What chemical components does green algae contain?

Chlorophyll is a green pigment abundant in green algae (1 to 2% of dry weight) and is found in thylakoids. Oxidative stress, caused by pollution, stress or UV rays, can lead to a degradation of skin fibres through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chlorophyll is known to be a antioxidant effective.

It can prevent oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation by reducing ROS through the capture of these free radicals by singlet oxygen quenching and by chelating metallic ions, which can form ROS. Thus, chlorophyll can help to reduce the effects of oxidation on the skin, such as skin ageing, and helps to maintain its integrity.

The carotenoids, yellow-orange pigments, such as astaxanthin (550,000 μg/g of algae), canthaxanthin (362,000 μg/g of algae) and lutein (from 52 to 3830 μg/g of algae) present in green algae such as chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) can be beneficial in preventing damage, particularly skin damage, caused by oxidation. Indeed, they are excellent antioxidants.

In instances of oxidative stress (pollution, tobacco, UV, etc.), there is the production of free radicals, which accelerates the skin ageing process through the degradation of dermal proteins such as collagen. Antioxidants are then able to capture these free radicals by trapping singlet oxygen and reducing the damage. Consequently, skin ageing will be slowed down, and the skin will become more supple and elastic.

The green algae possesses a significant vitamin profile , including Vitamin A (β-carotene), C (ascorbic acid) and E (tocopherols). These are key elements for the growth and differentiation of cells within the human body, and have an antioxidant activity through the trapping of radicals.

Indeed, they prove to be good agents in protecting the skin against the harmful effects of various external aggressions, causing oxidative stress. By trapping free radicals, they limit the skin damage from oxidation, thereby helping to slow down and prevent the photo-ageing of the skin.

Finally, green algae contain minerals, including potassium (1.11 mg/100 g), calcium (0.34 mg/100 g), magnesium (0.38 mg/100 g), and iron (0.38 mg/100 g). These mineral salts play a role in the skin. For instance, calcium is a regulator of cellular function and of the terminal differentiation of the epidermis, leading to the formation of an effective permeability barrier function. Magnesium contributes to the formation of the skin barrier. Iron acts as an antioxidant by capturing free radicals. Potassium contributes to the natural hydration of the skin, particularly responsible for the water retention capacity in the upper epidermal cell layers.