version by combining two teaspoons of spirulina with a 1/2 cup of distilled water and a couple drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil. Swish around for 30 seconds and then rinse with water.
Strengthen Gums and Teeth
Spirulina is rich in calcium and phosphorous, two ingredients that can strengthen teeth enamel and improve gum health. Use your own DIY recipe or add a pinch to your current mouthwash for an extra healthy kick!
