How Fucoidan Benefits the Skin?

Seaweeds have a long history as medicinal and healthcare agents, dating as far back as 12,000 BC. Fucoidan sets the perfect example of one such seaweed-derived compound, which has gained popularity with time due to its wholesome benefits, leading to healthy and bright skin. 

So, join us as we dig deeper into how fucoidan benefits the skin and why people spend money to buy fucoidan mixed skincare products despite the higher prices. Let’s get started!

What is Fucoidan?

Commonly found in Brown Algae, fucoidan is a fucose-enriched therapeutic polysaccharide containing sulfate groups. This skin-friendly compound is extracted from seaweed species (like Laminaria japonica, Fucus vesiculosus, and Undaria pinnatifida) and works wonders as an antioxidant, anti-coagulant, anti-tumor agent. 

Okinawa Mozuku contains six to eight times more fucoidan than other seaweed species. If we soak the Mozuku leaves in water, we can feel the super oily compound rising on its mucous membrane, given the name fucoidan.

History of Fucoidan

When Professor Harlad Kylin was studying brown seaweeds in 1913, he observed a slimy film on most of them and reported it as fucoidan. Chemists dedicated another decade to exploring the range of fucoidan compounds until its first laboratory extraction in the 1950s. 

It wasn’t until the 1970s that fucoidan supplements became commercially available and stirred several opportunities for global research in the market. In the 1980s and 1990s, its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects arose in popularity. In one of the initial studies, scientists found that it inhibits the bacterium H. pylori — the main culprit in causing digestive issues. 

Over the years, fucoidan has become the inevitable choice for commercial vendors in the pharmaceutical, health, food, and skincare industries. 

Types of Fucoidan

Fucoidan compounds are many, depending on the source of extraction. Let’s go through a few of them!

• Mozuku-extracted fucoidan is the most enriched compound compared to other brown seaweeds.
• Mekabu-extracted fucoidan is rich in sulfate, fucose, and galactose, having a substantial therapeutic role. 
• Kombu-extracted fucoidan has a potent anti-tumor activity with a touch of sliminess. 

We can have a natural and nutritious blend to treat skin and gut diseases if we create a mix of these compounds in a balanced way.  

Does Fucoidan Really Work?

The use of fucoidan seaweed goes centuries back until it became one of the key ingredients for commercial skincare products. The health benefits of fucoidan are now supported by over 2,500 scientific articles and authentic journal publications from around the globe. 

Before we discuss how fucoidan benefits the skin, let’s take a quick look at other plus points of this seaweed-extracted compound. 

• Fucoidan is an antifungal, anti-viral, anti-allergic, and antitumor compound.
• It fights against diabetes, hypertension, gastric ulcers, and other gut diseases.
• It indirectly kills the cancer cells and enhances immunity by activating the natural killer cells and macrophages.
• Fucoidan liquid is a nutritional supplement rich in vitamin C, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and other essential complexes. 
• It reduces inflammation and fibrosis in the kidney.

How Fucoidan Benefits the Skin?

Fucoidan is the secret to happy and healthy skin. Let’s study how it nourishes our dermal cells and gives a brightening glow that we can cherish in the long run.

1. Skin Whitening Effects

Melanogenesis is a phenomenon that results in the creation of melanin, a pigment responsible for the darkening of the skin and hair color. If produced in excess, melanin can lead to several skin pigmentation issues, such as freckles or erythema. These cosmetic problems can last long, ultimately affecting the quality of life.

However, many chemists now endorse fucoidan as the best solution to counter these skin care challenges as it effectively fights against melanin production. But what’s the science behind this claim? Let’s find out below!

• As reported by the Marine Drugs Journal,  scientists explored the anti-melanogenesis of fucoidan in 2020. They discovered that the compound remarkably suppressed the chain of proteins involved in melanin formation, leading to skin-whitening and brightening effects. 
• Tyrosinase is the primary regulator in melanin formation, so in another research, scientists focused on investigating the inhibitory effects of fucoidan on tyrosinase activity. They observed a significant decrease in pigmentation after treating the murine melanocyte cell line with fucoidan, indicating its potential to inhibit tyrosinase. 

Because it prevents melanin-producing cells from moving into the keratinocytes for pigment deposition, almost all skincare products at the Marinavi store use fucoidan as the main ingredient.

