How Seaweed can help acne
Spots and acne can make teenagers’ and people’s lives a misery, whatever their age but a range of revitalised and innovative seaweed-based treatments, harnessing the power and science of the sea, has been developed further by the skincare experts at OXY for women and men.
With 20 years of spot skincare expertise, the revitalised range of OXY topical skin treatments – developed using the latest science and backed by clinical research – has been designed to tackle spots, blackheads and excess oil within four hours, while leaving the skin hydrated and healthy. Now a new clinical review paper has revealed just how effective the combination can be, with new data showing that OXY can reduce the size and redness in four hours and spot count by 29.1% within just two weeks of use and by a hugely impressive 61.2% within 56 days. In addition, trial work has also proved that OXY can reduce the number of spots in just 48 hours.
OXY skin preparations contain several active ingredients with proven activity against skin problems. Two in particular, Phycosaccharide AC, produced from brown seaweed, and Zinc PCA – a complex of zinc - have been the subject of extensive laboratory research and human clinical trials. In addition, OXY’s natural ingredients work on the skin without triggering redness, irritation or other unwanted side effects, unlike the potential side effects caused by other over the counter treatments.
Common acne topical treatments – applied directly to the skin – include antibiotics and retinoids, the last of which are compounds related to vitamin A. While these treatments help tackle spots, they can also raise the risk of unwanted side effects, including skin irritation, redness and soreness, and in the case of antibiotics, potential resistance to bacteria strains through over use.
However, there is now a safe and effective spot treatment option for teenagers, plus women and men still suffering spot woes in their 20s, 30s and 40s from OXY. Marine-sourced compounds called phycosaccharides, which are harvested from brown seaweed, are at the centre of the latest scientific research into OXY’s range of spot treatments. In the latest research, independent health researcher Dr Carrie Ruxton examined data from 45 reports and previously published papers, plus data from a new clinical trial to investigate the potential that phycosaccharides can have for tackling acne and skin problems.
Brown seaweed (Latin name - Laminaria digitata) is harvested under ecologically-controlled conditions from the seabed off the coast of Brittany, France, and is a rich source of potassium, sodium, magnesium and iodine. Research shows that the seaweed is also a good source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Dr Ruxton’s paper set to be published, says that marine organisms have been found to offer a host of biological activities including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.
In the very latest research, revealed in Dr Ruxton’s clinical review paper, a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the San Gallicano Institute and Acne Clinic in Rome, Italy. A total of 60 volunteers aged 12 to 24 years with mild acne used either an active treatment containing Phycosaccharide AC or a placebo over a period of 56 days. The active treatment involved using OXY Fresh Skin Wash and the OXY Deep Calm Balm, used morning and night. The volunteers were examined by dermatologists at regular intervals to check the levels of acne and special equipment was used to gauge sebum production levels. The results showed that the OXY group had a hugely significant reduction in the number of inflammatory acne spots – known as papules and pustules – as well as a reduction in whiteheads and blackheads when compared to the placebo group, even after just 14 days.
Levels of sebum production were also reduced. After 14 days, the OXY users had a reduction of inflammatory skin lesions – papules and pustules – of 28.9% and a reduction in retentional lesions – whiteheads and blackheads – of 29.3%. This compares to reductions of just 11.2% and 15.8% respectively in the placebo group. By the end of the 56 days, those volunteers in the OXY group had enjoyed a reduction in all spots – including inflammatory lesions, whiteheads and blackheads – of 61.2%, compared with a far more modest 42.4% in the placebo group. The beneficial effects were seen after just three days of OXY use, and continued to improve until the end of the 56-day trial. No side-effects such as skin irritation or redness were reported by any of the OXY treatment users.
In other research highlighted by Dr Ruxton, one study found that the topical application of brown seaweed polyphenols on the skin inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 activity and rates of cell division, protecting against oxidative stress, inflammation and cell proliferation. Another similar study showed that seaweed polysaccharides helped to promote skin regeneration and help prevent infections when applied to the skin . In a human trial of Phycosaccharide AC there was a reduction in the levels of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria after 28 days of use.
The scope for the brown seaweed-derived formulation to tackle spots and acne has been further proved in a series of clinical trials. In one, the levels of sebum – the oily substance produced by glands in the skin – were found to reduce by 67% after volunteers used a Phycosaccharide AC for 28 days. Tests also suggested reduced sensitivity and improved skin healing. Another trial found a Phycosaccharide AC preparation improved levels of skin hydration for four hours following application . Dr Ruxton says that this indicate, in addition to reducing skin sensitivity, the active agent may have hydrating properties, helping to seal the skin and epidermis barrier.
In her scientific review, Dr Ruxton says that the mechanisms behind how Phycosaccharide AC works to tackle spots and acne are down to the anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that are all at work. In addition compounds called alginates, also found in brown seaweed, have been found to promote wound healing. Zinc, a component of Phycosaccharide AC, can also help wound healing and inhibit sebum production and may also be an anti-inflammatory.
Dr Ruxton says: “Today’s modern society has greater pressures than ever to have clear skin. Spots and acne can have a large impact on social and psychological wellbeing, particularly if the condition leads to scarring. These factors have led to an increased demand for safe and effective, non-invasive treatments. There has also been increased interest in natural ingredients which were used to treat skin conditions in traditional cultures for hundreds or even thousands of years.
“The use of seaweed oligosaccharides, in particular Phycosaccharide AC as found in OXY skincare products, is an effective, natural alternative for the treatment of acne. Clinical trials and extensive research suggest that regular use can help to reduce sebum production, the numbers of lesions and microbe populations. In particular, the latest double blind clinical trial held in Rome has shown that treatment with OXY can significantly improve acne symptoms and the number of inflammatory lesions and spots, as well as lower sebum levels – and all within 14 days of use. The Rome study is supported by earlier studies, including data which suggests that Phycosaccharide AC can help to hydrate the skin, thus sealing the epidermis barrier and supporting the healing process. The OXY range is an innovative, natural and safe treatment option to help spot and acne sufferers tackle and control the problem safely and effectively.”