The Antioxidant That Will Preserve The Collagen Layers You Already Have
Lifestyle - News
By ANDRA PICINCU
Stroll down the skin care aisle and you'll notice a plethora of lotions, serums, and other treatments that claim to preserve collagen. Collagen is a component of the skin that decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and fine lines, and your body's ability to replenish collagen also declines each year — so which products actually work to keep your skin smooth and elastic?
Very few products in the skin care aisle actually work, because collagen can’t penetrate the skin when applied topically; the fibers that make up collagen are too big to go through the epidermis. However, certain antioxidants are effective at maintaining collagen levels as you age, and astaxanthin is one such powerful nutrient.
Researchers found that astaxanthin can reduce oxidative stress, which in turn may delay skin aging and boost immune function; it also strengthens the skin barrier and may also protect against ultraviolet radiation. Pure astaxanthin supplements aren’t widely available, so try to include it in your diet through these foods.
Good sources of astaxanthin include salmon, trout, deep-sea shrimp, and red yeast. Oral astaxanthin may lower blood pressure and blood sugar, so it may not be safe for everyone; instead, you can take supplements like Antarctic krill oil, which contains astaxanthin and other antioxidants in addition to healthy fats.