SupplySide Stories Episode 24: Astaxanthin provides super-charged benefits for skin – podcast

Many know about astaxanthin's superior antioxidant activity, effectively scouring free-radicals throughout the body.  Indeed it is one of the most potent antioxidants, 6000X more active than vitamin C in neutralizing free-radicals. But did you know that it also offers targeted clinically supported benefits for skin, for both internal and topic applications? While some antioxidants can't reach cell membranes, astaxanthin is actually a lipid, or fat, soluble nutrient and it has a unique structure that is a perfect match for skin's cell membrane. It can be used topically, or orally to help maintain health skin.

Astaxanthin topically has been shown supportive for skin health and appearance related claims at dosages 0.035 mg active astaxanthin/g cream - 0.047 mg/g, based on clinical studies. When taken orally, astaxanthin can provide benefits to tissues throughout the body, with human clinical studies supporting dosages ranging from 2 to 12 mg/day.  One study at 6mg/day over the course of 16 weeks looked at the effects of seasonal changes from summer to winter on the skin.  The study showed how astaxanthin helped maintain skin condition, and within the same study a dosage of 12mg/day helped reduce an inflammation marker, interleukin one alpha, at the skin's surface. 

In this SupplySide Stories episode we chat with astaxanthin expert Dr. Karen Hecht about the science behind astaxanthin and skin care and discuss in greater detail the versatile formulation options to meet consumer needs through various delivery formats, and how it's lipophilic nature acts like cream within an Oreo Cookie!

About our speaker:

Karen Hecht, Ph.D., Scientific Affairs Manager, AstaReal

Dr. Hecht worked as a postdoctoral associate in algal molecular biology at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and she holds a degree in Biochemisty and a Ph.D. in Biology. She speaks widely on the subject of natural astaxanthin as an ingredient for endurance and muscle recovery on behalf of AstaReal.

"AstaReal natural algal plant-based astaxanthin is so beneficial for skin because it acts on all skin layers to reduce the visible signs of aging, and it does that by supporting skin hydration, elasticity and smoothness." – Karen Hecht, Ph.D., Scientific Affairs Manager, AstaReal

More information on AstaReal can be found at SupplySide Connect

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