Spirodela: This aquatic plant boosts hydration!
Skin dehydration affects all skin types, even the oiliest. Tightness, fine lines, and a dull complexion are the main symptoms. A little-known aquatic plant, the water lettuce – or duckweed – is attracting growing interest from researchers for its ability to deeply restore skin hydration.
Why spirodela is attracting attention in cosmetics
Floating plant of the family Araceae, Spirodel grows naturally on the surface of calm waters. Long used in the food industry, it is now being explored for its many skin properties. Its main interest lies in its richness in bioactive components, particularly polysaccharides.
These molecules have an exceptional ability to attract and retain water. This characteristic makes Spirodela polyrhiza a promising moisturizing ingredient for dehydrated skin. By binding to numerous water molecules, it helps increase the water reserves in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, which is responsible for the skin's suppleness and softness.
A moisturizing active ingredient with deep and lasting effects
The action of spirodela does not stop at simple water retention. Experimental data have shown that it also stimulates the activity of aquaporins-3, proteins that promote water transport between skin cells. This not only allows for better water distribution across the different layers of the skin, but also increases certain components of the natural moisturizing factor, such as lactate.
This dual action, both immediate and prolonged, makes spirodela an attractive ingredient in moisturizing formulations targeting dehydrated skin prone to tightness, sensitivity, and pronounced fine lines.
A rare and valuable biochemical composition
The cell wall of Spirodela polyrhiza contains a high concentration of pectins, particularly apiogalacturonans, but also other polysaccharides such as xylogalacturonan. These components are responsible for the plant's plasticity and water capacity.
It also contains flavonoids, well-known antioxidant molecules, as well as phytosterols, amino acids, and plant pigments such as chlorophyll. This biochemical richness gives spirodela multiple properties beyond hydration: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially regenerative.
Soothing and anti-inflammatory properties
Sensitive or inflammation-prone skin may also benefit from the effects of spirodela. Some studies suggest that its compounds may reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and limit the activity of cells involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions.
By promoting the restoration of proteins essential to the skin barrier, spirodela helps strengthen the skin's protective function, thereby contributing to greater resistance to external aggressions.
A natural antioxidant defense against premature aging
One of the major mechanisms of skin aging is oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These are generated by repeated exposure to UV rays, pollution, or chemical aggressions. The flavonoids present in Spirodela polyrhiza can help neutralize these radicals, thereby protecting cell membranes and limiting DNA damage.
By stimulating pro-collagen production while inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes responsible for collagen degradation (such as MMP-1), spirodela indirectly combats loss of skin firmness. It also helps reduce melanin synthesis, suggesting a possible effect on pigmentation spots.
Key takeaways
Spirodela polyrhiza is gradually establishing itself as a multifunctional natural active ingredient. Thanks to its ability to moisturize, protect, soothe, and prevent skin aging, it represents an innovative approach to caring for dehydrated skin. Without spectacular effects or excessive marketing promises, it is based on solid biological mechanisms that deserve to be explored further today.
