Abstract

ASTAXANTHIN: BENEFITS AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS IN COSMETICS

*Prajkta Sapre, Dr. Nibha Bajpai and Sanskriti Sinha

ABSTRACT

Skin undergoes many physical changes during the lifespan. Ageing is the most common factor one goes through and there are many other factors from our daily life which induces skin aging. One of the major factors is sunlight. Over time exposure to sun’s UV rays cause the skin to sag, stretch and lose its ability to snap back after stretching. These are the most common symptoms of skin aging. Wrinkles, dry skin, late healing, pale look etc. are others. To avoid such damages, we need to protect it. Since change in daily routine is barely possible, skin needs special care and certain supplements. Antioxidant being one of them. Antioxidants protect the skin by controlling the production of free radicals, as free radicals damage the skin cells. They also contribute in skin firming, anti-inflammation, reduction of wrinkles, age spot treatment etc. Some common antioxidants are Vitamin-C, Vitamin-A (Retinol), Vitamin-E, Resveratrol, Niacinamide, Astaxanthin etc. Out of all these, Astaxanthin is the richest in Antioxidant property. Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment which possesses various significant benefits in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, dermatological and cosmeceutical fields. This article highlights the importance of different properties of Astaxanthin, and its potential applications in cosmetic formulations.

Keywords: Astaxanthin, Antioxidant, Haematococcus pluvialis, Carotenoids, Free- Radicals.