Brightening Spirulina Face Masks | HelloGlow.co

Spirulina, the superfood of all superfoods, is a powder derived from algae that’s excessive in protein, iron, nutritional vitamins, and 18 completely different amino acids—true superfood certainly! Its wealthy, dark-green shade comes from chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from our physique, helps vibrant pores and skin (particularly when used as a soothing spirulina face masks), and boosts our immune system—all on the identical time [source].

This nutrient-rich sea plant is usually added to juices and smoothies, however the spirulina powder advantages go on and on, together with a number of anti-aging and anti inflammatory advantages for our pores and skin and hair.

Spirulina Pores and skin Care Advantages

Spirulina might be the primary selection for pure inexperienced meals shade. Whether or not you’re preventing dandruff or in search of a formidable opponent to battle free radicals, irritation, and growing old, spirulina simply may be your dream come true [source]. The antioxidants present in spirulina are 4 occasions the quantity in most berries!

It might assist enhance pores and skin tone and complexion and go away you with that sought-after dewy glow. Spirulina also can:

—encourage cell turnover
—result in more healthy nails 
—promote hair progress
—battle zits with its antibacterial properties

Brightening Honey + Spirulina Face Masks

This easy and simple face masks is a superb selection for all pores and skin sorts. It would go away your pores and skin feeling moisturized and brilliant, together with night out pores and skin tone and preventing micro organism.

Elements

—1 tablespoon natural honey
—1 tablespoon spirulina powder

Directions

1. Be sure to cleanse your pores and skin effectively first, then combine the 2 components collectively to type a paste.

2. Apply with fingertips or a facial brush to your face and neck. Depart the masks on for 20 minutes after which rinse off with heat water and a washcloth.

3. As soon as all the masks is eliminated, observe with a moisturizer, facial oil, or serum for added hydration.

You too can do this supercharged avocado face masks with spirulina and avocado oil that’s full of good fat to hydrate dry pores and skin.

Spirulina Well being and Physique Advantages

Should you’re in search of essentially the most nutrient-dense meals or attempting to handle a particular well being concern, you would possibly wish to begin including spirulina into your eating regimen. This plant is excessive in nutritional vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, and full of over 60% protein, which means somewhat goes a great distance in relation to curbing urge for food and serving to you energy your manner by way of a exercise.

Wealthy in amino acids and beta-carotene, spirulina accommodates most of the B nutritional vitamins the physique wants (B1, B2, B3), in addition to copper and iron in important portions. Magnesium, potassium, and manganese are additionally current in its composition, along with hint quantities of many different very important vitamins [source].

Spirulina can forestall skeletal muscle harm and enhance endurance even with the oxidative stress seen when you’re deconditioned and begin to train [source]. Analysis has additionally proven that spirulina aids in weight reduction, lowers your blood lipids, and reduces your urge for food [source]—just about every part that most individuals are in search of!

It is without doubt one of the most helpful dietary dietary supplements for detox [source]. Different advantages embody:

—excessive calcium content material
—anti-inflammatory properties
—digestive system help
—potent antioxidants
—allergy reduction

[To see what the science has to say about spirulina, click here.]

3 Methods To Use Spirulina In Your Weight loss plan

What’s to not love? Nicely, spirulina is a little bit of an acquired style. Your finest guess is to mix it with different flavors by including it to recipes. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite methods to make use of spirulina under. (And in case you’re nonetheless not a fan? It is available in pill type too!)

Layered Coconut Spirulina Chia Pudding

The right complement to your spirulina face masks, this chia pudding is loaded with antioxidants and soluble fiber [source] to assist stimulate your physique’s pure detox course of.

Elements

—5 tbsp chia seeds
—1 cup almond milk
—1/2 cup natural coconut milk
—2 tsp natural uncooked honey (if vegan, exchange with agave or maple syrup)
—1 avocado, peeled and lower into chunks
—1 tsp natural spirulina powder
—1 ripe banana, peeled
—To garnish: contemporary blueberries, coconut flakes

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chia seeds with plant milks and honey (or its alternative), then put aside for half-hour, till the seeds take up all of the liquid.

