EFFECT OF CYSTOSEIRA TAMARISCIFOLIA ALGAE EXTRACT ON HYPERPIGMENTED FACIAL SKIN: A CASE STUDY.

Hyperpigmentation is a common facial skin problem characterized by darkened areas of skin due to excess melanin (Mikled, Chavasiri, Khongkow, 2024). Cystoseira brown seaweed is rich in biologically active compounds (vitamins, phenols, terpenoids, etc.), which act as excellent antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and antiaging agents (Aly et al., 2024). The predominant compounds in Cystoseira tamariscifolia algae are palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (El Amrani Zerrifi et al., 2020). Although these acids have limited direct effects on hyperpigmentation lightening, their functions may contribute to hyperpigmentation lightening from an additional perspective - hydration, regeneration promotion, barrier restoration and inflammation suppression (Jiryis et al., 2024; Prospéri et al., 2024; Thawabteh, Jibreen, Karaman, Thawabteh, Karaman, 2023). The case of a 37-yearold woman with a combination skin type (open and closed comedones in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)), dehydrated skin condition, and pronounced hyperpigmentation in the cheeks and hairline is presented. A course of 5 treatments with Cystoseira tamariscifolia algae extract was performed, home care was provided, and a structured diary was analyzed, which the study participants filled out after each procedure. The results of the study show that the hyperpigmentation of the facial skin decreased, the moisture level increased, and the quality of life improved, which is confirmed by the data of the facial skin condition diagnostic device. It was found that a course of 5 cosmetic procedures with Cystoseira Tamariscifolia double extract and selected home care products reduced the hyperpigmentation of the study participant, increased the moisture level and had a significant change in the quality of life - improved psychological and emotional well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]