Fucus v. as UV absobent and anti-aging agent
Fujimura et al.1 investigated the effects of the topical application of an extract of Fucus vesiculosus (brown seaweed) on the thickness and mechanical properties of human skin. In cheek skin, the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age. A gel formulation that included 1% extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice daily for five weeks. A significant decrease in skin thickness (~0.1 mm; ~7%–8%) measured by B-mode ultrasound was elicited (P<0.005), as was a significant improvement in elasticity measured with cutometry (P<0.05) as compared to in the control group.
No dose-dependency effect was identified—gels containing 2% to 5% macroalgae extract showed similar results concerning skin thickness and elasticity as a 1% gel. These results suggest that 1% F. vesiculosus extract possesses significant anti-aging bioactivity and may be a useful ingredient in cosmeceutical formulations.
Fucus vesiculosus extracts were proven to be clinically effective skin-soothing and skin-protecting agents, with significant reductions in erythema and TEWL following UV irradiation compared to the placebo and control groups (P<0.05). In-vitro measurements found that the F. vesiculosus extract absorbed UV radiation in the skin-damaging UVA and UVB ranges. Results from 20 subjects in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face study showed that F. vesiculosus 0.3% extract was an effective cosmeceutical ingredient for clinically reducing the melanin index of age spots, increasing brightness, and decreasing wrinkles.
Based on a dermatologist evaluation, after 60 days of use, 50% of study volunteers showed an improvement in skin brightness, 65% showed a reduction in skin spot appearance, and 45% showed an improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.2 While the trial was terminated at 60 days, the rate of reduction in the age spot index and the increase in brightness exhibited marked trends. The improved antioxidant and clinical skin-brightening efficacy of the F. vesiculosus extract may be the result of its high polyphenol content.2
- Fujimura T, Tsukahara K, Moriwaki S, et al. Treatment of human skin with an extract of Fucus vesiculosus changes its thickness and mechanical properties. J Cosmet Sci. 2002;53(1):1–9.
- Fitton J, Dell’Acqua G, Gardiner V, et al. Topical benefits of two fucoidan-rich extracts from marine macroalgae. Cosmetics. 2015;2(2):66–81.