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b y r a j a S i v a m a n i , m d m S c at
The Science of Marine Skin Care
dr. raja
Sivamani
A board-certified
dermatologist, an
Associate Professor
of Clinical
Dermatology at the
University of California,
Davis and Director of
Clinical Research and the
or centuries, we have looked to water for healing.
As the demand for natural products continues to
grow, many scientists have turned to the sea for
developing new skin care products.
The sea is filled with nutrients and naturally occurring
chemicals that may benefit the skin. because of the wide
variety of creatures that live in the ocean, there is a broad
spectrum of bioactive compounds that can be harnessed to
enhance our health. cosmetic and skin rejuvenation therapies are
now developing from the rich source of marine-derived and naturally-
occurring compounds in the oceans.
Products and spa treatments that harness the healing remedies that the
sea provides are becoming very popular among consumers. Here are a few
ways that marine compounds may be promising for the skin:
F
Clinical Trials Unit. With
training in both Allopathic
and Ayurvedic medicine,
he takes an integrative
approach to his patients
and in his research.
For more of Dr.
Sivamani’s work and to
learn more about
integrative skin care
practices, visit
dermveda.com.
1.
rich in antioxidants and Sun
Protective compounds While
the skin has its own antioxidants such
as vitamin E and vitamin C, these
antioxidants can deplete quickly with
sun exposure. Marine-derived bioactives
contain several compounds that may
bolster the skin’s natural antioxidants.
For example, algae and several marine
organisms can secrete several
compounds, such as carotenoids and
phlortannins, that have both antioxidant
and sun protective functions.
While these compounds don’t
penetrate the skin well, they are effective
in topical application since they can stay
on the skin’s surface and act as antioxi-
dants and UV absorbers. While these
compounds should not stop the use of
sunscreens, they may be a great addition
to a sun-protective regimen that includes
a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
2.
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January/February 2018
Sugars from the Sea Marine
organisms have a host of sugars
known as polysaccharides that have
been shown to have several beneficial
actions. One group of sugars are known
as sulfated polysaccharides, which are
found in brown, red and green algae.
Some of these compounds include
fucoidan and carrageenan. These
compounds have antioxidant actions that
can act to protect both the epidermis and
the dermis and one study has shown that
they may be protective against UV
radiation. Other polysaccharides have
anti-inflammatory effects and can block
the action of the skin’s oil-producing cells,
known as sebocytes.
Another polysaccharide from the sea is
chitosan that has been studied for its
ability to help in wound healing. Chitosan
has been shown to improve collagen
synthesis in the skin, which is good for
healing wounds and may also improve the
appearance of aging skin.
With the diversity of sugars and
actions present in marine water, taking a
complementary approach can help