If you were wondering what is the best topping of the cosmetic treatment performed at home, for sure you should try out algae mask! This is amazing product most of the time used in beauty salons. Today I would like to give you some information about it and write how to use it and how you can profit from it.

Algae mask is a very popular kind of mask, which can give you amazing feeling after different cosmetic treatments. This type of mask doesn't absorb into the skin, it creates occlusion, which you remove after 20 minutes as a gum-like layer. It is full of vitamins and minerals, and has regenerating, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and nutritive properties. The main ingredient of algae mask, are algae – living in water microorganisms. This term describes a large group of photosynthetic organisms starting from unicellular (Chlorella sp.) to diverse multicellular forms, which actually resemble plants leaving in the water environment (brown algae). You can find them in different cosmetic products, as well as in the supplements.

The main ingredient of algae mask is algin, known as well as alginic acid. It is a polysaccharide, which is extracted from cell walls of brown algae. It has amazing moisturizing properties. Mixed with water, it creates gum-like structure. Salts of alginic acid are called alginates and are pretty common ingredient of algae masks as well. Algae contain vitamins (B, C, A, E), high concentration of minerals (calcium, potassium, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and zinc) and even collagen. Brown algae are rich in carotenoids as well. What are carotenoids? These are yellowish to brown pigments of very strong antioxidative properties. They protect us from destructive action of free radicals (reactive oxygen species). These algae have strong detoxifying properties and therefor are pretty expensive. Sometimes we can find in masks other types of algae: red, green and blue. Blue algae – Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima or Spirulina platensis are very rich in vitamin B12. They are extremely rich in proteins (74% of dry weight) and amino acids what makes them to be very good for the skin. They are perfect choice for every skin type, however people with dry and sensitive skin will profit the most.

Algae mask you can find in a form of powder. You should mix it in proportion 2,5 : 3 with water and apply on the face and neck. You can cover with it your eyes and mouth as well, however people having claustrophobia should avoid covering eye area. I can suggest to use serum with vitamins of low molecular hyaluronic acid under the mask. A good idea is to mix algae mask with preferred serum before applying on the face as well. Created gum-like structure will reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss) of the skin, and created occlusion actually will enhance transport of active substances into the deeper layers of epidermis and dermis. You will have very nice cool, fresh feeling. This type of mask will calm down your skin after many invasive and semi-invasive treatments (microneedling). It will leave your skin very soft and elastic. The best masks to try are expensive algae masks, which do not have artificial fragrances and smell like fish. For many people it could be very unpleasant, however they are of the best quality. Such types of algae mask you can find in Dermaviduals company. They contain algin, diatomaceous earth (full of minerals fossilized remains of diatoms) and Spirulina platensis powder. They have very light, green colour and fishy smell. I love to apply few drops of my favourite serum under this mask.

Here you can see my favourite types of algae masks. The uppest one is algy mask from Dermaviduals (German company using the principles of corneotherapy - a therapy of stratum corneum). On the bottom are my two other favourite companies (OrganicSeries and polish company Bielenda).

Such a mask you can easily prepare at home as well. You will need algae powder, mineral water, your favourite serum and few drops of your favourite oil (grape seed oil, evening primrose oil, fig opuntia oil). Mix algae powder with mineral water in proportions 1:3 (1 part of algae, 3 parts of water). If consistence of the mask will be too watery, you can add some more powder. Add other ingredients (serum and few drops of oil) and mix it well. Put it on the face and wait 20 minutes until active substances will be absorbed. If you have oily of mixed type of the skin, you can think to add half tee spoon of green clay earth (aluminium oxid). Instead of mineral water you could use aloe vera or rose water extract as well. Both act moisturizing and are perfect for sensitive skin types. Remember to buy a special silicone bowl for preparation of the mask (see the picture above). Use it once per week to get good results. Important think to remember is to watch out and be very careful while applying the mask alone. Only one drop of algae mask on your t-shirt will make it landing in the waste bin.

Gum-like occlusion created by algae mask.

Summing up, why algae mask is so good:

- At can be used for all types of skin
- It has good moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties
- It easy to prepare and can be mixed with your favourite serum to give you better effects
- It is full of proteins, vitamins and microelements
- It gives nice, cold feeling for irritaded skin (after different beauty treatments)

Arkadiusz