Discover Astaxanthin, the new anti-ageing antioxidant you need to know about
While the plumping and age-defying benefits of collagen supplements are well known to many in the beauty community, there is a lesser-known ingredient that is equally deserving of the spotlight when it comes to firmer, supple skin: Astaxanthin. Pronounced “asta-zan-thin,” this carotenoid is a powerful antioxidant that is found in red microalgae (the same one that gives prawns, salmon, and trouts their pink-ish colour!).
Despite being relatively new to the world of beauty and skincare, astaxanthin comes with an impressive resume. Research has proven that it can help brighten the skin by targeting unwanted pigmentation, it can plump the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and it can help relieve dryness or irritation. No wonder the beauty community is buzzing!
Here are 3 clinically-validated reasons to add astaxanthin to your beauty routine:
1. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. Research has found that it is more than 10x more potent than b-carotene, 65x stronger than vitamin C and around 1000x more effective than vitamin E at neutralising the free radicals responsible for premature damage to the skin. Better yet, unlike other antioxidants which neutralise either the inner layers of the membrane (such as vitamin E and beta carotene) or outer layers (vitamin C), astaxanthin can neutralise free radicals in both the inner and outside layers of the membrane. Such powerful antioxidant properties play a vital role in promoting skin health and slowing down the ageing process.
So, let’s talk about free radicals. What are they exactly? Here’s the short answer. They are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. This makes them highly reactive to other molecules in the body. Free radical reactions are called oxidation. As we age, we lose the ability to fight free radicals, contributing to oxidative stress in the body and degenerative processes, from wrinkles to cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.
Antioxidants help stabilise free radicals and contain the oxidative process, hence the name anti-oxidants.
2. Astaxanthin is a superhero when it comes to reducing sun damage and pigmentation. While tanning in the summer months can deliver a short-term sun-kissed glow, scientists have unanimously concluded that consistent exposure to UV rays leads not only to the development of skin cancers, but also to the degradation of components in our skin such as collagen and elastin. Over time, such degradation can result in hyperpigmentation and a premature appearance of fine lines – essentially speeding up the biological ageing process of our skin. Thankfully, astaxanthin can help. Scientists have clinically proven that astaxanthin supplementation is capable of improving the skin’s resilience to UV light, acting in a way as an “internal sunscreen” (although please ensure to keep using external sunscreen too!). A recent randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial concluded that after 8 weeks of astaxanthin supplementation, UV-induced skin deterioration was significantly reduced due to its powerful antioxidant capacity.
3. Astaxanthin is a powerful moisturiser, ideal for those with sensitive skin. Because of its unusual molecular structure, astaxanthin is an extremely potent yet safe antioxidant that moisturises your skin from the inside out, leaving you with a bouncy, dewy complexion. Because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, astaxanthin can be effective for those with sensitive skin that is prone to redness or irritation.
Beyond the many impressive skincare benefits, there is a growing number of clinical studies showing that astaxanthin supplementation can provide a variety of important health benefits. Indeed, due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body, astaxanthin has been found to be beneficial to the cardiovascular system while supporting eye and brain health.
At INTU WELLNESS, we believe in ingredients that are backed by traditional and scientific evidence, that not only help you achieve your ideal skin, but also make you feel your best. We believe that nourishing your body and listening to its cues is key to feeling and looking your best. For these reasons, astaxanthin is a star ingredient in the INTU WELLNESS product line.