Snow Algae and Your Skin

Unlocking the Skin Benefits of Snow Algae at the Cellular Level

A Low-Calorie DIET for your SKIN CELLS

All of our clients who have experienced the Snow Algae Hydrating Facial love how their skin feels afterwards. So what exactly is Snow Algae?

Snow Algae is a species of green algae that is found atop mountains in the coldest climates in the world.   Ski season aficionados know all too well the UV strengths that they are exposed to when skiing, so one only imagine the extreme UV exposure that occurs 3000–6000 metres above sea level in areas such as the Himalayas, Swiss Alps and Arctic Coast.  The Snow Algae (pink snow) forms in these extreme freezing climates when UV radiation is increased.   Although its a green algae species, Snow Algae has a secondary red pigment in addition to chlorophyll, which turns it pink.  Snow Algae is also known as “Pink Snow” and “Watermelon Snow”. Plants cannot survive in these conditions yet Snow Algae contains a cellular defense mechanism allowing it to thrive.  Scientific research into Snow Algae has discovered amazing benefits to skin at a cellular and DNA level!

The greatest benefit is that of calorie restriction. Simply put, Snow Algae puts your skin cells on a diet. It stimulates the human “longevity gene” called KLOTHO. This longevity gene extends the lifespan of cells by putting them on a low calorie diet.  In laboratory studies, aged skin cells exposed to Snow Algae showed increased KLOTHO activity.  KLOTHO induces a calorie restriction effect to the cells which makes the cellular energy metabolism work at maximum efficiency. This allows cell detoxification and repair.  At a cellular DNA level, calorie restriction (by inhibiting the insulin/IGF-1 signalling pathway)  has been linked in research to longer lifespan in some organisms. Simply put, your cells live longer because they are put on a diet and forced to be healthier and live longer.

When cells are on a diet, they have more energy to get stuff done. Snow Algae increases the cellular energy of the anti aging enzyme called AMPK (science name Adenosine monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase) in laboratory studies.  AMPK cleans house by removing all the inflammation causing gunk and debris in the cells and protects the cell from stress and oxidation. This enzyme slowly declines as we age, and laboratory studies suggest Snow Algae may help support it.

As it increases AMPK, Snow Algae also stimulates collagen production and prevents its breakdown. Specifically, collagen types I & III are the most importnt for skin, hair, nails and bones. Snow Algae achieves this at the cellular level by redirecting the activity of collagen genes I and III in aged cells from down-regulation to up-regulation. In the same laboratory studies, Snow Algae supported collagen III gene activity.

Snow Algae is resillient. Its environment alone allows for it to withstand the harshest cold climates. Cold is a stress condition for the skin, leading to dry, flaky, sensitive skin. Snow Algae stregthens the skin barrier function preventing water loss through the epidermis. Ingredient studies suggest it can help improve skin hydration, which in turn can soften the look of fine lines.

The Snow Algae Hydrating Facial at Karpati Skin Clinic uses this natural ingredient to leave skin feeling hydrated. Skin feels plump afterwards. You would never suspect its actually on a low calorie diet!