Our assets 12/04/2023
Astaxanthin: Queen of anti-aging antioxidants
Astaxanthin, a somewhat unpronounceable name, is a 100% natural anti-aging wonder. Extracted from the micro-algae Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin is known for its antioxidant properties and specifically for the protection and health of the skin, eyes and brain. Find out more about this queen of antioxidants.
Astaxanthin : presentation
Astaxanthin is a bright red pigment belonging to the family of carotenoids, specifically xanthophylls carotenoids. Little present in food, it can however be found in krill, shellfish or salmon but its most concentrated natural source is the micro-alga Haematococcus pluvialis, which is why it is generally extracted to compose food supplements.
Another specificity is that due to a molecular structure containing a keto group and a hydroxyl group at each end, astaxanthin has unique characteristics that support its use in human health promotion [4].
In its natural state, the role of this pigment is to protect against UV radiation and stress. It is therefore a particularly recognized antioxidant for the skin and eyes in the context of protection against UV radiation from the sun. Its very high antioxidant capacity would limit the impact and damage on the dermis, preserve from sunburn and limit the signs of skin aging.
If astaxanthin seems to be a fabulous ally in the face of the sun's harmful effects, it is also an anti-aging molecule for a number of other systems in our body, notably the vision, the brain and the skin.
Astaxanthin: a powerful antioxidant
Astaxanthin is said to be a powerful antioxidant, but what is an antioxidant and what does it do?
An antioxidant, a very trendy word in the world of cosmetics, health and especially anti-aging, is a molecule that acts against the oxidation of our cells due to free radicals. If there are too many free radicals, the body can no longer fight them and goes into a state known as oxidative stress, a state that accelerates the aging of the body and cellular degeneration.
Astaxanthin is known for its antioxidant action, which seems to be far superior to other carotenoids. It is estimated to be 20x more potent than beta-carotene [1]. This superiority would be due to its unique molecular structure: astaxanthin contains polar groups at each end of its molecule that fight against free radicals and, at its central segment, double bonds that reduce harmful electrons [5].
Astaxanthin is also considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, as it is able to reach inside and outside the cells, thus protecting the entire cell against free radicals.
Finally, it is an antioxidant that has the particularity of not becoming pro-oxidant, unlike many antioxidants that convert in the human body to vitamin A (retinol), whose excess is dangerous.
Astaxanthin: protection of the brain
Among the organs and systems that decline with age, and that we are concerned about, is the brain and cognitive functions.
Astaxanthin seems to act on cognitive functions by preventing or delaying certain neurodegenerative pathologies. This is particularly the case for cognitive decline and dementia, where inflammation and oxidative stress have been pointed out by many studies [6]. Furthermore, several researches have evaluated the impact of astaxanthin on these functions through randomized double-blind trials [1]. A study on people between 45 and 64 years of age complaining of forgetfulness, showed that with a daily dose of 12mg, the results of cognitive tests and maze learning were improved [1]. Another study shows that a dose of 8mg/day significantly improves word recall compared to the placebo group in people between 45 and 64 years old without cognitive impairment [1].
It seems that astaxanthin contributes to protect the brain by its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity [1, 2] and would prevent memory deficits. It also induces the proliferation of neural progenitor cells and promotes neurogenesis and neuroplasticity[7] which decrease with age.
Astaxanthin: eye and vision health
Another concern that comes with age is vision.
Astaxanthin also seems to be protective of eye health, as it is known to prevent eye fatigue, dryness, sun sensitivity but also age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract [1, 2, 7]. These preventive effects could be linked to its protective role for the lens [8] as well as to its antioxidant properties which neutralize singlet oxygen and protect against photochemical damage [2].
Animal studies have also shown that astaxanthin helps protect against photokeratitis, cataract formation and retinal damage associated with increased intraocular pressure [1].
Astaxanthin: an ally of the skin
When we talk about anti-aging effects, we often think of aspects that affect beauty, aesthetics and especially the skin and wrinkles. Here again, astaxanthin stands out as an ally for a healthy, protected, sublimated and radiant skin.
Sun protection, anti-inflammatory, repairing or hydration and collagen: explanations of anti-aging actions for the skin:
Protection from the sun
Popular for some years, frequently demonstrated by modern science [1, 2, 3, 9], astaxanthin would have protective properties against damage and aging caused by UV and sunburn.
