Have you heard of Astaxanthin, touted the world’s most potent antioxidant?

Astaxanthin has been creating quite a buzz in the world of skincare and there’s good reason why. Word has it it’s a top trending skincare ingredient and here’s why and everything you need to know about astaxanthin.

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that is known as a carotenoid, which can be found in various foods. It has a naturally bright red or orange colour and it is carotenoid that gives salmon its bright orange colour. Astaxanthin is also found in some forms of red algae, shrimp and trout. Astaxanthin has been found to be even more powerful as an antioxidant when compared to Vitamin C.

Astaxanthin is best known as a powerful antioxidant that offers a host of benefits for your skin. Studies have found that when astaxanthin is used topically or taken as an oral supplement, it helps to improve skin’s texture and elasticity, reduces the size of age spots and can even improve the appearance of crow’s feet or lines around your eyes.

In essence, this ingredient does your skin a whole world of good from fighting sun damage to staving off unwanted lines and wrinkles.

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What can Astaxanthin do for my skin?

Studies have found that astaxanthin offers an array of skin benefits.

-          Offers protection from UV rays: as an antioxidant, it naturally protects your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays

-          Repairs DNA damage: being able to protect the skin from UV rays also helps to with mitigating DNA damage

-          Improves the immune system: studies have found that astaxanthin can help to increase the body’s stores of immunoglobin which in turn helps to enhance the immune system’s ability to fight against viruses and melanoma

-          Keeps wrinkles away: Astaxanthin neutralizes free radical damage, improving the signs of fine lines and wrinkles

-          Offers protection from hyperpigmentation: as an effective antioxidant, astaxanthin aids in protecting the skin and reducing the appearance of pigmentation caused by UV rays

-          Great for those with sensitive skin: this is an all-inclusive ingredient perfect for use by all skin types. Thanks to the inflammatory properties found in Astaxanthin, it can help to alleviate skin redness, inflammation and sensitivity.

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How do I use Astaxanthin?

These days you can find Astaxanthin in various topical products not limited to serums, moisturisers and oils. Astaxanthin can be used in the morning and night and it’s recommended to complement this ingredient with other antioxidants such as Vitamin C or E to boost their potency.