Study reveals astaxanthin can protect skin from damage due to sun exposure

A study by Israel-based biotech company Algatech and Fujifilm has revealed that astaxanthin supplementation protects skin from damage associated with sun exposure.

Algatech in collaboration with a research group from Fujifilm conducted a new randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the company’s natural ingredient.

The study was conducted at the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Research Laboratories in Fujifilm’s research and development management headquarters in Kanagawa, Japan.

Researchers used Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae cultivated and produced by Algatech for the study.

During the ten-week-long study, volunteer participants were given 4mg of algal food-derived astaxanthin or an inert placebo.

The researchers also found scientific evidence that the ingredient reduces UV damage and aging factors as well as improves the innate sun protection.

Algatech CSO Tair Lapidot said: “Subjective skin conditions for ‘improvement of rough skin’ and ‘texture’ in non-exposed areas also were significantly improved by supplementation with astaxanthin, demonstrating astaxanthin’s ability to help protect skin from UV-induced deterioration while helping to maintain healthy skin in healthy people.”

A previous clinical study, which was conducted by the same research group using Algatech’s all-natural astaxanthin, also found that a combination of oral supplement and cosmetic cream provides moisture to the skin.

In addition, the biotech company has used astaxanthin in its ASTOTS branded supplement.