Astaxanthin, like other carotenoids, has the particularity of having a molecular structure composed of at least ten conjugated double bonds, which offers a high potential for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), acting in part as protection against UV irradiation [2]. Partly, because it does not replace UV protection and a sunscreen remains essential.
Astaxanthin helps to prepare the skin and better withstand exposure to the sun through several actions:
- Preventing skin photoaging
- Combat oxidative stress caused by UV rays
- Preventing solar erythema - the famous "sunburn
- Strengthen the pigmentation of the skin
- Improve sun tolerance and prevent sunburn - sun allergies that particularly affect women
- Provide additional protection to skin and eye tissues that are in direct contact with light
It also promotes tanning, as it has the property of stimulating the production of melanin, the pigment that colors the skin.
For more information on the action of astaxanthin against the sun, see our article.
Anti-inflammatory support
Redness and sensitivity are frequently the result of chronic inflammation of the skin due to ongoing oxidative stress [4]. Astaxanthin can function as an inhibitor of the inflammatory effects of UV radiation by decreasing the production of reactive nitrogen species, expression of inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis (cell death) in the epidermis [9]. Thus, it can alleviate these inflammatory symptoms [3, 9], but also, it has long been studied in the development of treatments against psoriasis and atopic dermatitis [4].
Skin repair
As we age, we are more susceptible to photoaging which can lead to increased production of ROS (reactive oxygen species). These ROS can stimulate the synthesis of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) which are responsible for the breakdown of the extracellular matrix and collagen, resulting in thinner, more fragile skin and a slower rate of epithelialization [3].
Studied for the past decade in skin repair and healing issues, astaxanthin appears to reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals and MMPs, increase dermal thickness, and help improve wound healing [1, 3].
Anti-ageing of the skin
"Last but not least, astaxanthin helps to maintain the health of the skin, to enhance it and to prevent skin aging.
Astaxanthin stimulates skin hydration, tone, elasticity and collagen production [3, 10]. Through these anti-aging effects, it prevents the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sun spots or age spots [1, 3], symbol of skin aging.
Several studies support these findings:
- A human clinical study showed that an oral intake of astaxanthin over 8 weeks had effects on skin wrinkles (crow's feet), the size of age spots, elasticity, texture and hydration of the skin [10].
- A 2020 study shows that astaxanthin increases dermal hydration by enhancing the activity of aquaporin-3 (AQP3), a water channel involved in skin hydration [11].
- Several studies show that a dose of astaxanthin between 6 and 12 mg/day can increase skin elasticity and hydration levels, but also improve skin texture [1].
Powerful antioxidant action, brain protection, eye health and skin ally: astaxanthin is a real anti-aging ally to preserve the youth of your body.
Sources
[1] Ash, Michael. "Astaxanthin: The Key to a New You."
[3] "Astaxanthin: The antioxidant queen of skin care."
[4] Davinelli, S., Nielsen, M. E., & Scapagnini, G. "Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. " Nutrients. 10(4) (2018): 522.
[5] Higuera-Ciapara, I., Félix-Valenzuela, L., & Goycoolea, F. M. "Astaxanthin: a review of its chemistry and applications. " Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 46(2) (2006): 185-196.
[6] Padurariu M, et al. "The oxidative stress hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease. " Psychiatr Danub. 25(4) (2013): 401-9.
[7] Grimmig B, et al. "Neuroprotective mechanisms of astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic role in preserving cognitive function in age and neurodegeneration. " Geroscience. 39(1) (2017): 19-32.
[8] Yang, M., Chen, Y., Zhao, T., & Wang, Z. "Effect of astaxanthin on metabolic cataract in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus." Experimental and Molecular Pathology, 113 (2020).
[9] Yoshihisa, Y., Rehman, M. U., & Shimizu, T. "Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, inhibits ultraviolet-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes." Experimental dermatology, 23(3). (2014): 178-183.
[10] Tominaga, K., Hongo, N., Karato, M., & Yamashita, E. "Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects." Acta biochemica Polonica. 59(1) (2012): 43-47.
[11] Ikarashi, N., Kon, R., Nagoya, C., Ishikura, A., Sugiyama, Y., Takahashi, J., & Sugiyama, K. "Effect of Astaxanthin on the Expression and Activity of Aquaporin-3 in Skin in an In-Vitro Study." Life (Basel, Switzerland), 10(9) (2020).
