Say Aloha to Astaxanthin
Are you seeking a natural and sustainable way to improve your health, wellness, and skincare? Look no further than astaxanthin! This potent antioxidant is found in certain species of plants, animals and microalgae and comes from the Big Island of Hawai'i. Natural astaxanthin has anti inflammatory properties and offers a variety of benefits that can positively affect cardiovascular health, brain health, cognitive health and other oxidative stress caused conditions. In addition to overall health, astaxanthin in skincare offers significant benefits. In fact, Hawaiian-sourced astaxanthin is 3000x more potent than Vitamin C. So if you're looking for an effective way to boost your body's defenses against disease, then this could be the one. Let's dive into all the benefits that astaxanthin can offer!
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that gives salmon, shrimp, and flamingos their pink colors. It belongs to a unique group of carotenoids, called xanthophylls. It is structurally similar to beta carotene and other carotenoids. It has been used as a dietary supplement since the 1990s to reduce chronic inflammation and support cardiovascular health while improving brain health. Additionally, it has recently gained popularity in skincare products due to its ability to help protect skin from UV damage and reduce the effects of oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Hawaiian-sourced astaxanthin is especially potent due to its high concentrations of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Astaxanthin Benefits
There are many potential skin and health benefits associated with dietary supplementation of natural astaxanthin. The benefits of astaxanthin can impact chronic disease, metabolic disorders, brain health, heart health and even cognitive function. Studies have shown that it can help prevent age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease by decreasing inflammation in the body. Many health practitioners now recommend astaxanthin supplements for the cognitive health benefits alone.
Antioxidant properties
Astaxanthin's antioxidant properties are numerous. Overall, astaxanthin has significant anti inflammatory effects on cells. It neutralizes free radicals and can reduce oxidative stress in the body. This oxidative stress can be balanced with powerful antioxidant effects, which is what astaxanthin supplements can provide. Additionally, it has been shown to improve athletic performance by increasing endurance and reducing recovery time after workouts. In trials, it has been shown to cause a significant reduction in exercise induced muscle damage.
Oxidative Stress: What is it?
Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many unstable molecules, also known as free radicals, in the body and not enough antioxidants to get rid of them. It causes wrinkles, skin aging, immune system weakness or slower immune response, dna damage, fatigue, joint pain, memory loss and other metabolic disorders. It can impact skin health, cardiovascular health, brain health and more. Basically, a lot of problems can result from oxidative damage. Now that we know that reducing oxidative stress is critical, we know what to do about it.
Astaxanthin in skincare: a potent antioxidant
In addition to general health benefits, astaxanthin helps improve general skin health. Applying astaxanthin topically can help protect skin from environmental stressors such as UV rays, pollution and free radicals, contributing to healthy skin. Anti inflammatory properties can help contribute to overall skin health, healthy cell membranes, a healthier immune system, protection against skin cancer and many more benefits. As a natural antioxidant, astaxanthin helps skin respond to oxidative damage and can reduce skin aging, wrinkle formation and UV induced skin deterioration. It offers natural protection against UV radiation, which can prevent free radical damage. Overall, this powerful antioxidant demonstrates an ability to improve skin texture and skin elasticity, while reducing free radical damage and wrinkle formation and contributing to healthy aging.
Astaxanthin and skin aging
Astaxanthin has demonstrated powerful antioxidant ability surpassing many other antioxidants - it has shown potency 3000-6000x higher than Vitamin C and 500x more effective than vitamin E. Astaxanthin's benefits in skincare are significant - counterbalancing UV radiation, preventing (or combating) free radical damage, improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles and many more impacts to healthy skin. [REWRITE THIS]
Incorporating Astaxanthin into Your Health Regimen
The easiest way to incorporate this potent antioxidant into your routine is by taking natural astaxanthin supplement or adding it into your daily diet through astaxanthin rich foods, including wild-caught fish or shellfish like salmon or shrimp (the fresher the better!). If you’re looking for something more convenient, there are many vegan/vegetarian capsules available on the market today that contain pure Hawaiian-sourced astaxanthin. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something even easier than that—you can try incorporating astaxanthin into your skincare routine with topical treatments (Hibiscus Beauty Booster comes to mind) containing this powerful antioxidant!
Where to find it?
Astaxanthin can be found in natural sources and also synthetic ones. We believe the natural sources are best, as synthetic sources can have other additives that our bodies just don't need. Honua sources our astaxanthin from natural microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis), which is nature’s richest and most concentrated source of astaxanthin.
Now that you know all about why Hawaiian sourced astaxanthin is so great for your health and wellbeing—it’s time to give it a go! Whether you take supplements or apply products directly onto your skin—you’ll reap the benefits of this powerful antioxidant found right here on our own Big Island of Hawai'i! Aloha nui loa (much love)! Go forth and find yourself some astaxanthin today!
Lastly....while we are self-proclaimed skincare experts (well, Kapua and some team members are legit trained as estheticians), we are NOT physicians. So before making any crazy adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, check in with your health practitioner first.