And the possibility of involving science in the world of beauty and happiness,
Conduct research to discover and create business opportunities and impact on communities.
The Practical Theoretical Symposium, held from 22 to 25 August, was presented by two Spanish experts who analyzed the contributions that algae make to the food industry, agriculture, aquaculture and agriculture, in addition to their well-known contributions. Of course, of course, as a source of nutrients in the ocean.
The course, hosted by Dr. Pilar Sánchez Saavedra, a researcher at the Department of Aquaculture, is the second time CICESE has organized it (the first was in 2018). During the inauguration ceremony, the director of the center, Dr. David H. Covarrubias, highlighted the 28 years of academic cooperation between the University of Malaga and the research center, as well as student exchanges and knowledge sharing, such as the integration of thesis committees and research agreements.
powerful algae
In interviews with workshop participants, Dr. Flix López Figueroa, researcher at the University of Malaga, and Ingrid Palicia, R&D technician at Five Rabbits Organic Beauty, highlighted the properties of seaweed and the benefits of cosmetics (a hybrid of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) that can not only influence Skin can also affect society through the development of small and medium enterprises in the community.
Seaweed has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is rich in minerals and amino acids. Its use in cosmetics has become popular, including the design of anti-aging and anti-acne creams, cleansers and tonics, unifying creams and masks. Various formulations combine a variety of algae and other natural ingredients such as pomegranate and grapeseed, or natural oils such as olive, argon, almond oil and more.
Likewise, algae have immunomodulatory and antitumor bioactive compounds that show promise in the prevention and treatment of cancer. In addition, macroalgae also contain ingredients that effectively protect against UV rays.
Researchers at Mlaga University, including Dr. Flix Lpez Figueroa, studied mycosporin-type amino acids (MAAs) produced by algae and other marine organisms and recognized their photoprotective and antioxidant activity. So far, only natural filters with a sun protection factor (SPF) of up to 10 have been used. It is expected that by combining more compounds such as botanicals, oils and physical filters, the SPF value will reach 50.
business opportunity
The workshop leader mentioned that Ensenada, because of its rich ecosystem, is a city with the potential of a blue economy, which focuses on the sustainable use of marine resources to generate capital without causing damage to the environment. Cosmetics are an example of a blue economy, as are sustainable fishing, renewable energy and coastal tourism.
In the case of cosmetics, microentrepreneurs have the potential to contribute to the economic development of communities. An example is small traders, mostly women, who start in their kitchens producing solid soaps and shampoos from natural ingredients (even seaweed), design their own labels, and sell their products in bazaars, on buses, and on the Internet.
Ingrid Palicia, from one of the companies with which the University of Malaga signed a cosmetic design agreement with five rabbits, assured that after giving the first workshop 15 years ago, she found two of them who started her own soap company.. to her, it meant that it was worth giving these workshops because of the impact they had on the community.
Flix López says that in Los Angeles Bay, it is possible to connect with local companies that produce algal products by raising awareness about conservation, eco-conscious tourism and natural resource management. He concludes, “They launched it under the Baha de los Ángeles brand, and it was a bottom-up, top-down result.”