Skincare enthusiasts are always on the lookout for natural ingredients that promise healthy and vitalized skin for long. While some ingredients make it to the spotlight, some don’t get as much attention as they deserve.
Today, we’re going to share about the remarkable skin benefits of one essential ingredient you may have overlooked: Astaxanthin (Pronounced "asta-zan-thin"). This natural keto-carotenoid is produced naturally by some algae. It has anti-oxidant properties and is also commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is the same anti-oxidant pigment that gives healthy foods like salmon, carrots, and tomatoes their orange shade of color. As an antioxidant, this ingredient has multiple skin and also health benefits. Read along to find how many skin woes this helpful ingredient can solve for you.
1. Wrinkle Fighting Properties
As we advance in age steadily, our fear of wrinkles and fine lines in our aging skin tends to deepen. Astaxanthin has incredible power to neutralize the damage from free radicals while calming inflation of the skin. Some studies have shown astaxanthin to have more anti-oxidant ability than certain forms of Vitamin C.
This is especially a helpful source for eczema sufferers and also for those who wish to ward off wrinkling and fine lines.
2. UV Protection
Astaxanthin has a natural ability to protect our skin from UV damage. UV rays can pierce through the layers of the skin and damage the skin cell. This can result in a number of problems, including premature aging to even sever effects like skin cancer.
The natural properties of Astaxanthin secure your skin against the harmful rays. You can use it both topically and as an oral product.
3. DNA Damage Repair
Not only can Asthaxanthin provide protection against UV rays, but it can help repair DNA damage that can result as well! It has been scientifically shown that Asthaxanthin can improve the DNA-repair capacity of cells.
UV rays tend to cause DNA damage too when they reach our skin cells. Our cells can naturally repair this damage to an extent, but fortunately Asthaxanthin has the power to boost the DNA repairing capacity of cells. Thus, even when the skin cells face UV radiation exposure, they can stand their own ground in fighting off DNA damage.
4. Anti-Inflammatory
Asthaxanthin has great potential to reduce inflammation in the skin and body. Studies have shown this ingredient can limit pro-inflammatory signals. As we constantly encounter pollutants and other skin stressors, it can lead to our skin getting red or inflamed. Less inflammation leads to healthier appearing skin!
5. Skin Renewal
By using this ingredient, you will successful minimize the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which cause free radical damage and oxidative stress. This entire process leads to free radical production and causes conditions like skin aging and even development of diseases.
Astaxanthin is a remarkably helpful agent that slows down the repercussions of ROS. In doing so, it prevents the collagen matrix breakdown and increasing matrix metalloproteinase levels. In the end, your skin enjoys more elasticity and lesser chances of wrinkle formation.
6. Hyper Pigmentation Protection
We mentioned about the antioxidant properties in Astaxanthin. The same properties also help protect the skin against hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is caused by the effects of UV rays on the melanin production in skin. Since Asthaxanthin helps protect against UV rays and oxidative stress, it is a powerful actor against hyperpigmentation.
ROS has a direct connection to skin aging. If one does nothing to protect the skin from ROS and oxidative stress, then hyper pigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines can result. Astaxanthin in topical and oral form helps protect skin from this menace as well.
Final Thoughts
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, commonly present in sea creatures, algae and plants. You will find this substance in red, orange or pinkish hues and it has incredible benefits for the skin. Studies have so far discovered that the ingredient helps reduce dryness, protect from UV damage and free radicals. It also moisturizes and replenishes skin and is safe for all ages to use.
We have included this powerful ingredient in our most advanced Peptides Product line! Patent-5 serum, HP Face, and HP Eye!
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Davinelli S, Nielsen ME, Scapagnini G. Astaxanthin in skin health, repair, and disease: a comprehensive review. Nutrients. 2018;10(4):522. doi:10.3390/nu10040522
