The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Ito N

Published in Nutrients

Methodology

10-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 23 healthy Japanese participants assigned to 4 mg astaxanthin capsules or placebo; minimal erythema dose plus UV-induced changes in moisture and transepidermal water loss measured at baseline and after 9 weeks, with subjective skin condition rated on a visual analogue scale.

Key Findings

Twenty-three healthy Japanese adults were randomised to a capsule containing 4 mg of astaxanthin or placebo in a 10-week double-blind placebo-controlled study, with skin measures taken at baseline and after 9 weeks. The astaxanthin group showed an increased minimal erythema dose (the UV dose needed to redden skin) compared with placebo, and less loss of skin moisture in the irradiated area. Self-rated "improvement of rough skin" and "texture" in non-irradiated areas were significantly better with astaxanthin. The authors conclude astaxanthin appears protective against UV-induced skin deterioration.

Conclusions

Astaxanthin appears protective against UV-induced skin deterioration in healthy people.

Limitations

Only 23 participants, all healthy Japanese adults, over 10 weeks, with several subjective self-rated outcomes; the study was sponsored, funded and authored by FUJIFILM Corporation, which sells astaxanthin products.