Signs of Ageing? Meet Astaxanthin

Historically, Astaxanthin has primarily been known as a dietary supplement for immunity, resulting in a range of health benefits including; brain and eye health, cardiovascular support, sports performance and UV protection, but it’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties and ability to fight free radical damage has proven increasingly popular in the beauty and wellness industry.

Known to be 6000 times stronger than Vitamin C, its potent antioxidant ability to reduce signs of ageing on the skin has been researched and supported by many international studies including ‘Cosmetic effects of Astaxanthin on human skin.’*

The study involved a variety of healthy men and women between the ages of 20 and 55 who took a combination of Astaxanthin both internally and topically at a strength of 6mg for 6 weeks. Astaxanthin capsules were taken daily, after breakfast, alongside any regular cosmetic habits or dietary supplements.

What was investigated?

Based on defined measurement parameters such as; the deepest point of the deepest wrinkle, average wrinkle depth, average texture depth, sebum production etc, the study observed:

• Wrinkles
• Elasticity
• Age Spots
• Skin Texture
• Hydration
• Sebum
• Trans-epidermal Water Loss

The analysis was carried out using expert measurement and comparison techniques on the cheeks and fan-shaped wrinkles around the outer corner of the eye across all subjects.

The Findings

The study concluded that there was a visible reduction in wrinkles, and 4 out of 6 parameters determined for the evaluation of wrinkles were significantly improved. 

In addition, there was a noticeable increase in skin elasticity, a reduction in age spots, a softening of the skin's structure, and in ten women who initially suffered from dry skin, its hydration also increased significantly.

Across the board it was determined that there was a strong reduction in trans-epidermal water loss, and sebum showed a tendency to decrease which, in younger users showed to improved acne and visibly oily skin.

The study shows that Astaxanthin has an effect on improving the overall condition of the skin, reducing wrinkles and the size of age spots, increasing skin elasticity, softening its structure and improving skin hydration in subjects with dry skin. Cosmetic effects were seen in both men and women.  

Optimal Results

To achieve an optimal result, the study recommends a daily intake of 6-8mg to be either internal or topical, but identifies that internal use showed stronger, longer lasting and more noticeable results.

Astaxanthin is effective in fighting wrinkles because it promotes the renewal of collagen fibres by protecting the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) from damage by singlet oxygen, a reactive form of oxygen that can cause damage to cellular structures. For the same reasons, it also influences the improvement on the elasticity of the skin, as protection against oxidative damage and inflammation of the skin, it also significantly reduces the formation of age-related pigment spots. 

Targeted Solution

We've worked hard to source a highly potent, organic and high quality Astaxanthin, providing a strong 7mg daily dose, helping to maintain the structural integrity of the skin, reduce inflammation, detoxify the body from environmental factors and help minimise physical and physiological changes we often see with ageing. 

*Source: Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects* Kumi Tominaga, Nobuko Hongo, Mariko Karato and Eiji Yamashita* Fuji Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Kamiichi, Toyama, Japan; available from: http://www.actabp.pl/pdf/1_2012/43.pdf