Astaxanthin May Protect Against Skin Damage

Exposure to ultra-violet rays deteriorates skin condition over time. A recent study suggests that astaxanthin sourced from microalgae may help with sun protection, reduce UV damage, and help with skin aging.

Participants in the study included 23 people — 21 women and two men — who were split into two groups. Over the course of nine weeks, half of the group was given 4 mg of astaxanthin, while the other half was given a placebo.

The researchers analyzed UV-induced changes of moisture and transepidermal water loss at baseline and after 9 week of supplementation. They also used a subjective visual analog scale to measure skin condition, including “improvement of rough skin” and “texture.”

At the conclusion of the study, the astaxanthin group had increased minimal erythema dose compared with placebo. They also had a reduced loss of skin moisture after the skin was exposed to UV radiation, when compared with the placebo.  Subjective skin conditions for improvement of rough skin and texture were significantly improved by the astaxanthin.

Researchers from FUJIFILM Corporation conducted the study. It was published on June 25, 2018, in Nutrients.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid found in red-colored vegetables and fruits. If you’re looking to increase your dietary intake of astaxanthin, consider consuming more salmon, rainbow trout, krill, and red-pigmented vegetables and fruits.