We often turn to skincare products when suffering from a bad breakout, but looking inwards to our diet is of equal importance for many acne sufferers. Over the years, the health food spirulina has been linked to a variety of bodily benefits, but a notable one is its ability to treat acne!
Discover our latest podcast
But how could eating this superfood improve your skin?
What is spirulina?
Spirulina is a form of algae. Blue/green in colour, spirulina is well known for its nutritional benefits as it is rich in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin E. It is typically sold in powder form that you can add to water or smoothies, but can also be found in skincare products.
How can spirulina help acne?
Acne is primarily caused by an over-production of sebum, which blocks your pores and results in blackheads and whiteheads. When clogged, any bacteria present in your pores also starts to build up, causing an inflammatory response by your body as it tries to oust the microbes. It is this inflammatory response that causes acne to become swollen, sore, and red.
However, due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, spirulina can help acne by reducing this reaction. But this is not the only way that spirulina can benefit your skin!
What are the other benefits of spirulina?
Spirulina is also rich in fatty acids (namely gamma-linolenic acid), which promotes skin barrier health which also helps to soothe irritated skin and increase moisture retention.
Moreover, spirulina contains exceptionally high levels of vitamin B12, which is known to be a vital ingredient for healthy cell replication. This means that upping your levels of vitamin B12 helps your skin and hair to repair themselves if damaged, which for acne sufferers means that your breakouts clear up more quickly.
Lastly, spirulina can help protect your skin from free radical damage since it is rich in antioxidants, one of the key ingredients to youthful-looking skin!
Sources used:
Be Beautiful: 'HOW TO USE SPIRULINA TO BOOST YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE'
Simply Supplements: 'Spirulina for Acne: The Truth Behind the Myths'
Read more:
⋙ The 3 best skincare ingredients for acne-prone skin
