(Photo: By courtesy) Many people, especially women, desire a beautiful and beautiful face like a doll.Most women try to change their appearance by using various cosmetics and drugs in the hope that their skin will be healthier and their appearance will look fresher.Since time immemorial, our ancestors have always used natural ingredients as body care ingredients.Until now, natural ingredients such as plants are still used in various beauty products.More and more beauty companies are combining cosmetics and medicines derived from natural ingredients to maximize the results of using their products.Over time, plants that are used as natural ingredients for skin care or body care continue to grow.Recently, it is no stranger to hear a green plant called Spirulina which is widely used as a mask or medicine.According to various sources, this plant is often claimed to have many benefits for the skin, one of which is as an anti-oxidant.What exactly is spirulina?What is Spirulina sp.Spirulina, which has the Latin name Arthrospira platensis, is a single-celled green algae with a bluish pigment.Spirulina is part of the cyanobacteria or microalgae species.Spirulina grows in tropical and subtropical waters and can be found in various types of environments, both in freshwater, marine and brackish.The shape of this plant resembles a thread and is a series of cylindrical cells with a diameter of 1-12 m and has thin cell walls.Spirulina has many types of species, but the ones that are widely grown on an industrial scale are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis.The difference between these two types is the size and shape.The size of spirulina maxima is larger and its shape is not too circular or spiral.Meanwhile, spirulina platensis has a smaller size and a more spiral shape.Both spirulina are intensively developed by researchers because they have a high content.Content and Benefits of Spirulina If developed properly in clean and unpolluted waters, spirulina contains even higher protein content than meat and fish.As much as 65% of the content of spirulina is protein and essential amino acids.These contents function as body building substances (body protein synthesis), regulatory substances in the body (enzymes and hormones).The main function of building blocks is to form new tissues and maintain existing ones.Protein works to replace worn or damaged parts, so it is good for maintaining a healthy body, especially caring for the skin.In addition, spirulina also contains high antioxidants.Antioxidants are electron donating compounds that are able to inhibit oxidation reactions by donating electrons to compounds that are oxidant so that the activity of these oxidant compounds can be inhibited.Oxidant compounds that do not get electron donors can become free radicals.The body needs antioxidants to protect the body from the negative effects of free radicals.The negative effects of free radicals on the skin are accelerated premature aging of the skin, decreases skin elasticity, stimulates melanin damage, triggers uneven skin discoloration and causes skin cancer.Continuous exposure to free radicals can paralyze skin cell membranes so that they are easily infected with various pathogens that cause various skin diseases.Exposure is obtained from various factors, but what is often experienced is when the body is exposed to air pollution, sunlight, pollution results, unhealthy eating patterns.A study on the antioxidant activity of phycocyanin in spirulina by Ali Ridlo, et al.(2015) from Diponegoro University showed that spirulina sp.contains phycocyanin or blue pigment which is the dominant pigment in spirulina.These pigments function to stimulate antioxidants.An important source of antioxidants in spirulina is also obtained from its components of phytonutrients and carotenoids.Therefore, consumption of spirulina can increase skin metabolism so that it helps neutralize free radicals which will prevent damage to the skin.Other compounds contained in spirulina sp.are vitamin A, vitamin B-12, vitamin E and vitamin C. The benefits of these vitamins are to reduce fine lines, improve wrinkled skin, nourish skin that looks pale into younger, supple and bright skin.An American dermatologist, dr.Joel Schelssinger, said that spirulina also has a detoxifying effect that can eliminate dark circles and improve dry skin that is easily irritated by the eyes and surrounding skin.Schelssinger added, spirulina has been shown to cure acne by eliminating bacteria on the skin's surface.Basically, spirulina contains important components such as protein (48%), carbohydrates (30%), and fat (22%), vitamins, and minerals.Actually, these various ingredients are good to be consumed directly for body care from within, for example by drinking in the form of medicinal pills, syrup, or food powder.However, this content is also important for nourishing the skin from the outside, so the use of spirulina-based products can also be used as a face mask.So many natural components of spirulina that provide benefits for the body, especially for the skin.Spirulina is believed to nourish the skin with its high content of protein and antioxidants.These ingredients can repair damaged skin tissue, prevent premature aging, tighten the skin, make the skin brighter and give the skin a supple effect.Apparently, consuming spirulina has a variety of good content that is beneficial for healthy facial skin.For people who are very concerned about facial appearance, consumption of spirulina can be used as an alternative to skin care or body care in order to get healthier skin.These are the Symptoms of Monkeypox to Watch Out for!Monkeypox Suspect Found in Central Java, Recognize the Symptoms!UGM Pharmacy Expert Explains Paracetamol Virus ProblemEstee Lauder Beauty Products for All Skin TypesOften Heard but Don't Sure Understand What Tonsils AreKnow What is GERD AnxietyYour email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *Save my name, email and website in this browser for my next comments.