Astaxanthin: Four Ways It Can Keep You, Young

This difficult-to-pronounce antioxidant may be the key to flawless skin, even if you already use night cream and drink plenty of water. The carotenoid astaxanthin, which gives salmon and flamingos their pink hue, is a powerful antioxidant.

Learn why using astaxanthin in your skincare routine is a good idea and its many applications.

Why Is Astaxanthin a Superior Antioxidant?

Astaxanthin, a marine antioxidant, is present in salmon. It is so powerful that it has been dubbed "King of the Carotenoids," exceeding beta-carotene (found in carrots) by a factor of five and vitamin C by a factor of 6,000.

Why Is Astaxanthin So Beneficial To Your Face?

Aging gracefully and keeping your skin in good condition may be aided by this antioxidant. Did you know that exposure to the sun is responsible for 90% of accelerated skin aging? The presence of free radicals causes accelerated skin aging result.

Board-certified dermatologist experts stated that being in the sun makes more free radicals, which break down collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles, loose skin, and a thinner look. However, antioxidants, especially astaxanthin, can help reduce this free radical skin damage.

In fact, astaxanthin is almost as good as an internal sunscreen because it protects the skin from UV radiation and improves inflammation. Astaxanthin has been shown to delay the effects of UV exposure. This means that your skin won't get as red and itchy immediately and won't get as wrinkled in the future.

During a 16-week clinical study, people who took the astaxanthin-based products, a brand of natural astaxanthin, had more flexible skin than those who didn't take the supplement. Studies have shown that astaxanthin may provide some protection from the sun. Though it may help, astaxanthin is not a replacement for sunscreen. Professional dermatologists agree that SPF is the best strategy to defend skin from the sun. Combining this vitamin and daily sunscreen will give you glowing, healthy skin.

Another 12-week study found that those whose diets included astaxanthin had considerably better-hydrated, supple skin. Another study discovered that supplementing with astaxanthin helped diminish the visibility of fine lines and age spots. In a clinical study, participants noted substantial increases in moisture (particularly around the eyes), flexibility, and tone. Be an advocate for a healthy way of life, especially as you age.

Age-related skin decline can be slowed in three different ways by astaxanthin:

• Promotes Healthy Mitochondrial Activity

Individuals can develop both psychologically and physically. For example, cellular components like mitochondria and DNA can malfunction or be damaged as we age. Such alterations contribute to the development of age-related diseases such as arthritis, neurological disorders, and sight loss. The effects of time and age are plain to see in the form of wrinkles, skin that is too pale or sags, and hair that is either thinning or going grey.

The mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy for our cells, degrade with age. Mitochondria produce a trace amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the ATP-making process, which must be cleared out of the body by antioxidants. A lack of antioxidants or a decrease in mitochondrial activity with age can cause inflammatory chemicals to build up, which can cause long-term illness.

According to a study, the antioxidant astaxanthin was highlighted for its ability to protect the integrity of mitochondria, slow aging, and prevent diseases linked to the build-up of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

• Activates Autophagy

Astaxanthin also helps autophagy, the body's natural way of getting rid of old or broken parts. This helps people stay healthy and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

According to a report, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway is regulated by astaxanthin. This, in turn, reduces mTOR's activity (rapamycin target in mammals). Reducing mTOR activity increases autophagy, which in turn increases lifespan.

• Prevent The Skin From Aging Damage

Astaxanthin may prevent the skin from aging and the damage that comes with it, including thinness, dryness, yellowing, sun damage, drooping, and wrinkles. Experts claimed that the anti-wrinkle effects of astaxanthin come from its ability to help the skin age healthily.

In a small study for UV-induced skin degeneration in Japan, participants were given either a 4 mg astaxanthin supplement or a placebo. Another study compared astaxanthin to placebo for its ability to slow the signs of skin aging in women of middle age and older. Participants who received the placebo reported increased wrinkles and drier skin after 16 weeks, but those who received either 6 or 12 milligrams of astaxanthin exhibited some protection. Results suggest that astaxanthin may help prevent wrinkles and dry skin that come with getting older.

According to another study, for eight weeks, women who used a supplement and topical form of astaxanthin (6 mg per day) saw improvements in skin wrinkles, age spots, elasticity, moisture, and smoothness. The same group of researchers also looked at the effects of astaxanthin on male skin. They found that taking astaxanthin orally improved crow's feet wrinkles, suppleness, and skin water loss much more than taking a placebo.

Caution And Directions For Use

Most supplement takers of astaxanthin report a sense of safety. The bioavailability increases significantly when taken with food rather than on an empty stomach. A daily dose of 4–8 milligrams is suggested. The optimal astaxanthin dosage is, alas, still unknown. One of the harmful effects could be that your poop turns a deeper red, or you must go to the bathroom more often.

The best practice is to get your doctor's OK before using any new supplement. Supplemental astaxanthin has not been proven safe for expectant mothers or nursing infants.

The Takeaway

The carotenoid pigment astaxanthin gives its characteristic pink or red coloration. Astaxanthin slows the aging process due to its role as a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. 

Enjoy YourHappy Collagen (Advanced), which is a powerful anti-aging “Astaxanthin” blend, designed for you to protect and improve your body's collagen as well as bring back firm, beautiful, hydrated, and youthful skin. This also additionally beneficial includes growing healthy hair and nails, and strengthening joints, muscles, and bones.