Spirulina Benefits

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Spirulina Benefits for Skin: Superfood or

Super Skin Care?

Medically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — Written by Daley Quinn on

February 22, 2021
• Skin benefits
• For skin conditions
• DIY
• vs. chlorella
• Safety
• Takeaway
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One of the most nutritious foods on the planet gram for gram, spirulina is a blue-
green algae, or cyanobacteria, that’s been praised for its many benefits.

Spirulina is a complete protein, contains all the essential amino acids and
omega-3 fatty acids, and is rich in many nutrients, including B vitamins and iron.

Because of these qualities, spirulina makes a great addition to your skin care
routine.

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Whether it’s a tried-and-true skin care regimen, how often you wash your hair, or
the cosmetics you’re curious about, beauty is personal.

That’s why we rely on a diverse group of writers, educators, and other experts to
share their tips on everything from the way product application varies to the best
sheet mask for your individual needs.

We only recommend something we genuinely love, so if you see a shop link to a

specific product or brand, know that it’s been thoroughly researched by our team.

Potential benefits of spirulina for the skin

Based on studies done on this powerhouse ingredient, spirulina may help

promote skin health in several ways.

Spirulina may have a positive effect on gut health, which may improve the
appearance of the skin.

“A healthy gut microbiome is associated with improved skin health, including

regulation of skin inflammation,” says Dr. Marie Hayag, a board certified
dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics in New York City. “Spirulina
has been shown to promote healthier gut microbiota and as a result, this could
mean better skin health.”

Although more research on humans and spirulina is needed, some animal

studies suggest that the blue-green algae may help support gut health as people
age. A 2017 studyTrusted Source on older mice found that spirulina may
preserve healthy gut bacteria during the aging process.

Although more research needs to be conducted, some studies have shown

possible benefits associated with the use of spirulina extracts in topical formulas.

“Most of [these studies] indicate antioxidant benefits, a brightening effect, and

moisturizing properties,” says Hayag. “These benefits are mostly associated with
the use of spirulina extract, not the powdered form of it.”

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Anti-aging

Spirulina may provide anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to the

many antioxidants it contains.

“Spirulina fights free radicals and, therefore, can prevent skin damage that can
lead to wrinkles and signs of aging,” says Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, dietitian
and founder of Real Nutrition.

Phycocyanin is the main active ingredient in spirulina and gives the algae its rich
blue-green color.

“Phycocyanin helps activate cellular antioxidant activity, which results in the

elimination of free radicals,” explains Hayag. This is backed up by a 2014
studyTrusted Source.

Spirulina also contains many important amino acids, including glycine and
proline, which keep the skin firm and support the body’s collagen production.

Spirulina for collagen production and skin tightening

A 2019 studyTrusted Source suggests that spirulina may increase growth factors
in dermal fibroblast cells, which are the cells responsible for creating collagen.

“This could possibly contribute to a skin tightening effect, but to reiterate, this
needs to be studied further,” says Hayag.

May eliminate toxins

According to Hayag, there isn’t significant evidence available to prove that

spirulina helps eliminate toxins in the body or skin.

However, “Some literature suggests that spirulina can help address

experimentally induced heavy metal toxicity, specifically arsenic,” says Hayag.

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“This doesn’t really translate too well to our bodies and skin, however, and
requires further investigation.”

In an older study from 2006Trusted Source, 41 patients with chronic arsenic

poisoning took spirulina extract and zinc twice daily for 16 weeks. Results of the
study found that spirulina extract plus zinc removed 47.1 percent of arsenic from
their hair, suggesting that spirulina and zinc may be useful for the treatment of
chronic arsenic poisoning.

May prevent candida

Some studies have indicated that spirulina may potentially prevent candida skin
infection through antifungal activity. However, more research is needed.

A 2017 studyTrusted Source evaluated the in vitro activity of spirulina against 22

strains of candida in guinea pig uteruses. The study found that the antifungal
properties of spirulina could potentially be used in place of topical antifungal
agents for candida treatment.

Benefits for skin conditions

Unfortunately, there isn’t much evidence to support the claims that spirulina helps
to diminish the appearance of acne, psoriasis, eczema, or tightening of the skin.

However, “Spirulina does possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects,

which could potentially help with conditions like acne and eczema, but this needs
to be studied more in-depth,” says Hayag.

Spirulina for acne

A 2020 study suggests that applying a cream containing spirulina to the skin
could be an alternative option for acne treatment due to its high antioxidant and
antimicrobial effects. Spirulina might be a better option than local antibiotic
therapy due to fewer side effects and no antibiotic resistance.

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Spirulina for psoriasis

A 2020 study showed that spirulina helped to reduce the presence of psoriasis in
mice. The study suggests that spirulina could potentially be developed as a
natural pharmaceutical for psoriasis treatment.

Spirulina for eczema

A 2020 study suggests that an ointment containing spirulina may help improve
eczema symptoms when applied topically two times per day for 3 weeks.

DIY

Face mask

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. spirulina extract or 1 tbsp. spirulina powder
• 1 tsp. evening primrose oil

Directions

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix them.

2. Apply to clean, dry skin.
3. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash off with a cleanser. Pat dry.

Cleanser

Ingredients

• ½ tsp. spirulina extract or 1 tbsp. spirulina powder

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 • 1 tbsp. carrier oil of your choice, such as argan oil, jojoba oil,
or squalane oil

Directions

1. Combine ingredients in a small bowl.

2. Apply to clean, dry skin in a circular motion.
3. Wash off with a wet cloth and water. Pat dry.

Spot treatment

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp. spirulina extract or powder

• 1/2 tsp. jojoba oil
• 1 drop of tea tree essential oil

Directions

1. Apply as a spot treatment to blemishes.

2. Leave on for up to an hour.
3. Rinse off with a cleanser and pat dry.