Astaxanthin Protects Skin From Sun Damage

Article by Arnie Gitomer

Skin exposed to the sun secretes enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin, causing skin aging and inflammation. In this study, 65 healthy women took 6 mg or 12 mg of astaxanthin per day, or a placebo.

After 16 weeks, wrinkles increased and moisture declined for placebo while remaining stable for astaxanthin. Inflammation in the top layer of the skin increased significantly for placebo, slightly for the low-dose group, but not at all for the high-dose astaxanthin group.

Separately, in the lab, doctors exposed skin cells to sun-like ultraviolet-B radiation. Untreated cells became injured and inflamed, while cells treated with astaxanthin remained healthy.

(Reference: Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition; 2017, Vol. 61, No. 1, 33-9)

Astaxanthin is available in many forms alone, in krill oil, in carotenoid mixtures, and in phyto antioxidant blends. The pharmacists and nutritionists at Willner Chemists will be happy to help you choose the formulation best for your specific needs.