Astaxanthin for Skin Elasticity
Astaxanthin shows promising small-trial results for elasticity and wrinkles.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 4-12mg/day with dietary fat
- Expected timeframe
- 8-16 weeks
Protocol
- measurement
- Same-light photographs at baseline, week 8 and week 16
- studied dose
- 6-12 mg/day with dietary fat, alongside topical application, over 8-16 weeks
- evidence note
- Verdict is insufficient - small single-region trials that mostly combined oral with topical astaxanthin
- what happened
- Elasticity, wrinkle depth and moisture improved in small Japanese trials, but samples were small, sponsorship common, and the oral contribution cannot be separated from the topical
- if you still trial it
- 6-12 mg/day with your largest fat-containing meal for 16 weeks, with standardised photographs and daily SPF, which does more for elasticity than any capsule
Evidence
What the studies say
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing
Zhou X, Cao Q, Orfila C +2 more
Oral ASX supplementation significantly restored moisture content and improved elasticity but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth compared to placebo
Safety
Caveats
Trials are small and often manufacturer-linked. Can tint skin at high doses.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.