A Dunaliella salina Extract Counteracts Skin Aging under Intense Solar Irradiation Thanks to Its Antiglycation and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Abstract

Glycation, and the resulting buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is recognized as a key driver of cumulative skin damage and skin aging. Dunaliella salina is a halophile microalga adapted to intense solar radiation through the production of carotenoids. We present a natural supercritical CO2 extract of Dunaliella salina rich in the colorless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene. The extract exhibited antiglycation and anti-inflammatory activities in ex vivo testing, showing strongly reduced formation of N-ε-carboxy-methyl-lysine with exposure to methylglyoxal, reduced AGE receptor levels, and significantly reduced interleukins 6 and 8. In a placebo-controlled clinical study under intense solar exposure, the extract significantly reduced the skin’s glycation scores and its sensitivity to histamine; key skin aging parameters were also significantly improved vs. placebo, including wrinkle counts and spots. These results demonstrate the value of this Dunaliella salina extract, rich in colorless carotenoids, as an antiglycative, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging active ingredient, including in high-irradiation contexts.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Algae-Based Sheet Masks in Skincare: A Comprehensive Study of Cosmetological Benefits and Microbiome Balanced Interactions

“…A placebo-controlled study under extensive sun exposure, demonstrated a notable decrease in skin glycation scores and histamine sensitivity due to the application of, a halophile microalga [33]. Important indicators of skin aging, such as the number of wrinkles and spots, also demonstrated considerable improvement compared to the placebo group.…”

The Ocean’s Pharmacy: Health Discoveries in Marine Algae

“…The anti-inflammatory effects were attributed to the decrease in NO, ROS, and IL-1β, thus decreasing LPS-induced cell death. Interestingly, the two studies with human subjects were performed with microalgae, where Phaeodactylum tricornutum supplements [106] showed good tolerance and improved inflammatory status and the modulation of intestinal permeability, and the skin application of Dunaliella salina demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects [107]. Polysaccharides were the only class of isolated compounds that exhibited anti-inflammatory action [108][109][110][111][112].…”

Natural Compounds and Products from an Anti-Aging Perspective

“…Moreover, marine microorganisms such as microalgae, bacteria, and myxomycetes can be sources of antibacterial, antiviral, antitumoral, and antioxidant chemicals [ 180 , 186 ]. Thus, the extract from the green microalgae Dunaliella salina can prevent skin aging due to its anti-inflammatory and antiglycation properties [ 187 ]. The carbohydrates derived from marine algae benefit skin health [ 188 ].…”