Seaweed extract may help improve the appearance of ageing skin

The company has just completed in vitro​ and in vivo​ trials on its Maritech Bright ingredient and claims that it helps even out skin tone and reduce wrinkles.

In vitro​ tests showed the ingredient can inhibit elastase and collagenase, two enzymes linked to the break down of the structural proteins elastin and collagen.

In addition, Marinova claims the ingredient also inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in skin pigmentation, as well as inhibiting the glycation process that the company says can accelerate ageing.

Marinova then went on to test the ingredients in vivo​ in female Asian subjects. Maritech Bright was included at 1 per cent in a formulation that was applied twice a day for 12 weeks.

After 4 weeks of application there was a lightening of the pigmented age spots of 1.4 per cent against the background, which itself lightened 0.6 per cent.

In addition, the company claims the ingredient led to a ‘marked visual improvement’ in skin texture around the eyes.

Even skin tone​

After three months, Maritech Bright led to diminished wrinkles and a more even skin tone, Marinova concluded.

The ingredient is part of a range based on organic brown seaweed extracts that have been harvested sustainably from the waters of Tasmania.

Other ingredients in the range include Maritech Synergy, and Reserve, for which trials are ongoing.

Maritech Synergy has been positioned for the beauty supplements market and is high in marine polyphenols and fucoidans.

In an in-vitro study, Marinova found that Maritech Synergy inhibits ageing-related enzymes such as collagenase and elastase. Marinova said the study even shows the ability of the ingredient to effectively stop the action of collagenase.