Beautiful skin from the inside out
Serums and creams reach the surface of the skin, but they do not penetrate the deeper layers that contribute to skin elasticity and nourishment. As a nutritional supplement, AstaReal® astaxanthin promotes healthy skin from the inside out: it improves the supply of nutrients to the hypodermis – the deepest layer of skin – protects collagen integrity in the dermis, neutralizes UV-induced free radicals in the epidermis and prevents roughness by improving moisture retention in the outermost layer, the stratum corneum.
Long-term prophylactic supplementation with AstaReal® astaxanthin may inhibit age-related skin deterioration, thanks to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.1–3 Prolonged oxidative stress in the skin leads to chronic inflammation and skin deterioration. Astaxanthin may contribute to maintaining skin health throughout seasonal changes, when environmental factors such as UV light and dryness place our skin under stress. The combination of oral supplementation and topical application of astaxanthin has been shown to be effective for wrinkle reduction.4
Astaxanthin’s antioxidant capacity also exerts a protective effect on different types of cells in the skin, e.g. fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In vitro studies have shown that astaxanthin can restore the endogenous antioxidant balance in fibroblasts and to reduce the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by keratinocytes.5,6 Animal studies indicate astaxanthin accumulates in the skin and protects against UV-induced damage such as photoaging.7 It has also been suggested that astaxanthin could be used as a natural enhancer of sunscreens.
As indicated by scientific research, AstaReal® astaxanthin can also improve skin moisture, elasticity and wrinkles. It has been shown that crow’s feet wrinkles, elasticity and transepidermal water loss improve after 6 weeks of daily supplementation with 6 mg of AstaReal® astaxanthin.4 The underlying mechanisms involves scavenging of free radicals and inhibition of enzymes degrading collagen and elastin in the skin.8 Furthermore, astaxanthin may improve the water retention in the outer epidermal layer by protecting the cornification process.4
More than ever, consumers are interested in beauty that starts from within. Strong interest from younger people keen to preserve their natural youth is a major driver behind the category’s growth. Similarly, the ever-expanding aging population wants to retain a youthful appearance into later life, thus contributing to the demand for high quality beauty ingredients. Clearly, this creates an opportunity for natural ingredients such as astaxanthin.
It is a naturally occurring carotenoid which is derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. As well as being one of the most powerful antioxidants known to science, it also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. One distinct advantage of astaxanthin in comparison to other antioxidants, is its ability to span the entire lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, thus providing superior protection from the inside out.
This is a vital aspect of natural astaxanthin’s healthy-aging power as protection is provided to the different layers of the skin; from the visible surface to the delicate deep layers where new skin is formed. In contrast to many natural antioxidants, astaxanthin exerts antioxidant benefits without having harmful prooxidant side effects.
