Astaxanthin, a potent carotenoid extracted from the natural source (microalgae), has been proven to have remarkable benefits for skin improvement through a clinical study conducted in Japan. This study specifically focused on women and yielded impressive results in combating aging and enhancing various aspects of skin health, from reducing wrinkles and improving elasticity to diminishing dark spots and refining skin texture.
As the demand for natural and effective skincare products continues to rise, astaxanthin has emerged as a potent antioxidant, capturing the attention of both scientists and consumers. With its proven anti-aging and skin-protective properties, astaxanthin is becoming a top choice for maintaining youthful skin. This study was conducted on 30 women aged 20 to 55 over 8 weeks to test the combined effects of oral supplementation and topical application. The results demonstrated that astaxanthin reduced wrinkles, improved skin elasticity, and reduced dark spots, solidifying its role in the skincare industry.
Experimental information:
- Location: Fuji Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Kamiichi, Toyama, Japan
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Subjects: 30 healthy women from ages 20 to 55
- Product types: Astaxanthin from Haematococcus Pluvialis, extracted by canola oil
- Dosages & Application Methods:
– 6 mg oral supplementation per day: A 3mg capsule was administered to each subject twice daily, after breakfast and dinner.
– 2ml per day (Cm Asta = 78.9 uM): 1ml of topical application onto the whole face twice daily, every morning and evening after washing.
Experimental design:
- The study was open-label and noncontrolled
- The measurement parameters for each subject included Wrinkles, Elasticity, Age spots, Skin texture, and Moisture content. These were performed at 3 points of the experiment: at week 0, after week 4, and 8.
Results:
Astaxanthin protects the skin from oxidative damage, helping to restore and boost collagen fibers in the dermis. This maintains skin firmness and elasticity, and prevents melanin production, reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Wrinkles Reduction: Significant improvements were observed in the deepest point and mean depth of wrinkles, especially in the crow’s feet. These improvements were noted by week 8.
- Elasticity: Skin firmness and elasticity around the crow’s feet significantly improved by weeks 4 and 8.
- Age Spots: Significant reduction in the size and visibility of dark spots on the cheeks by week 8.
- Skin Texture: Smoother skin with a marked reduction in roughness, with noticeable improvements by the eighth week.
- Moisture: Increased hydration in the cheek, especially in participants with dry skin.
Astaxanthin offers a comprehensive beauty solution for women, particularly in anti-aging efforts. The study highlights the impressive results achieved through the combined approach of oral supplementation and topical application, which significantly improved various aspects of skin health. The synergistic effect of this dual application method underscores astaxanthin’s potential as a key ingredient in cosmetic products designed to combat the visible signs of aging and promote lasting skin vitality.
Source: Tominaga (2012), Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects, LINK