Astaxanthin and Skin Health
Astaxanthin is a red pigment that belongs to a group of compounds called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in certain algae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp and crayfish. Haematococcus pluvialis is one of the best sources of natural astaxanthin that is of plant origin. It is used in LVIE® éClat.
Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the biological functions and health benefits of Astaxanthin. They are mostly due to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities which make it stand out among other antioxidants. In comparison with other antioxidants, Astaxanthin has shown the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), 100–500 times higher than ⍺- tocopherol and a 10 times higher free radical inhibitory activity than related antioxidants (α- tocopherol, α-carotene, β -carotene, lutein and lycopene)[4].
Astaxanthin’s potent antioxidant effect has been associated with its unique molecular structure. It is distinctive in its structure (and from other carotenoids) due to the presence of hydroxyl and keto moieties on both ends of its molecule. The polar-nonpolar-polar structure of Astaxanthin allows it to a align in the phospholipid bilayer of cell membrane and to expose both hydrophilic ends to aqueous environment[5]. This antioxidant activity effect the direct removal of free radicals and Oxygen Reactive Species (ROS) that damage the skin and other tissues and organs. Astaxanthin protects cells from damage and prevents skin photo-aging.
In addition to its antioxidant activity, Astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory properties as it can also regulate activity of NRF2 and NF-κB to repress pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inhibit pro- inflammatory response. This supports skin health and contributes to the health-promoting effects of Astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin has also been shown to promote collagen synthesis. It reduces the loss of collagen associated with skin damage and ageing by stimulating the body’s natural collagen synthesis and inhibiting enzymes responsible for the breakdown of the dermal collagen layer. In addition, its anti- inflammatory effect suppresses the inflammation associated with sunburn and reduces melanin overexpression caused by the sun.
A study by Kumi Tominaga et al[6] suggests that Astaxanthin derived from H. pluvialis can improve skin condition in all layers of the skin (corneocyte layer, epidermis, basal layer and dermis) by combining both oral supplementation and topical treatment, and oral supplementation of Astaxanthin can improve the skin condition in both women but men.
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Astaxanthin and Immune Health
The immune system is a cell and tissue system that protects the body from invading pathogens such a bacteria, viruses and fungi that once entered our body can lead to an infection. A well-functioning immune system is key in providing a good defence against pathogenic organisms and infection.
A well balanced diet, exercise, adequate rest and a healthy lifestyle is important for a healthy immune system. Astaxanthin is a functional nutrients that has been shown to support the immune system as it has immunomodulating properties[7],[8],[9],[10]. It supports the immune system by modulating the immune activity, decreasing the oxidative stress and the associated inflammation through its powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. It boosts the immune system by:
- Increasing B cell and T cell proliferation
- Increasing our natural killer (NK) cell Activity
- Modulating cytokines and oxidative stress
- Enhancing the body’s endogenous antioxidant defense system
Skin health and the immune system are closely connected. Considerable evidence suggests that suppression of the immune system contributes to the development of solar UV-induced cutaneous malignancies, including melanoma and non-melanoma, in both mouse models and humans[11]. Astaxanthin significantly influences the immune function and promotes skin health and this is the basis for its inclusion in LVIE® éClat.
Health Benefit of Astaxanthin
- Promotes skin health and helps protect the skin from within
- Promotes skin’s collagen synthesis and nourishes the collagen layer of the skin
- Improves skin elasticity
- Hydrates the skin
- Reduces and smoothens wrinkles and fine lines in the skin
- Reduces age spots
- Rejuvenates skin damaged by the UV rays of the sun
