Want to try plant antioxidants? We have them: astaxanthin and more.
Why do plants have so many antioxidants? Because, however different from us, plants use oxygen, and their metabolism produces ROS* (reactive oxygen species) just like us. They also live in an environment where ROS* are present. Just like we do. Let’s use their antioxidants, so varied and effective, they will delay skin aging and help reverse the effect of ROS* and UV reaching our skin.
We hear a lot about astaxanthin and Skin Actives offers it in many of our products and also for DIY enthusiasts. Our astaxanthin can increase the active value of your “potions”. Why?
Figure: chemical structure of astaxanthin
From my glossary
Plant pigment, antioxidant
Astaxanthin, a carotenoid, is a potent antioxidant that enhances the immune system, and reduces the acute inflammation reaction of the skin and underlying tissue that follows excessive exposure to UV radiation. Carotenoids in general, and especially astaxanthin, protect cells against oxidation by quenching singlet oxygen and dissipating the energy as heat, and scavenging free radicals to prevent and terminate chain reactions, complementing the activity of vitamin E which is effective at higher oxygen concentrations.
Astaxanthin has also a powerful scavenging ability for lipid and free radicals and effectively breaks peroxide chain reactions. Astaxanthin has also been shown to enhance and modulate the immune system. These effects in combination or separately may reduce the acute inflammation reaction of the skin and tissue just beneath the skin that follows excessive exposure to UV radiation.
The astaxanthin used in SAS products is purified from the microalgae H. pluvialis, grown and processed in Hawaii.
We don’t sell pure astaxanthin, even at 5% concentration it’s very viscous, and “smelly” and will stain your clothes and skin. We sell it diluted with lovely argan oil, at a concentration that even when you use a few drops, will be active. You will love the color that your lotions and creams will take, and just think of it “catching” and disarming ROS* reaching your skin.
INCI:
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Astaxanthin
- Astaxanthin “cons”: not a vitamin. You still need vitamin E. It won’t do what alpha lipoic acid does (cofactor). Not a great smell but at the low concentrations needed shouldn’t be a problem.
- Astaxanthin “pros”: a great antioxidant, lovely color.
You can compare our astaxanthin concentrate with Skin Actives Antiox booster
INCI:
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Tocotrienols, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Astaxanthin, Lycopene, Xanthophyll (Lutein), Thioctic Acid (Alpha Lipoic Acid), Beta-Carotene,
Here you will find astaxanthin but accompanied by other plant antioxidants. Don’t forget vitamin E, which is a vitamin (you need it but can’t make it), and alpha-lipoic acid, a cofactor in the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
What to expect: as always, please don’t expect instant miracles. When you apply a lotion and have an instant effect, it may be an “optic illusion”, like when light reflectants hide wrinkles, or a good feel from silicones or similar, but the changes brought on by skin actives applied to your skin will take time to show because biochemistry takes time. But antioxidants prevent damage by UV, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and a lot of stuff that happens when you live on Planet Earth.
Using astaxanthin concentrate or Antiox booster from Skin Actives you are using the best antioxidants that the Plant Kingdom can offer. Enjoy!