Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in numerous organisms. This includes microalgae, shrimp, salmon, and flamingos. It has been gaining attention recently for its potential health benefits, as it is an incredibly powerful antioxidant.
It has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation, bolster the immune system, and our favorite, protect the skin from sun damage. So, what exactly is astaxanthin and how does it work?
Let's dive into the science and benefits of astaxanthin, especially for the skin. We'll also give you a comprehensive look at the best astaxanthin supplement.
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a groundbreaking antioxidant - so powerful, in fact, that it's becoming the star of the superfood world. It's a naturally occurring compound derived from certain microalgae, and is known for its unique health benefits. What are these benefits exactly? Unlock the science and find out!
Benefits of Astaxanthin
Studies have shown that it is an effective supplement for reducing inflammation, promoting heart health, vision health, and increasing energy. Astaxanthin has even been referred to as, "The Kind of Carotenoids," because it is 6,000 times more potent than Vitamin C and five times more so than beta-carotene.
Astaxanthin is most notable for it's benefits to skin function.
Specifically, it has been proven to:
Protect the skin from sun damage. Heralded as an "internal sunscreen," it is one of the most powerful carotenoids. The striking reddish-orange pigment offers a natural sunshield property reducing sun-induced skin damage.
Improve elasticity. Elasticity refers to your skin's bounce-back factor. This means less fine lines and wrinkles over a longer period of time. in addition, you'll benefit from a brighter complexion and smoother texture in as little as 12 weeks.
Increase your skin's moisture levels and retention. "We demonstrated that astaxanthin increases AQP3 expression in the skin and enhances AQP3 activity. This result suggests that the increased AQP3 expression in the skin is associated with the increase in skin moisture by astaxanthin."- National Library of Medicine
If you're still not convinced, what if we told you, astaxanthin has also been shown to be 14 times more effective than Vitamin E. in regards to protecting the membrane of skin cells from UV exposure? It quite literally slows the rate of sun damage and even accelerates the healing of skin after sun damage. Still, however, astaxanthin is not a replacement for sunscreen!
Taking a supplement with astaxanthin in combination with other skin-healthy ingredients is the perfect way to tackle your skin health from the inside out. With it's myriad of health and skin benefits, astaxanthin is an invaluable asset to your skin care routine or any health-conscious individual.
