People have used spirulina in face creams and body wraps, and
there are reports of people taking it in baths to promote skin health.
The Kanembu in Chad use freshly harvested algae as a skin poultice
for treating certain diseases. Pharmaceutical compounds in France
containing spirulina accelerated wound healing. Patients used whole
spirulina, raw juice and extracts in creams, ointments, solutions and
suspensions.43 A study in Japan showed cosmetic packs containing
spirulina and its enzymatic hydrolyzates promoted skin metabolism
and reduced scars.44 Additional research showed extracts of spirulina
inhibited the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi.45,46 The antibiotic
substances in these extracts may have medical applications.