Updated: Sep 18, 2020
By Renata Block, MMS, PA-C I had the great pleasure of spending the afternoon with Dr. Leonard Lerer, who describes himself as a “crazy scientist.” He specializes in algae extracts – Spirulina, in particular, with a passion for everything to do with algae. You may have seen or heard of Spirulina, blue-green algae, sprinkled into your popcorn, energy bars, and smoothies? Spirulina also is available as a powder form and administered in capsules or tablets for overall skin health and wellness. Though there are hundreds of suppliers worldwide, Dr. Lerer provides the PUREST form of it in the United States. Lucky me! It is nothing new as it has been used for centuries as a food source and even as a skin mask/spa treatment. Fresh Spirulina is very difficult to obtain due to its being very delicate, and I had the privilege of testing it as a mask in its purest form. I was feeling very scientist myself on this day. I also had fun making lotions, cocktails, pills, and powders. Perfect for October, my potions contained a super anti-oxidant rich phycocyanin, which produces the most beautiful blue color that I have ever seen in a product. Move over Tiffany’s; the BLU Goddess is coming in! Out of an ultra-cold laboratory freezer (-85 C), this pure, odor-free (a big YAY), high-quality blue-green algae was presented in front of me. It was in the form of a paste that I had the pleasure of my first Spirulina Facial Treatment. In exchange, photos, my experience, and, of course, my story. Yes, please sign me up! I’m in! So why fresh spirulina? It is a natural product with some body of evidence that it is terrific for wrinkles, anti-aging, and sun protection. Its use currently for hydration, sun-spots, general skin health and wellness (capsule form), and scarring. Though more scientific evidence is needed, which is VERY expensive, more information is coming in about its benefits and is starting to become the next best thing. In the meantime, I look forward to my ongoing use and experience. You can say that I am the test subject in this experiment, which I am truly honored to do so. Watch out 2020. Savvy Derm Diva will debut The Blu Goddess product line or should it be The Blu Diva?! HMMMM? I would love your input! Stay tuned for results. MUAH!???? Diva Tip: There is an excellent potential for natural products if studied correctly. Be careful with your purchases! Renata Block is the creator of Savvy Derm Diva and a Dermatology
PA-C who lives in Chicago.
