What Is Astaxanthin?
Why This Ingredient Is A Game Changer
Carli Brockway, Founder Peak Private Label
Astaxanthin (pronounced "asta-zan-thin") is an ingredient that is gaining recognition in the skincare community due to it's reputation as a potent anti-aging ingredient, yet most consumers has never heard of it.
It's a key ingredient in our Radiance Complex Toner, so let's review the benefits of this unique ingredient, so you can properly educate your clients.
Index
What It Is
Antioxidant
Wrinkle Protection
Sun Damage & Hyperpigmentation
Anti-Inflammatory
What It Is
Astaxanthin is sometimes refered to as natures most powerful antioxidant, a well earned title as it has shown to be a far more powerful antioxidant than Vitamin C or Vitamin E. It occurs naturally in various forms of sea life such as salmon and shrimp. It is most commonly extracted from a type of red algae called Haematococcus Pluvialis, so it may appear on your ingredients list as Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract.
For those of you who see clients concerned with wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage or hyperpigmentation this is an ingredient to look out for.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants play a crucial role in skincare due to their ability to combat free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules generated by enviromental factors like UV exposure, pollution and stress. They damage our cells and can cause a reduction in skin elasticity, increase in wrinkles and overall accelerate the aging process in the skin. Antioxidants help to eliminate these molecules, preventing them from causing harm to the skin.
Astaxanthin has been shown to be a 6000x more powerful antioxidant than Vitamin C,[1] which is one of the most common antioxidants in skincare. This makes it an absolute powerhouse ingredient when it comes to anti-aging skincare and preventing damage from free radicals.
Wrinkle Protection
Studies have shown significant results in Astaxanthin's ability to help improve wrinkles and crows feet. One of these studies found improvements in wrinkles, elasticity and texture after 8 weeks. [2] Making it a particularly interesting ingredient for those with aging skin.
Sun Damage & Hyperpigmentation
Another benefit of a powerful antioxidants is their ability to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS, which are created due to UV sun exposure are linked to accelerated skin aging and hyperpigmentation. Astaxanthin has been shown to help protect against these oxidative stresses in the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and age spots. [3][2]
Anti-Inflammatory
Astaxanthin is a great ingredient for those with sensitive skin. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties[3] giving a calming soothing effect. It is also known to strengthening the skins natural barrier reducing water loss. Reducing water loss is important as it helps give your skin that hydrated dewy look. This moisturizing effect is particularly helpful to reduce the drying effects that your clients make experience from other actives.
More Reading
Byrdie - Astaxanthin For Your Skin
Vouge - Why astaxanthin is the under-the-radar ingredient that your skin really needs
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Carli Brockway
Founder & Product Manager
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