Illuminating facial age control: Red light therapy activates spirulina topical gel to rejuvenate skin

11 May 2023 --- A new topical gel containing spirulina extract has shown efficacy in improving the skin’s qualities in a non-invasive way, when activated using red LED light therapy, according to a new study. This is the first study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the gel, which generates fluorescent light energy via the red light device.

The fluorescent light energy treatment was assessed in an observational, uncontrolled pilot trial on eight healthy female subjects aged 35 to 65 years old. These subjects had Fitzpatrick skin types ranging from “II–V” – based on the numerical classification schema for human skin color.

The study, published in the journal Cosmetics, lasted for five treatment sessions of one treatment every seven days, with a final follow-up at one month after the last treatment session.

“Patient compliance was excellent (100%) and the treatment was described as warm and pleasant by the patients,” share the researchers.

Images and data were acquired with the Sony Model DSC RX10M3 camera, the Canfield Visia Facial Imaging System and QuantifiCare 3D analysis.

The findings of the study demonstrate that the gel containing spirulina extract has the potential to offer beneficial effects on skin tissues.The study is significant as non-invasive procedures for skin rejuvenation are increasing in demand. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ statistics, the growth of non-invasive procedures is outpacing that of surgical procedures in aesthetic medicine.

This new technology provides a safe, non-ablative, non-thermal and atraumatic remedy with high patient satisfaction rates, highlight the researchers.

Calculating face age post-treatment
The Visia camera used in the study can analyze eight skin criteria, including spots, wrinkles, skin texture, pores, UV spots, brown spots, red marks and porphyrin.

The gel was found to improve the skin against Visia parameters of wrinkles, texture, red areas and Trueskin Age, a Visia function that compares a patient’s facial skin features to a large database of their peers to calculate their respective skin age.

After 30 days of treatment, patient compliance was found to be excellent – performing 100% of the study’s prescribed skin regimen.

The study found that spirulina extract – which is an established natural product in both the food and skin care markets – repaired the signs of early skin aging, exerted a tightening effect, stimulated the synthesis of collagen, prevented the formation of stretch marks and reduced the formation of wrinkles.

The findings of the study demonstrate that the gel containing spirulina extract has the potential to offer beneficial effects on skin tissues, as it enhances the production of fibroblastic collagen, attenuates inflammatory processes and enhances angiogenesis.

Naturality shines in on-pack claims
Natural and botanical claims are gaining ground as clean label consumption maintains hold on purchase decisions. Particularly in Asia-Pacific, several factors – from a rise in domestic income and an ingrained fear of climate change – have pushed up purchasing power for plant-based beauty and personal care products.

A recent study published in the journal Cosmetics has taken research into the antioxidant effects of perennial herb Oenanthe javanica, also known as water celery, a step further by looking into the ability of its extract to combat the effects of particulate matter pollution.

Earlier this month, Arctiva spotlighted new research backing the efficacies of its Eczema Cream, which is formulated using a blend of healing fermented ingredients originating from Antarctica’s glacial lakes.

At the recently concluded In-Cosmetics Global 2023 show in Barcelona, Spain, Robertet exhibited a concept that “transcends” traditional skincare fragrances by delivering functional benefits through bioactive olfactory molecules that harness the physiological properties of natural raw materials present in the perfumer’s palette.

By Benjamin Ferrer

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