Attention cosmetic and personal care formulators!

In this month’s newsletter, we report on an area that has been overlooked this year; the anti-aging benefits of astaxanthin for skin. We present a summary of the topical benefits of natural astaxanthin on skin.

Aside from the normal course of aging, human skin is constantly subjected to environmental attacks which strip away moisture, induce premature wrinkles and increase vulnerability for age-spots. Environmental factors like sunlight , ozone and other pollutants reduce the skin’s resistance and make skin look older than it really is. A closer look at the mechanism of action reveals that those factors cause excessive levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to build up in skin and inflict damage at a cellular level. One way is to cut down the presence of ROS by topical treatment. Research shows that natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus microalgae is a powerful carotenoid that penetrates skin and protects each dermal layer from ROS related damage.

1. ROS causes lipid peroxidation of the skin top layer (stratum corneum) which reduces the natural barrier function. Astaxanthin scavenges the ROS in the skin surface which ultimately helps reduce moisture loss and keeps skin smooth.

2. Natural astaxanthin reduces UVB induced inflammation probably via the NF-kB kinase dependant pathway. The less stressed the skin is the better.

3. Natural Astaxanthin assists skin renewal by minimising effects of ROS. Too much ROS will breaks down the collagen matrix and increase levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) leading to wrinkle formation and loss of elasticity.

 

Incorporating the powerful carotenoid astaxanthin into cosmetics will increase the antioxidant status of skin and reduce the effects of ROS at the cellular level. On the surface, skin will look and feel more youthful.

For more information please contact Fuji Chemical.


References
Nishida Y., et al., Carotenoid Science, 11: 16-20 (2007). Quenching activities of common hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants against singlet oxygen using chemiluminescence detection system.
Lee S.J., et al., Molecules & Cells, 16: 97-105 (2003). Astaxanthin inhibits nitric oxide production and inflammatory gene expression by suppressing IkB kinase-dependent NF-kB activation.
Arakane, K., Carotenoid Science, 5: 21-24 (2002). Superior skin protection via astaxanthin.
Seki T., et al., Fragrance Journal 12:98-103 (2001). Effects of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on human skin.
Yamashita E. Fragrance Journal 14:180-185 (1995). Suppression of post UVB hyper-pigmentation by topical astaxanthin.
O’Conor I & O’Brien N. Journal of Dermatological Science 16:226-230 (1998). Modulation of UVA light induced oxidative stress by beta-carotene, lutein and astaxanthin in cultured fibroblasts.


Fuji Chemical Industry, Japan is the world leader in the production and research of natural astaxanthin. For more information, please visit www.astareal.com or contact us.
AstaREAL is a trademark or registered trademark of Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. in Japan , United States of America , Europe and/or other countries.

 

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The information found in this publication is presented in good faith with no guarantee or obligation as to accuracy and no assumption of liability. Users should make their own tests to determine the suitability of these products for their own particular purposes. However, because of numerous factors affecting results, Fuji Chemical Industry makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied, including those of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose other than the material conforms to its applicable current standard specifications. Statements concerning the use of the products or formulations described herein are not to be construed as recommending the infringement of any patent and seller assumes no liability for the infringement arising out of such use.