Astaxanthin: The red marine treasure for youthful skin and a resilient body

If you're looking for beauty and longevity products, certain ingredients probably come to mind.
But chances are astaxanthin isn't in your arsenal yet.

Behind this strange name hides one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world , with recognized benefits for the skin , physical performance and even brain health .

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a red-orange pigment of the carotenoid family, produced mainly by the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis .
It is this pigment that gives shrimp, salmon and krill their vibrant hue. This fat-soluble pigment is the one that certain microalgae produce to protect themselves against oxidative stress caused by UV radiation. It is literally their natural sunscreen .

Its unique molecular structure allows it to:

• Cross cell membranes (including the blood-brain barrier)

• Never become pro-oxidant, unlike other antioxidants

• Providing unparalleled cellular protection

In comparison, astaxanthin would be up to:

• 6000x more powerful than vitamin C

• 800x more effective than coenzyme Q10

• 500x more active than vitamin E (Pereira et al., 2021)

For performance and recovery enthusiasts

Astaxanthin is much more than a beauty ingredient. For athletes and active individuals, it offers remarkable protection against exercise-related oxidative stress.

Endurance and recovery

During exercise, the body produces free radicals. Astaxanthin helps to:

• Reduce muscle damage
• Promote faster recovery
• Improve physical performance

🔬 Research from the University of Belgrade (2015) showed that taking astaxanthin daily for 90 days significantly reduced inflammatory markers such as CRP in athletes.

Less lactic acid

It could also help limit the accumulation of lactic acid , responsible for muscle pain after exercise.

For youthful, hydrated and luminous skin

Astaxanthin is also recognized for its visible effects on skin quality :

Anti-aging and elasticity

🔬 A study (Tominaga et al., 2012): Cosmetic Benefits of Astaxanthin in Humans , found that astaxanthin, taken orally and applied topically, improves:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Skin firmness
• Hydration
• Pigmentation spots

🔬 A study (Ito et al., 2018): The protective role of astaxanthin against UV-induced skin deterioration in healthy people: Oral supplementation of 6 mg/day for 8 weeks improved:

• Skin elasticity
• Wrinkle reduction
• Hydration
• Reduction of pigment spots

Natural photoprotection

As an internal photoprotector , it helps the skin resist UV- related damage by neutralizing singlet oxygen —a free radical activated by the sun.

For mental clarity and brain longevity

🔬 More recent research (2023–2024) has shown that astaxanthin:

• Stimulates adult neurogenesis (creation of new neurons)
• Improves brain plasticity
• Activates longevity-related pathways: FOXO3 , PI3K , MEK

It therefore provides overall support to the brain , while reducing neuronal inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress.

Dosage and use

• Effective dose : 4 to 12 mg/day
• Recommended source : extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis
• Practical tip : consume it with a source of fat (oil, avocado, eggs) for optimal absorption

In summary

Astaxanthin is the hidden light of the oceans.
It protects, regenerates, and illuminates. It is both beauty and performance, an inner treatment and an anti-aging ally.

Scientific references

1. Tominaga K et al. Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration. J Clin Biochem Nutr , 2012
2. Baralic I et al. Antioxidant Supplementation and Inflammatory Response in Soccer Players. J Sports Sci Med , 2015
3. Yoon H et al. Astaxanthin promotes neurogenesis and memory. GeroScience , 2021
4. Ambati RR et al. Astaxanthin: Sources and Applications. Marine Drugs , 2014
5. Fassett RG & Coombes JS. Astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disease. Mar Drugs , 2011