Shiseido has developed a combination of active ingredients that transforms harmful UV light into visible light that "beautifies" the skin. To achieve this, the manufacturer uses an extract from spirulina algae and fluorescent zinc oxide from natural minerals. This is supposed to repair damage caused by ultraviolet light and boost the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Absorb and Emit Sunlight

According to Shiseido, light and its effects on the skin have been a research topic within the company for many years. The findings so far have primarily shown the need to protect the skin from various damaging effects of light, the manufacturer says. The study Shiseido has now presented was inspired by photosynthesis, which views sunlight as something beneficial rather than a mere source of harm to the skin.

Photosynthesis uses sunlight to produce energy, converting it into visible light. The researchers' aim was to harness this process for skincare. They searched for substances that are able to absorb ultraviolet light and emit it at various light energy levels. Among more than 400 raw materials, they identified spirulina extract and fluorescent zinc oxide as the most suitable substances.

Preventing Photo-Ageing of the Skin

Spirulina is able to restore activity to UV-damaged skin cells and increase the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Fluorescent zinc oxide can also regenerate UV-damaged epidermal cells while renewing the skin barrier. The study showed that the combination of both substances can suppress inflammation caused by ultraviolet light, reduce skin redness and thus, on balance, prevent photo-ageing of the skin.

Source: Shiseido, photo: Adobe Stock / makistock