Why Astaxanthin Is The Powerful Antioxidant You Should Add To Your Skincare
The ingredient tackles all signs of ageing by scavenging free radicals
Astaxanthin is a powerful natural antioxidant part of the carotenoid family, which gives it its reddish-orange hue. The astaxanthin used in skincare products is mainly derived from the haematococcus algae, while the remainder is derived from seafood such as shrimp. The antioxidative prowess of astaxanthin is said to be 10 times that of other carotenoids and 100 times higher than that of vitamin E. So if you’re reading the ingredients list, look for haematococcus if you can’t find astaxanthin.
What can astaxanthin do for us?
First, astaxanthin is able to resist and scavenge free radicals. Free radicals are produced as our skin endures sun exposure, air pollution, makeup, radiation and other harmful substances we come into contact with daily. The free radicals damage cell structures and prevent the production of collagen and other beneficial substances. Over time, the skin will face problems such as sagging and dullness.
Second, astaxanthin can minimise wrinkles. Human skin is composed of the epidermis, dermis and the hypodermis fat layer. The dermis contains fibres such as collagen that support and give structure to the skin as well as give it a smooth surface. Astaxanthin can reduce the damage done to collagen and ensure the skin’s normal metabolism.
Finally, astaxanthin can brighten the complexion and reduce pigmentation. Studies have found that astaxanthin is able to absorb large amounts of UVA rays and provide sun-protective qualities while hastening the repair of sunburned skin. Those who are exposed to a lot of sunlight should add skincare products containing astaxanthin to their beauty routine.
Who is astaxanthin for?
Because astaxanthin has free radical scavenging properties, we recommend everyone to use it. But if you’re expecting or are allergic to seafood, please seek medical advice before using it. Else, ensure that the formulation is vegan or that the astaxanthin is harvested from algae sources.
Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, $50, Drunk Elephant
This daily sunscreen contains a variety of antioxidants. Besides astaxanthin, it also contains grape juice extract and sunflower shoot extract that fight against free radicals and external aggressors. Those with sensitive skin can ease their mind as the formula doesn’t contain many potentially harmful ingredients while using raspberry seed oil and marula oil to nourish.
Extracts from 17 natural ingredients go into this formula, including lemon peel, mushroom, rose, grapeseed and microalgae (where astaxanthin is obtained from). All of them work synergistically to target free radicals while hydrating and brightening the skin.
PH-balanced at 5.5, this cleanser has a whole slew of nourishing, reparative ingredients including astaxanthin, organic safflower and moringa oils, ethylated l-ascorbic acid and lecithin phospholipids. This gentle cleanser can also be used as a first-step cleanser to melt away the day’s makeup and sunscreen without fear of stripping the skin.
Astaxanthin harvested from Icelandic microalgae forms the core ingredient of this serum that combats various signs of ageing ranging from fine lines and discolouration to loss of radiance and unevenness.
Besides having squalane as its star ingredient, Biossance also frequently employs astaxanthin as a skincare ingredient. The moisturising eye cream touts to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes in just 7 days thanks to the algae complex. In addition, the natural orange tint from astaxanthin acts as the perfect colour corrector for dark under-eye circles.
Text: Tian Yu/NUYOU, Translation by Ho Guo Xiong