Ever heard of the chemical compound called ‘astaxanthin’? It’s the molecule that gives the pink colour to the flamingos! It also represents one of the strongest antioxidants for the human skin. Its characteristic bright red-orange colour occurs in salmon flesh and shellfish from which flamingos absorb their characteristic colour.
Astaxanthin is primarily biosynthesised by various algae, bacteria and fungi and is consumed by marine animals, such as salmon, trout, crab and shrimp. The alga, Haematococcus pluvialis, is reported to accumulate the highest levels of ASX in nature. But why would all this information interest you?! Well, because this very substance, among the antioxidants for the skin, is 6000 times more effective than vitamin C, making it a very, very powerful anti-inflammatory, protecting the skin from UV rays, and preventing the appearance of skin spots.
Skin spots? UV rays? Aren’t those the primary causes of aging?? Yes they are! So, now that I have your attention, let me go a little bit more in depth about all this, because, as you know, anti-aging and slow aging is all the rage right now, and a lot of people are misinformed.
Scientists say that when our skin is exposed to agents of pollution or UV rays, free radicals are formed. Astaxanthin reacts with free radicals and eliminates them, protecting the cells in the skin, their DNA, proteins and lipids and interfering with the ageing process by limiting inflammatory responses. So yes, it really is all about inflammation!
Applied directly to the skin, through creams or other cosmetics products, astaxanthin improves the tone and elasticity of the epidermis, counteracts hyperpigmentation, and reduces wrinkles and fine lines like the infamous crow’s feet.
Various studies have also shown that it can stimulate the production of collagen and at the same time suppress the collagen-degrading enzymes derived from UV rays, thus preserving the volume and elasticity of the skin. Moreover, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant action, it can improve hydration, prevent hyperpigmentation and delay the skin aging process.
Thanks also to its photo protective properties, astaxanthin can be beneficial for all skin types, also in case of dermatological chronic disease characterised by redness, hitch and skin flacking.
Now that you know about this super powerful chemical and its benefits to your skin, why not talk to a dermatologist about what products you can use that have this in them? Now, repeat out-loud with me – as-tha-zen-thin!
