As you’ve been researching the benefits of taking an astaxanthin supplement, no doubt you’ve discovered that the potential benefits are numerous, including reports of the promotion of skin health and a reduction in the effects of free radicals. This is due to astaxanthin’s high quantity of antioxidants, which destroy harmful free radicals caused by oxidative stress, helping to prevent damage to skin cells. It makes you wonder: What are some of the potential astaxanthin skin benefits? Read this blog post to find out!
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a dark red carotenoid pigment with antioxidant benefits. It’s found in marine organisms such as microalgae, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crawfish, and other crustaceans. Specifically, astaxanthin is responsible for giving those animals, and even birds like flamingos, their unique pinkish-red color. Given the delicious sources mentioned above, it’s quite easy to work astaxanthin into your healthy eating plan.
Recent Research
In a recent publication of the Public Library of Science’s PLOS ONE journal, researchers studied the effects of astaxanthin on atopic dermatitis (a condition causing itchy, dry and scaly patches on the skin) in mice. For a few days each week for several weeks, researchers administered astaxanthin to a group of affected mice while a second group with the same condition received olive oil as a treatment. During their research, they found that the group who received the astaxanthin showed significant improvement in the severity of their condition and the spontaneous scratching in [atopic dermatitis] model mice was reduced by [astaxanthin] administration.
What Does Astaxanthin Skin Care Mean for You?
It’s promising that more potential astaxanthin skin benefits are being discovered in clinical trials and research. Carotenoids such as astaxanthin are thought to be beneficial because of their antioxidant capacity. For skin health, that means that astaxanthin helps to fight free radicals. And oxidation caused by free radicals can damage proteins in the skin, cells, and even DNA. The potential benefits of fighting oxidation when it comes to the health of your skin may include:
- Supporting the appearance of a healthy glow
- Protecting against sensitivity to the sun
- Promoting the effectiveness of your sunscreen
- Supporting the healing of conditions such as severely dry, itchy skin
- Preventing dandruff
If you’re hoping to improve skin health without eating trout or salmon every day of the week, taking an astaxanthin supplement may be a good option for you. Though there are no specific guidelines just yet related to specific dosage, different manufacturers make some common recommendations, and your doctor may also help you decide what dosage is best depending on your skin care goals.
Shop Natural Healthy Concepts for astaxanthin skin care supplements from such trusted brands as Dr. Mercola, which sells capsules containing astaxanthin and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), or Healthy Origins, which has gluten-free softgels and vegan softgels to support your health.
Have you experienced positive results following the addition of astaxanthin skin supplements into your diet? Tell us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.
