We hope you enjoyed last week’s newsletter and have embraced a passion for dancing after seeing the benefits it can bring.
This week, as May draws to a close and summer comes into view, we’re shifting focus to skin health. With longer days and more time outdoors, supporting your skin from the inside and out becomes essential, not just for appearance, but for resilience, repair, and long-term health. Therefore, we’re diving into one of the most potent nutrients for summer skin called astaxanthin and sharing what to look for in clean, effective topical products, too.
Astaxanthin: Nature’s Skin Defender
If you’ve never heard of astaxanthin, think of it as a sunscreen your body can eat. This powerful red pigment, naturally found in algae and seafood like krill and salmon, has been shown in human studies to protect the skin against UV damage, reduce wrinkles, and improve moisture and elasticity, all without the side effects associated with synthetic compounds.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study from 2006 found that six weeks of daily astaxanthin supplementation significantly improved skin elasticity and moisture in women, while also visibly reducing fine lines and age spots. A 2012 study supported these findings in both men and women, showing increased skin tone and fewer signs of photoageing.
But astaxanthin’s benefits go beyond skin deep. As one of the most potent antioxidants known, it helps neutralise oxidative stress, the cellular damage caused by free radicals, especially after sun exposure. This process not only contributes to premature skin ageing and pigmentation but also affects deeper layers of tissue and even DNA integrity. By reducing this damage, astaxanthin supports long-term skin health from within and offers broader protection for cells throughout the body. In fact, a 2017 review found it to be up to 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C.
All of this makes astaxanthin a smart summer supplement, especially if you’re looking for a natural way to strengthen your skin’s defences. In the product, AstaXanthin with DHA™ Good Health Naturally combines the clinically-studied AstaREAL® astaxanthin with DHA from algae (an omega-3 fatty acid), offering even more support for skin nourishment and protection.
Clean Beauty: What You Put On Matters Too
Of course, skin health isn’t just about what you take, what you apply matters just as much.
Many conventional sunscreens and moisturisers contain synthetic ingredients, fragrances, and preservatives that may do more harm than good. Some can irritate sensitive skin, while others, like oxybenzone or parabens, have raised concerns for potential hormone disruption and environmental damage.
To keep things clean this summer:
- Avoid chemical SPF filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate.
- Choose natural or mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Look for short, recognisable ingredient lists with plant oils, butters, and botanicals.
Supporting Skin Health From All Angles
Here’s how to build a full-spectrum approach to summer skin:
Inside out: Astaxanthin, hydration, and a colourful antioxidant-rich diet (think berries, peppers, leafy greens).
Topical protection: Mineral or natural SPF, hydrating moisturisers, nourishing lip balms, and clean after-sun support.
Lifestyle: Shade and hats over overexposure, rest for skin repair, and gentle cleansing to avoid stripping oils.
Final Thoughts
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it reflects how well your whole system is functioning. As summer starts, take the time to protect it properly: feed it, shield it, and avoid the chemical overload. The result? It is not just a summer glow but a long-term strategy for graceful ageing and healthier skin at every stage of life
Reference:
- Yamashita E. (2006). Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on human subjects.
- Tominaga K et al. (2012). Cosmetic Effects of Astaxanthin on Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
- Fassett R.G., Coombes J.S. (2012). Astaxanthin: A potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disease. Marine Drugs, 10(11), 2437–2455.
- Davinelli S. et al. (2018). Astaxanthin’s Anti-Aging and Skin Health Properties. Nutrients, 10(4), 522.
