Astaxanthin and Skincare

One of the many benefits of Astaxanthin that scientific research has identified and validated is its potential to enhance the health and appearance of a person’s skin. This super nutrient has been shown to reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and protect the skin from the suns harmful UV rays. The underlying reason as to why astaxanthin is showing so much promise in skincare is its unique antioxidant profile. Unlike most other antioxidants that can become harmful pro-oxidants if not used by the body, astaxanthin never does. Astaxanthin offers much better free radical neutralisation, minimising the potential damage of cell oxidation, free radical damage and inflammation!

There are a few good reasons why astaxanthin should be part of your skincare routine.

Moist and Smooth Skin

Astaxanthin has been shown to improve moisture retention in the skin, creating greater skin elasticity and reducing dryness and flaking. One study found skin elasticity improvements and high skin moisture content in the high-dose astaxanthin group compared with that of the placebo group. All this increases skin smoothness and decreases those annoying fine lines and wrinkles. Astaxanthin is fairly fast acting and many studies show that results occur in around 2 weeks of supplementation.

Natural Sunblock

Astaxanthin has proven to be superb at enhancing the skins natural protection from the suns UV rays. This helps the skin last longer in direct sunlight without burning, giving astaxanthin the term of an ‘internal sunscreen’. Used in creams or in supplements astaxanthin really looks after your skin when catching a tan or when you are just out and about in the sun.

Free Radical Neutralisation

Astaxanthin is regarded as one of the most powerful and versatile natural antioxidants and has the capacity to neutralise multiple free radicals at the same time. This ability protects skin and other parts of the body from damaging oxidation and inflammation.  A study concluded that long-term prophylactic astaxanthin supplementation may inhibit age-related skin deterioration and maintain skin conditions associated with environmentally induced damage via its anti-inflammatory effect.

Wound Healing

Skin wounds and cuts can become more of an issue as we age. With the decline in skin strength, it can get cut and damaged a lot easier resulting in wounds that take longer to heal and leave unwanted scars. Astaxanthin has been shown to improve wound healing time with a study showing wound healing biological markers were significantly increased in the astaxanthin-treated group since day 1.

Improved blood flow

Better blood circulation makes skin look and feel really healthy. Increased blood circulation improves cell turnover, increases elasticity and improves water or moisture retention.

Overall Astaxanthin is a powerful and natural skin defence fighting the harm caused by daily exposure to the elements. The super nutrient not only helps with skincare but studies and research are proving it has an increasing number of other health benefits.

Astaxanthin is natural and safe for almost anyone to take. It most commonly comes in the form of a softgel as a stand alone product or part of a formula for skincare. Either way, the health benefits of the nutrient are vast and you will not regret trying it and feeling better for it!