Spirulina Beauty Benefits + DIY Face Mask

This post was sponsored by iHerb and all opinions expressed are my own. Affiliate links provided.

I stumbled upon the greatness that is spirulina when I first transitioned to a plant-based diet over four years ago. I was reading a lot of books, articles and educating myself through videos and one supplement that kept popping up over and over again was this green superfood. You have probably already heard of it since it has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, but in case you did not know, let me fill you in! Spirulina is a nutrient-rich algae that is packed with chlorophyll (the pigment that gives leafy greens and blue-green algae their colour). This sea plant is made up of 60% protein and is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster, while also being high in vitamins and minerals. It contains essential amino acids such as leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine and valine, and is also rich in bioavailable iron and has been found to help treat anemia. Over the years, I have tried spirulina both in liquid and powder form, adding some to my smoothies, and recently I have been taking the Vital Proteins Spirulina* in capsule form as well, which I got from iHerb. If you've been around for a while, you would know how much I enjoy shopping from this online store!

The Vital Proteins Spirulina is non-GMO and grown in California in pristine water that is surrounded by clean air. The pure spirulina powder is packed in pullulan (plant capsule), making this product vegan-friendly. You can take it internally: the recommended dose is 4 capsules per day, which translates to 2 g of protein, 4,000 IU or 80% DV of beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and 20 mg of sodium, as well as use it topically in your beauty routine. If you are wondering what the beauty benefits of taking spirulina regularly are, you've come to the right place!

Beauty Benefits of Spirulina

Detoxifies: This superfood helps eliminate toxins that accumulate in your body, such as heavy metals which get stored in skin tissue as well as atmospheric pollutants.

Energy Booster: Feeling (and looking) tired and in need of a natural pick-me-up? Spirulina powder helps improve and maintain your energy levels.

Healthier Hair and Nails: Because of spirulina's high protein, fatty acid and iron content (which are the building blocks of healthy hair and nails), you can expect stronger hair and nails with regular ingestion. This is also a great supplement to take daily if you are dealing with hair loss as it promotes hair renewal and it also helps treat dandruff.

Improved Complexion: This superfood is rich in antioxidants and thus has anti-aging properties as it helps protect the body from free radicals and other toxins which cause premature signs of aging. It also helps fight inflammation and is great for those with sensitive/problem skin. It is calming and soothing for those dealing with rosacea, and it can also help reduce acne-causing bacteria. You can expect dark circles to be reduced as well.

I'm a huge fan of homemade face masks and like to alternate between clay-based ones and spirulina-based ones, and I always notice an immediate difference in my acne-prone skin. I personally like to apply a face mask twice weekly.

DIY Spirulina Face Mask Recipe

As promised, here is my favourite DIY Spirulina Face Mask recipe:

- 7 capsules (650 mg each) of Vital Proteins Spirulina (their capsules can easily be opened - if already in powder form, use 2 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp filtered water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 drops of facial oil (optional - I like using this rosehip and cranberry oil blend)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until it forms a paste. If desired, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to provide a nice, cooling sensation. This recipe does make enough for two applications so you can store it in the fridge for two days if you don't have a masking buddy to share your DIY with!

I recommend bringing the bowl underneath your chin while applying the mask to your face with your fingers to avoid a messy situation. Since spirulina and apple cider vinegar smell quite strong, I like adding a natural face oil to give it a more fragrant smell (some of my favourites include rosehip oil, argan oil and jojoba oil). I leave the mask on for about 20 minutes or until it has mostly dried (you will feel it gradually tighten on your skin) and wash it off with warm water. You will look quite frightening (as you can see below) - but it's worth it, I promise!

I love how my skin feels right after - it's super smooth and it looks very radiant too!

One bottle of Vital Proteins Spirulina (C$38, US$29) contains 120 capsules. You can shop this product directly on iHerb and explore other Vital Proteins products they carry as well. When shopping through the links provided in this post, you will also receive a discount off your order!

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Have you tried spirulina? If you haven't yet, I would highly recommend you welcome this gift from nature into your life!

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