Astaxanthin for Summer Skin

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and serves as its first line of defence. Every day, it helps protect against environmental stressors,(1) while retaining hydration and supporting its natural barrier.(2) Because of this, caring for your skin goes far beyond what you apply topically. While a good skincare routine, including sunscreen, is essential for protecting against harmful UV exposure and premature aging,(3) supporting your skin from within is also important.

With age, the skin undergoes structural and functional changes that reduce its ability to retain moisture, contributing to a loss of firmness, hydration, and elasticity.(4) These changes can be further influenced by environmental factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and poor lifestyle habits.(4) That’s why taking an inside-out approach to skin care is becoming increasingly important. Supporting the body with the right nutrients can help maintain healthy skin, hydration, and overall appearance on a deeper level.

Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, there are two key nutrients that can support your skin from within: astaxanthin and hyaluronic acid.

Astaxanthin: A Rich Source of Antioxidants

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with a distinct, brilliant red colour. Because of its strong antioxidant properties, astaxanthin is often referred to as the “king of carotenoids,” as it helps protect the body’s cells from free radicals and oxidative stress.(5) This is important for skin health, as oxidative stress contributes to cellular damage and inflammation, two processes closely linked to skin aging.(5)

So how exactly does astaxanthin work to support skin health? Astaxanthin accumulates in the skin’s epidermal and dermal layers(6), where it helps neutralize free radicals and other reactive oxygen species while inhibiting inflammatory pathways that lead to skin damage.(7) Astaxanthin may also help protect against UV-induced skin deterioration.(6)

Natural Factors Extra Strength Astaxanthin is a high-potency formula with 100% naturally sourced astaxanthin from microalgae. Each softgel provides 12 mg of astaxanthin, which helps maintain skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.(8) It also helps support skin elasticity and hydration.(7)

Hyaluronic Acid: A Hydration Hero

Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule found in the skin, joints, and other connective tissues, but it is most abundant in the skin, accounting for more than 50% of the body’s total hyaluronic acid.(9) Age, sun exposure, and other lifestyle factors reduce the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and other visible signs of skin aging.(10) Studies have shown that supplemental hyaluronic acid may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve overall skin condition,(10) as well as significantly reduce the appearance of crow’s feet.(11)

Natural Factors HyAppeal™ Vegan Hyaluronic Acid has been clinically shown to help replenish hyaluronic acid levels. Each capsule contains 120 mg of hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin moisture and maintain skin hydration.(10)

Taking care of your skin this summer doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about consistency, balance, and understanding that what you put into your body matters just as much as what you put on it. By combining smart sun protection with supportive nutrients, you can help your skin stay healthy, resilient, and radiant over time.

References
1. Parrado C, Mercado-Saenz S, Perez-Davo A, et al. Environmental stressors on skin aging. Mechanistic insights. Front Pharmacol. 2019; 10:759.
2. Baker, P, Huang, C, Radi, R, et al. S. Skin barrier function: The interplay of physical, chemical, and immunologic properties. 2023; 12(23):2745.
3. Abdel Azim, S, Bainvoll, L, Vecerek, N, et al. Sunscreens part 1: Mechanisms and efficacy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2025; 92(4):677-86.
4. Zhang S, Duan E. Fighting against skin aging. Cell Transplant. 2017; 27(5):729-38.
5. Nair A, Ahirwar A, Singh S, et al. Astaxanthin as a king of ketocarotenoids: Structure, synthesis, accumulation, bioavailability and antioxidant properties. Mar Drugs. 2023; 21(3):176.
6. Ito N, Seki S, Ueda F. The protective role of astaxanthin for UV-induced skin deterioration in healthy people—A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients. 2018; 10(7):817.
7. Zhou X, Cao Q, Orfila C, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of astaxanthin on human skin ageing. Nutrients. 2021; 13(9):2917.
8. Ng QX, Deyn MLZQD, Loke W, et al. Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on skin health: A systematic review of clinical studies. J Diet Suppl. 2021; 18(2):169-82.
9. Kawada C, Yoshida T, Yoshida H, et al. Ingestion of hyaluronans (molecular weights 800 k and 300 k) improves dry skin conditions: A randomized, double blind, controlled study. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2015; 56(1):66.
10. Hsu TF, Su ZR, Hsieh YH, et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles and improves dry skin: A 12-week double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Nutrients. 2021; 13(7):2220.
11. Oe M, Sakai S, Yoshida H, et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017; 10(0):267-73.

About the Author: Natural Factors

Natural Factors is a Canadian family-owned business operating for more than 50 years, providing a wide range of products exclusively to the health food industry. Factors Farms, located south of Armstrong, BC, is a certified-organic farmland that gives Natural Factors complete control over securing the best quality raw materials possible.