Fucoidans: A dermal future
The benefits of high purity fucoidans for topical skincare applications have been increasingly reported in scientific literature over the past decade. In addition to the cosmetic benefits of skin protection, soothing and brightening, researchers have reported the capacity for fucoidans to balance the skin microbiome, alleviate allergic responses and support skin barrier function.
Looking to the future, fucoidans show exciting promise in the field of skin repair and wound healing.
Chronic wounds are typically characterised by persistent inflammation. Fucoidans have been extensively studied for their anti-inflammatory properties and it is research in this field that has singled them out as compounds of interest for future innovations in dermal health.
A snapshot of global research reveals that fucoidans may provide the following benefits, particularly in the context of maintaining a healthy epidermis:
- Support the repair of the epidermal barrier (Chen, 2019)
- Inhibit collagenase and elastase, thereby assisting in the reduction of skin degradation and the formation of new skin matrix (Fitton, 2015)
- Alleviate swelling and improve skin lesions (Tian, 2019; Obluchinskayam, 2021)
- Promote wound healing processes (Barbosa, 2019)
- Be readily incorporated into innovative nanolayer films for use in wound healing (Benbow, 2020)
The global prevalence of chronic wounds, alongside rising healthcare costs and an ageing population, continues to drive demand for innovative dermal health solutions. Fucoidans are well placed to contribute to future biotechnologies, smart dressings, and regenerative treatments.