Wakame
What is it?
Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) is a species of kelp native to the northwest Pacific Ocean.
Main Benefits:
Anti-photoaging, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, collagen-increasing
More Information:
Wakame is commonly known as an edible seaweed. Seaweeds have a rich history of medicinal and therapeutic use. They are known as renewable sources of unique bioactive compounds such as fucoidan, laminarin, carrageenan, fucoxanthin, and mycosporine-like amino acids that have proven useful in the skincare and cosmetic industries. Fucoidan especially is known for it’s skin health benefits and anti-photoaging properties. Fucoidans were shown to significantly reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and improve the viability of UVB-irradiated cultured cells. Low molecular weight fucoidans were found to have strong anti-inflammatory, collagen-increasing and wound healing properties.
Interestingly, another ingredient of wakame, fucoxanthin, was shown to help burn fatty tissue. Studies in mice have shown that fucoxanthin induces expression of the fat-burning protein in fat tissue around the internal organs.
Scientific reference:
Pangestuti R, Shin KH, Kim SK. Anti-Photoaging and Potential Skin Health Benefits of Seaweeds. Mar Drugs. 2021 Mar 22;19(3):172.
Koh HSA, Lu J, Zhou W. Structure characterization and antioxidant activity of fucoidan isolated from Undaria pinnatifida grown in New Zealand. Carbohydr Polym. 2019 May 15;212:178-185.
Park JH, Choi SH, Park SJ, Lee YJ, Park JH, Song PH, Cho CM, Ku SK, Song CH. Promoting Wound Healing Using Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan in a Full-Thickness Dermal Excision Rat Model. Mar Drugs. 2017 Apr 7;15(4):112.
PRODUCT FEATURING THIS INGREDIENT
Antioxidant serum for fading dark spots and preventing future hyperpigmentation
Achieve brighter, more uniform skin tone and texture, and fight dark spots caused by age and sun exposure. Loaded with two forms of vitamin C, retinol, licorice and reishi extracts, and 18 other antioxidant-rich plant extracts and oils.
Skin type: all skin types
Concerns: sun damage, dark spots, photo-aging, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone
Size: 1 oz
