Swiss Snow Algae, also known as watermelon snow, are a type of algae that thrives well in cold sub-frozen water and ice. The algae have chlorophyll that gives it a green color. The chlorophyll is for photosynthesis. The algae are usually green during the months of spring.
However, they also have a secondary pigment made of astaxathin or carotene. It is this pigment that gives then their secondary red color, which appears in the months of winter. It is a species of fresh water algae, but it is unlike other species.
This particular species is cryophilic, meaning it thrives well in cold, freezing water. This type of algae is quite common in the coastal polar areas and the alpine regions. The snow in these areas is dense and has lingered as a result of winter storms.
The carotenoid pigment of the algae that gives it its characteristic bright red color is in place to protect the chloroplasts from extreme ultraviolet radiation characteristic of these areas during the winter months. The layer also acts to absorb heat which is used to melt water around the algae to provide it with liquid water. A lot of species in those regions feed on snow algae.
Swiss Snow Algae For Anti-Aging
In recent times, there has been the exploration of snow algae as a cosmetic. The snow algae have been researched into for its anti-ageing properties. This research was mostly done by Swiss scientists, hence the name Swiss Snow Algae. They figured that because the algae could stand the stress of such conditions, it could also function to protect the youthfulness of the skin.
The use of snow algae has been linked to advancing the calorie restriction theory of nutritional longevity. The use of snow algae powder has been scientifically proven to open pathways that are key factors in the said theory.
The theory is one of the most revolutionary anti-ageing theories available currently. It has been tested and proven to increase the lifespan of the individual significantly. It is a daily dietary system that places its focus on pathways to increase lifespan. It has now ventured into cosmetics and the most important one is the Swiss Snow Algae.
When Swiss Snow algae are applied to the skin, it has the effect of activating the longevity gene and an enzyme called AMPK. The enzyme functions to improve DNA repair. DNA repair is at the heart of every effort to increase longevity of the skin. All efforts to boost longevity of the skin internally are aimed at improving the levels of AMPK in the cells.
According to researchers, application of Swiss Snow Algae to the skin has a restorative effect. A combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid in the snow algae addresses a number of concerns related to ageing skin, such as dryness and wrinkles. The result is moisturized, wrinkle free, youthful looking skin.
The Science Behind It
At the level of the cell, the snow algae function to activate a longevity gene known as Klotho. It has also been shown in various experiments to prevent the decline in levels of AMPK, which results from increase in age.
The result is increased DNA repair. When the enzyme AMPK is activated, it works to flush out cellular debris that can cause chronic inflammation. It also improves the level of resistance of the cells to stress. This effectively results in a slowed process of ageing.
Snow algae also have the effect of boosting the collagen levels in the cells, and it inhibits the destruction of collagen producing cells. The overall result of this is reduced ageing of skin.
A study was conducted on 21 volunteers to affirm the ability of the snow algae to improve the ability of the skin to retain moisture. The volunteers applied the snow algae on one side of their faces and placebo on the other side. They did this three times a day for 21 days. In the middle of the experiment, the subjects were subjected to harsh climate in the alpine mountains.
After this, their skin was evaluated for levels of moisture. It was found that the side applied with snow algae had 12% more moisture than the side with the placebo. This showed that it improved the barrier function of the skin. Also in 67% of the subjects, age spots were gradually reduced in only 21 days.
In a more recent study on older women, snow algae were shown to improve the levels of moisture by 10% in just 14 days. In these experiments, the scientists used a Corneometer to measure the levels of moisture.
Benefits of Consuming Swiss Snow Algae
The main benefit of snow algae is the fact that it can counter the effects of ageing. The snow algae have the effect of increasing the skins ability to retain moisture, making it look more youthful.
Side Effects
As with any product, consult your doctor before using the powder. There have been reports of constipation in people that took the supplements, and also blood clots.
Swiss Snow Algae Review Summary
Swiss Snow Algae are the newest way to increase the longevity of your skin’s youthful look. It has been tested in numerous experiments, all with positive effects. It is highly recommendable to people with aging skin.
Photo Credit: Natural Swiss Cosmetics