2. In the meantime, add the avocado, banana, and spirulina into the meals processor and pulse to acquire a superb puree.

3. Distribute the soaked chia evenly into the serving bowls/jars, prime with a inexperienced layer of spirulina puree, garnish with coconut flakes and chia seeds, and serve.

Alkaline Spirulina Lemonade

This vibrant inexperienced lemonade makes use of the extraordinary detox properties of spirulina [source] and wheatgrass powders to keep up an alkaline setting inside your cells and assist them neutralize these poisonous free radicals.

Matcha powder is a pure power booster and even helps your temper [source], whereas having intense antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cleaning properties [source]. Lime provides an additional vitamin C enhance, to help collagen manufacturing [source] and assist your pores and skin glow.

Elements

—4 cups purified water
—Juice from 3 limes
—2 teaspoons uncooked natural honey
—1 teaspoon spirulina powder
—1 teaspoon wheatgrass powder
—1 teaspoon matcha powder

Directions

1. Mix all components till effectively mixed and serve.

Tremendous Inexperienced Spirulina Smoothie

On this straightforward inexperienced spirulina smoothie recipe, we mix leafy greens, spirulina, the sweetness of apple juice, and a touch of ginger. Regardless of the small variety of components, this smoothie is crammed with well being advantages.

Spirulina is a superb ingredient in smoothies, whether or not you’re seeking to improve your total well being or to replenish the physique throughout or after an sickness, extreme stress, or perhaps a exercise. Its major lively element, phycocyanin, is an antioxidant and anti inflammatory, which advantages well being in a variety of methods [source].

You’ll get an additional dose of greens energy with kale. Kale is full of immune-boosting vitamin C, and likewise with beauty-favorites A, D, and Ok, and many antioxidants [source]. And the ginger we added isn’t just for style—it’s a recognized immunity booster [source], digestive help, and may even relieve ache [source].  

Elements

—1 cup apple juice
—1 tablespoon spirulina powder or a number of spirulina tablets
—handful of kale (additionally okay to make use of spinach)
—handful of ice cubes
—sprint of floor ginger

Directions

1. Add spirulina and kale and/or spinach into the blender. Sprinkle in some powered ginger to spice it up a bit.

2. Fill with apple juice to the 2-cup line. Mix till clean. Add ice as wanted to thicken or water to skinny the consistency.

Spirulina FAQ

Can I take advantage of this spirulina face masks on my hair?

Sure, positively. The vitamins that make spirulina so nice for pores and skin also can do wonders in your hair. Simply whip up a bigger batch, and apply evenly all through your hair. Cowl with a hair cap and let sit for about quarter-hour earlier than rinsing out. Comply with up with shampoo and conditioner per your traditional routine. 

Can I take advantage of chlorella instead of spirulina?

If you have already got chlorella readily available, be at liberty to make use of it instead of spirulina in each of those recipes. Whereas spirulina is created from a cyanobacterium within the blue-green algae household and chlorella comes from inexperienced algae, they’re each extraordinarily nutrient-dense and supply a variety of helpful nutritional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Is it secure to take spirulina day-after-day?

To be secure, observe the directions on the again of your spirulina bottle. For extended use, it’s finest to not exceed the beneficial dosage specified by the producer.

Are spirulina tablets pretty much as good because the powder?

Powders might break down extra simply and supply barely extra dietary profit since they’re extra bioavailable [source]. However in case you solely have the tablets, both crush them with a mortar and pestle or use a espresso grinder to create a powder earlier than mixing them with different components.

How can I purchase spirulina that doesn’t comprise heavy metals?

Since spirulina is grown both within the sea or in man-made water tanks, heavy metals will all the time be one thing to look out for. To maintain metals to a minimal, select high-quality manufacturers that worth purity and do strenuous third-party testing on their merchandise.

Personally, I take advantage of Pure Hawaiian Spirulina as a result of it’s grown in Hawaii—which means it undergoes strict FDA oversight—they usually do third-party testing to make sure heavy metals and different toxins are low. But it surely’s a private resolution, so do your individual analysis and search for a model you belief.

This submit was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with in depth expertise in medical, beauty, and surgical dermatology. Be taught extra about Hiya Glow’s medical reviewers right here. As all the time, this isn’t private medical recommendation, and we suggest that you just speak along with your physician.

Images by Ana Stanciu

285