Always used in the East, they are becoming increasingly popular also in the West, where they are used for various purposes, including cosmetics.

They are a real booster of bioactive molecules , whose anti-pollution and anti-aging capabilities have been amply demonstrated by numerous scientific studies.

The high content of vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients showed a marked activity of cellular filling, with anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and toning.

The high bioavailability (ability to be easily assimilated by the body) of essential amino acids in microalgae stimulates the endogenous production of collagen and Aquaporin 3 (AQP3), the Filaggrin and Involucrin [1, 2], proteins involved in the regulation of skin hydration processes. In addition, the high concentration of sugars provides the right amount of energy needed in cell replication processes, necessary for proper tissue repair. Filaggrin is the production source of Natural Moisturizing Factors (Natural Moisturizing Factors, NMF), an essential constituent of the lipid part of the skin's hydrolipidic film. NMFs are used to ensure proper sebum-regulation and to rebalance skin hydration following evaporative processes; it is no coincidence that scientific studies have highlighted low levels of NMF associated with inflammatory conditions of the skin and problems such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and xerosis [3]. The barrier effect against water loss by evaporation is also favored by the high content of unsaturated fatty acids.

In microalgae there is also the presence of Diglucosamine, which are the basis of the synthesis of Hyaluronic acid, a Glycosaminoglycan capable of retaining a high number of water molecules, thus promoting high hydration.

Finally, the high content of Vitamin E, which protects cell membranes from oxidation, and of B vitamins, involved in the cell duplication process, accelerate the regenerative processes of the skin tissue. In particular, Niacin (or Nicotinamide), an essential component of the processes of cellular respiration and degradation of amino acids, fatty acids and cholesterol, has a significant plumping and skin lifting, due to the stimulation of the production of new collagen.

Fonti:

1. Benga G (2009). Water channel proteins (later called aquaporins) and relatives: past, present, andfuture. IUBMB Life, 61(2), pp. 112-33.
2. Pereda MCV, Dieamant GC, Eberlin S, Werka RM, Colombi D, Queroz MLS, Di Stasi LC (2010). Expression of differential genes involved in the maintenance of water balance in human skin by Piptadenia colubrina extract J Cosm Dermatology, 9, pp. 35-43.
3. Robinson M, Visscher M, Laruffa A, Wickett R (2010). Natural moisturizing factors (NMF) in the stratum corneum (SC). I. Effects of lipid extraction and soaking. J Cosmet Sci.61(1), pp. 13-22.