2. Anti-Aging Properties

Fucoidan benefits are many if we give it a fair chance. For one, it possesses unique anti-aging properties and fights exceptionally well against fine lines and wrinkles on the face. It is because this extracted seaweed compound is rich in antioxidants with inhibitory effects on elastase and collagenase enzymes, which play a central role in skin aging. 

Moreover, it protects the skin against oxidative stress caused by free radical reactions, thus giving you fresh and younger-looking skin.

3. Moisturizing Effects

As a skincare enthusiast, you must already be familiar with the magical moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurring substance stretches the skin and contributes to the plumping appearance by retaining the necessary amount of water. But guess what? The moisturizing power of fucoidan is much better than hyaluronic acid or other derived compounds.

4. Collagen Formation

Daily exposure to dirt and debris sucks a great deal of moisture from our skin, resulting in dull and lifeless skin, or often our skin ends up with scars from mellow injuries. But no worries when fucoidan can heal it all pretty quickly. It is an excellent choice for repairing dead or damaged dermal cells due to its collagen stimulation ability. 

Scientists experimented with a full-cut wound model to explore fucoidan for its granulation and collagen formation potential. They found that the compound intensively accelerated wound healing through a rapid deposit of collagen in the affected area. 

In addition to this, collagen tightens the open pores and provides skin with a firm appearance, which is another good reason to rely on skincare products incorporated with fucoidan.

5. Protection Against UV Damage

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the major cause of skin damage in most adults. However, studies have revealed that among many other ways fucoidan benefits the skin, one is the ultimate protection against UVA and UVB rays. The fucoidan compounds from Undaria pinnatifida induce skin anti-photoaging effects, reversing sunburns and other aging issues.

6. Inflammation Reduction

Exaggerated kin inflammation can result in many problems, such as swelling, redness, acne, eczema, or other related infections. But the good news? The low molecular weight fucoidan compounds derived from brown seaweed have shown anti-inflammatory properties, becoming the source of radiant and glowing skin. 

Other Skin Benefits of Fucoidan Supplements or Skincare Products

Apart from the main fucoidan benefits discussed above, it nurtures the skin in many other ways. Let’s take a look at some of these advantages.

• Fucoidan inhibits the bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus) from adhering to the skin of atopic dermatitis patients and reduces the chances of disease aggravation. 
• It detoxifies your skin cells by removing the build-up from your face and gives you a youthful appearance. 
• It works as a supporting system to boost your metabolic processes, which leads to soft and clear skin.
• It speeds up the healing and retains the required moisture to sustain a fresher skin.
• It tends to the skin with similar properties of vitamin C at lower concentrations. 

Marinavi Cosmetics — A Blend of Healthy Ingredients

At Marinavi, fucoidan is the key ingredient in all our skincare products, sourced directly from the pure ocean of Wando, South Korea. Wando’s raw and pristine seaweeds have a practical effect on skin diseases and offer a soothing effect far superior to hyaluronic acid. Kelp extract and gloiopeltis tenax extract are two other primary ingredients providing vitality to the skin through our skincare cosmetics line. 

The Marinavi store combines the resilience of the ocean and a blend of nourishing elements to manufacture the products. Here’s why you should invest in our cosmetics:

1. Rich in Active Hydrogen

Our products are a little expensive because they contain Canadian glacial water, high in silica content and other minerals, compared to the refined water used by many other skincare brands. It also helps retain moisture in ample quantities and instantly hydrates the skin without damage.

2. Calming Effect on the Skin

Fucoidan is a moisture-loving compound with a 200 times greater affinity to water. Thus, we extensively use it in the Marinavi skin products, maintaining a natural and firm skin. 

3. Deep Skin Hydration

Marinavi products constitute eight types of complex hyaluronic acids in low, medium, and high weights. They deeply hydrate the skin and restore the dead skin cells, ultimately strengthening the skin barrier. 

4. Trehalose Antioxidant Effect

Trehalose is an antioxidant that protects the skin from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals. Our products are rich in antioxidants, such as trehalose, effectively reducing the premature aging effects. 

From toner to ampoules and whitening creams to sleeping masks, the Marinavi store offers everything with a return and refund policy. So, why wait? Visit our online store to order your go-to product and start your journey toward glowing and refreshing skin!

Meta Description

Fucoidan is a promising element of the skincare industry known to have more enriching effects than hyaluronic acid. Read this blog to discover how it restores dead skin into a glowing one.