Alginate facial masks: algae for healthy skin
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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Alginate facial masks are one of the trends of modern cosmetology, which widely uses biologically active substances of plant origin.
The brown algae of the family of laminaridae (Laminaria japonica Aresch, Laminaria hyperborea Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucophycota, Phaeophyta, etc.) contain a large amount of alginic acid and its salts - alginates. That is why cosmetic masks based on the natural compounds of these plants are called alginate facial masks.
Use of alginate masks for the skin
The use of alginate masks for the skin will become obvious if you find that they contain brown algae besides alginic acid and its salts (we will return to them later).
So, the old-timers of the plant world of the oceans and seas of our planet contain almost all groups of vitamins and several dozen different micro- and macro elements - from potassium and iodine to silicon and selenium. In the composition of brown algae, there are interchangeable and irreplaceable amino acids, including glycine, alanine, valine, threonine, serine, leucine, arginine, etc.
Also in the cell membranes of these algae, sulfated polysaccharides fucoidans - biologically active substances are revealed. Now they are being intensively studied, and there is already evidence that fucoidans possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and even immunomodulatory properties.
And now - in more detail about alginic acid, glorified alginate face masks. This acid is a water-insoluble anionic polysaccharide (linear copolymer) of the cell walls of brown algae. It is formed by the residues of two polyuronic acids - β-D-mannuronic acid and α-L-guluronic acid, which are covalently linked to each other in various sequences.
Such a structure gives alginic acid unique adsorptive abilities: an acid molecule absorbs at least 250 water molecules. Moreover, the sodium and potassium salts of this acid (alginates) upon contact with water are converted into a gel and prevent its evaporation. Due to this, algae for a long time do not dry out of the aquatic environment and remain alive.
By the way, this is why sodium, potassium and calcium alginates are used in the food industry: thickening, gelling and stabilizing food additives E-400, E-401 and E-402.
Considering the whole set of positive physical and chemical effects of brown algae, the use of alginate masks for the skin in terms of cosmetic effects means: moisturizing the skin and supplying it with the necessary minerals and trace elements, increasing its tone, smoothing facial wrinkles, purifying and narrowing the pores, relieving irritation and improving complexion.
Professional alginate face mask
Professional alginate face masks among skin care products occupy a separate niche and are presented in a wide range. Masks are issued in the form of a powder, which when mixed with water is converted into a gel. The mask is applied to the face for 15 minutes, freezes, and then easily removed by one layer.
For example, plastic masks from seaweed Masks of Alginate are produced by Biogenie Beaute Concept (France). Mask with vitamin C not only perfectly moisturizes the skin, but also stimulates the synthesis of collagen. And due to the contracting action of the mask, a modeling effect is achieved. The clarifying alginate mask for mature skin makes the pigment spots less noticeable. After such a mask, the skin is smoothed out, and the overall complexion is leveled. Facilitates the regeneration of the face skin moisturizing alginate face mask: it quickly restores the moisture of the skin, which in turn leads to a significant improvement in its appearance.
Alginate face masks can have any active ingredients in their composition, while their entry into the skin is facilitated. So, Magiray Israel Cosmetics produces professional alginate face masks with the addition of various herbal ingredients. Modeling Peel-Off Mask improves elasticity and elasticity of the skin and reduces its swelling due to the presence of white clay, horsetail and rosemary. Nutrient Peel-Off Mask with cloves, geraniums, black pepper and palm-rose improves the skin, stimulating blood circulation and cellular metabolism. A mask Purifying Peel-Off Mask neutralizes toxins and free radicals, cleanses and moisturizes the skin of the face and body, not only due to sodium alginate, but also under the influence of the extract of leaves of sunflower and phytic acid.
Similar professional alginate masks for the face are produced by the Belarusian-Italian company Belita. The line of alginate masks Professional Face Care is enriched with cosmetic clays, hyaluronic acid, betaine, pineapple enzymes, etc.
As you understand, the price of alginate face masks depends on many factors, first of all, on brand popularity. You can save considerably by buying sodium alginate in powder. And everything else is a matter of practice.
Recipes for alginate face masks
Having a powder of sodium alginate, obtained from brown algae, you can learn the technology and recipes of alginate face masks and do them without leaving home.
So, to prepare the simplest mask with alginate, mix the powder with warm (not higher than 34-35 ° C) boiled water in a 1: 1 ratio - the mixture should have a consistency of thick sour cream. Since the mixture quickly turns into a colloidal mass, then it must be applied quickly.
But at the same time it is necessary to observe the rules: apply only to the previously cleaned skin, while eyelashes and eyebrows should be smeared with a nutritious cream or olive oil; Apply the mask uniformly continuous layer - on the facial massage lines.
Now the main thing is to observe immobility of the facial muscles. Therefore, it is best to lie down and relax. In less than a quarter of an hour, the mask will look like a thin layer of rubber, and you will feel how it tightens the face. From now on, the mask needs to be kept for about 5-7 minutes, and then simply removed, taking on its edges in the chin area.
You can make alginate face masks more effective, for example, spreading the powder not with water, but with decoction or infusion of medicinal plants (chamomile, sage, balm, calendula), aloe juice in half with water.
Some recipes for alginate face masks contain vitamins, for example, an oil solution of retinol acetate, Aevit (2-3 drops per tablespoon of water to mix the mask). It is possible and necessary to add essential oils. So, for dry skin, oils of almond, apricot or grape seed, primrose and avocado are used. If the skin with large pores, then take the oils of lemon, grapefruit, thyme, juniper or bergamot. Very good oils are the oils of geranium, verbena, ylang-ylang, roses, neroli and jojoba on flabby skin. And with black spots and acne, alginate face masks with camomile, juniper, cypress, cedar, lemon, rose, tea and kayaput wood are useful.
Reviews about alginate face masks
Many reviews of alginate face masks indicate their effectiveness, and for all skin types. Especially praise this means for skin care of women of middle and "above average" age: one such mask a week - and a month later the effect of lifting is provided.
Some ladies have tried wraps with alginates and say that alginate face masks work perfectly on the skin of the body and are in no way inferior to any anti-cellulite procedures.