Algae (macroalgae and microalgae) are aquatic photosynthetic organisms rich in bioactive compounds and for this reason they have entered different cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.
Many secondary metabolites derived from algae are known for their benefits for the skin: actions of protection from UV radiation, prevention of wrinkles and skin tone, reduction of skin furrows, dehydration, dyschromia and other aesthetic alterations are reported. Again their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Today we are witnessing a continuous growth of cosmetic formulations that use biocomposites or extracts of algae. Among the main ingredients we remember the florotannins able to protect cells from UV-B rays and exert an inhibitory action against melanogenesis; sargaquinoic acid extracted from the Sargassum sagaminaum algae, which counteracts the harmful effects of UV-B rays, the shinorina, from the red alga Porphyra rosengurtii, with a strong anti-oxidant action; astaxanthin, a carotene extracted from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, able to inhibit the side effects of photosensitivity, increasing the levels of endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxidodismutase; the fucoxanthin, also belonging to the macrofamily of carotenoids, able to protect the dermis from damage caused by free radicals and UV-B rays.
These marine active ingredients endowed with photoprotective activity are today an important chapter in the context of antiaging medicine and cosmetology.