Astalabs uses the power and protection from 2 very key ingredients formulated in our patented blends of organic natural ingredients…

Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid

Key Ingredients along with the other patented formula that make Astalabs Unique and better than the rest.

Our products just work. No hype, just great results.

Information about Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid

Astaxanthin and the skin
Astaxanthin may have a number of skin benefits, some more proven than others. In particular, astaxanthin appears to provide some degree of sun protection through multiple mechanisms. First, it blocks a modest amount of ultraviolet light directly (not enough to be an effective sunscreen by itself but still useful). Second, it neutralizes some of the free radicals induced by UV radiation and responsible for some of the sun damage. Third, astaxanthin appears to inhibit the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) by UV light. (MMP are an important factor in sun damage and skin aging.)

 Astaxanthin is a potent fat-soluble antioxidant and thus should be able to protect fat-rich tissues (inluding the skin) particularly well. It is likely to be a useful skin protector from various types of skin damage, not just UV radiation. Another potentially useful property of astaxanthin is its ability to regulate so-call gap junctions, which are channels of cell-to-cell communication common in skin cells such as fibroblasts. Gap junctions tend to become disregulated with age and normalizing their function may help improve skin texture.

Unfortunately, the research into the skin benefits of astaxanthin is still in its early stages. There remains much uncertainly as to how to best utilize it in skin care. Notably, astaxanthin is a natural compound that has been consumed by humans for millennia (e.g. in salmon, shrimp and krill) and has a very good safety profile. For those who do not wish to wait for more conclusive research, trying astaxanthin as a part of their skin care regimen appears to pose a rather low risk.

The easiest way to get skin benefits of astaxanthin (as well as its other benefits) is to increase oral intake by consuming some astaxanthin-rich fish/sea food (e.g. wild salmon) and/or by taking a daily supplement (see typical dosage in the previous section).

However, dietary intake may not be sufficient to maximize skin benefits of astaxanthin. When ingested, astaxanthin is distributed throughout the entire body and only relatively small amount finds its way into the skin. Luckily, astaxanthin is well absorbed if applied topically (e.g. in a cream or lotion) because it is fat soluble and has relatively small molecules. The only possible downside of topical application is that astaxanthin may give your skin a bit of a tint (in the orange-red-bronze range). Some people enjoy this look as it resembles a light, fresh tan while others prefer to minimize it and therefore use astaxanthin lotions at night. The way astaxanthin looks on you may depend on your skin complexion as well as your choice of makeup. However, you will get the antioxidant, UV-protection and possibly other anti-aging benefits of astaxanthin regardless of your skin type or complexion.

Hyaluronic Acid and the skin
Hyaluronic acid may not be the newest or flashiest ingredient out there, but it’s tried and true and seriously good for your skin. First off, don’t let the word “acid” fool you. Hyaluronic acid isn’t harsh or skin-stripping at all. In fact, it’s the exact opposite – a powerful humectant (aka moisture-binding ingredient) that keeps skin plump and hydrated and, yes, young-looking.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) in the human body. It’s present in large amounts in the spaces between skin cells, where it provides moisture, plumpness, firmness and suppleness to the skin.

Know how a baby’s skin always looks so deliciously dewy and pillowy? It’s because babies are born with a high level of hyaluronic acid, which keeps their skin plump and smooth. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in skin diminishes with age, most significantly after age 40.

While you’re never going to get back that perfectly dewy baby-skin, it is possible to help restore the skin’s hyaluronic acid content and give grown-up skin a younger, fresher, more supple look. One way to do it is through hyaluronic acid fillers, which a dermatologist or plastic surgeon injects directly into sunken or wrinkled areas to plump them up.

The other way to help plump up skin is to use a serum or moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid. While it won’t give you the dramatic, instantaneous results that a hyaluronic acid filler can, you will see benefits in the form of softer, smoother, more hydrated skin.

Applied topically, it increases hydration, improves elasticity and also reverses free radical damage, so it may have some benefit in protecting from UV damage. Bonus? Hyaluronic acid is one ingredient that works across the board. Every skin type, even oily, can benefit. Look for hyaluronic acid serums and apply one alone if you have oily skin or under moisturizer if you have dry skin.