Potential application of Spirulinain dermatology

Spirulinais an edible cyanobacterium known worldwide for its high nutritional value, and the interest in its biological activity and bioactive compounds, such as pigments, phenolics, peptides, and lipids, has been increasing. Due to the variety of its properties, the potential application of Spirulina in health is wide, including dermatological area. In a context of increasing demand for natural products and actives in cosmetics, this microorganism becomes a great source. This article aims to review what has already been reported in literature about the potential effects of Spirulina or its isolated compounds in skin, for either aesthetic or clinical purposes. In many studies, Spirulina and its components show a good influence in proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, extracellular matrix, and collagen production, as well as exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Thus, they promote a healthy environment for skin's cells and structure, cooperating for the highlighted anti-aging, photoprotection, and wound-healing effects. Some compounds of the cyanobacterium also exert a lighting property through tyrosinase inhibition. Its antimicrobial action can also be advantageous to skin contributing to anti-acne, antibiofilm, and anti-herpes effects. In face of many attributes and due to its rich composition, Spirulina presents multi-benefits and shows an improvement in the general aspect of skin. However, some applications are still in need of studying and more clinical evidence is necessary.