If you have not heard of astaxanthin, then it’s about time you got onto the ‘antioxidant’ bandwagon to embrace this new age ‘anti-wrinkle’ vitamin. A xanthophyll carotenoid, this antioxidant is found in high concentrations in salmon as well as red algae.
The Science
Renown for its photoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, astaxanthin is available in oral and topical forms. In two clinical studies, 30 healthy females who were given both oral astaxanthin as well as asked to apply a topical astaxanthin serum daily for 8 weeks observed significant improvements in their skin including texture, tone and overall skin colour.
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In another randomized double-blind placebo controlled study involving 36 healthy male subjects for 6 weeks, skin improvements such as reduction in crow’s feet wrinkles and improvements in skin elasticity were noted.
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How it works
Astaxanthin seems to exert its beneficial effects by reducing the breakdown of collagen, effectively suppressing cell damage caused by free radicals as well as promote collagen synthesis in the skin. It also appears to have positive effects on skin healing by accelerating skin recovery processes. That’s not all! On a DNA level, astaxanthin has been shown to improve DNA repair capacity of our skin cells. This results in a slowing of the normal ageing processes of our skin, as well as optimizing conditions for healthy skin growth
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Besides oral supplementation, topical astaxanthin preparations are effective agents in slowing down skin ageing, and may form a powerful weapon in any anti-aging arsenal. When used in the day, it may help to absorb and neutralize the harmful effects of UV damage. When used at night, it can work overnight in helping skin repair.
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In skins that have already exhibited significant skin damage, also consider improving your skin’s vitamin levels with clinical facials such as Vitamin Therapy. This can drastically boost skin’s vitamin levels so your complexion can better cope with the assault from environment as well as age.
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