Astaxanthin; Breakthrough skincare: 7 ingredients to watch in 2009
Every year new ingredients hit the market with promises of revolutionizing skin-care products and tapping the elusive Fountain of Youth. At times, they deliver, and substances such as retinol or peptides exceed expectations and change the landscape of skin care. Others fizzle with little or no impact. We’ve polled more than 25 experts and asked them which ingredients are worth watching (and buying) in 2009.
Astaxanthin; What it is: Described as the ultimate antioxidant by New York dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark, astaxanthin is up to 1,000 times more potent than vitamin E. It is also found in nature as the fat-soluble pigment found in salmon and algae.
Why it looks promising: “This is a retinoid form of vitamin A and has all the typical benefits of retinoids — providing antioxidant protection and stimulating cell renewal,” Murad says. And according to a recent study, astaxanthin decreased hyper-pigmentation by more than 40%, Mark says.
I was thrilled to learn that salmon contains beneficial levels of astaxanthin for folks like me who eat it regularly. I was discouraged to learn that farmed salmon is fed artificial astaxanthin, not the natural stuff that is produced by algae in the oceans. The artificial stuff doesn’t offer the benefits like natural astaxanthin. I read about an astaxanthin producer in Hawaii that is sourcing natural astaxanthin for experimental Salmon farming. I would certainly purchase farmed salmon that is given natural astaxantin.
thanks for your comment. it is important to point out that synthetic astaxanthin is just as beneficial for the health and is supported by many health studies. To shy away from synthetically produced vitamins would limit the diet of most consumers and the health risks associated with not consuming them would be significant. In fact many people take astaxanthin in pill form for their antioxidant benefits. I encourage you to keep visiting our blog and websites for up to date information on the many health benefits of consuming farmed salmon. thanks again.