Astaxanthin: The Super Antioxidant for Anti-Aging

When it comes to skincare and anti-aging solutions, popular ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid often take the cake. But there’s another powerhouse that is slowly gaining some attention in skincare world: Astaxanthin. Often referred to as the ‘King of Carotenoids’, this brilliantly coloured antioxidant has amazing health benefits for skin, anti-aging and just overall!

We’re also going to uncover what astaxanthin is, how it operates, and why it’s rising through the ranks in the anti-aging world.

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, occurs in nature primarily as an ester, which is hydrolysed to the free form during digestion. In nature it is found in various algae (especially Haematococcus pluvialis), yeasts, and marine animals such as shrimp, crab, salmon and lobster. It’s the compound that makes these organisms pink or red. More than just a splash of pretty color, it’s reputed to also be one of the carotenoids (astaxanthin has antioxidant activity up to 550 times stronger than Vitamin E and potentially 6,000 times stronger than Vitamin C.

How Astaxanthin Works: The Anti-aging Miracle

Astaxanthin is good for the skin and anti-ageing. Here’s how it works:

Super antioxidant support: Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause a great deal of cellular damage and speed up the aging process. Astaxanthin eliminates free radicals from the body, and protects skin from oxidative damage which can cause fine lines and wrinkles.

Boosts Collagen Production: It is collagen which provides the skin with elasticity and youth. Astaxanthin helps stimulate the output of collagen and reduce wrinkles, while keeping skin youthful looking.

Reduces inflammation: Prolonged, chronic inflammation accelerates skin aging. Its anti-inflammatory properties may even result in diminished redness, puffiness and irritation and more youthful looking skin.

Enhances Skin’s Moisture: Astaxanthin helps skin hold onto moisture, which is vital for maintaining soft, supple-looking skin.

UV Shield: UV exposure can cause oxidative stress and that can act as a catalyst for prematurely aging skin. One aspect of the UV-protection abilities of astaxanthin in skin is attributed to its photoprotective property, and this action does not depend simply on excellent anti-oxidative effects; rather, it works as an inherent sunscreen factor by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress derived from photo-irradiation.

Astaxanthin Benefits for Skin Health: A Summary

Is Astaxanthin Safe?

Yes! Astaxanthin is probably safe for most when used as directed. It’s a molecule that naturally occurs in the body, and it is extraordinarily safe, with very little risk of side effects. But, pregnant or breastfeedingwomen can take recommendations from doctor before consuming astaxanthin supplements. And because the higher dose (over 12 mg a day) can have some mild side effects such as a mild redness of the skin.

Astaxanthin vs. Other Antioxidants- Any Differenence?

Sure, something like Vitamin C and Vitamin E can be found in many anti-aging products but astaxanthin is special for a few reasons:

• Stronger: Astaxanthin is 6000 times stronger than Vitamin C in its ability to fight free radicals.
  
• Crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier: A rare antioxidant that crosses blood-brain barriers, astaxanthin makes a difference for your skin as well as your brain.
  
• Better for UV Protection: Antioxidants in general aren’t great against sun damage, but astaxanthin is better than the rest, and that’s especially good news for those concerned about photoaging.
  

How to Use Astaxanthin for its Best Anti-Aging Results

Astaxanthin is available in various forms, such as oral supplements and skin care products but also present in foods. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Oral Supplements:

The available forms of Astaxanthin are pill or softgel. Usual dose is 4 to 12 mg/day. Based on some studies, the best results for skin show up with 6-12 mg daily.
Just be patient, as it can take weeks to months of daily use before you see noticeable results.

Topical Skincare Products:

Dozens of skincare companies have included it in their serums, creams and oils. Look for 1-2% astaxanthin in formulations to ensure your skins is getting the most it can from it.
Apply it morning or evening, after cleansing and toning your skin, but before sunscreen or moisturizer.

Food Sources:

Astaxanthin can be found in one’s diet; its source is seafood, such as salmon, shrimp and crabs. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Astaxanthin:

Question 1. What is astaxanthin and where does it come from?

Answer. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant with carotenoid found in green algae, and seafood like salmon or shrimp. It gives a red or pink hue to these organisms and is also renowned for its potent anti-aging effects.

Question 2. What is the role of astaxanthin in anti-ageing?

Answer. Astaxanthin is a free-radical killer, boosts collagen production, calms inflammation, and deflects UVA rays from reaching your skin — which all help to keep your complexion looking youthful.

Question 3. Is astaxanthin safe for skincare?

Answer. Yes, infact some serums and creams contain astaxanthin. For the most benefit to your skin, it is typically added at 1-2%.

Question 4. What is the recommended dose for astaxanthin supplement?

Answer. The recommended dosages usually advocated for astaxanthin supplement are typically 4-12mg daily. 

Question 5. Are there any side effects of taking astaxanthin?

Answer. Most people can safely take astaxanthin, but it can cause side effects at high doses, including skin redness. Consult physician if pregnant/breastfeeding before use.

Question 6. How fast does astaxanthin work?

Answer. Result may be visible in the first few weeks but it takes 3 months on average for full effect. You could start experiencing even more hydrated and elastic skin, as well as a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.