Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Nutrients. 2018 Apr 22;10(4):522. doi: 10.3390/nu10040522.

Abstract

Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, is a secondary metabolite naturally synthesized by a number of bacteria, microalgae, and yeasts. The commercial production of this pigment has traditionally been performed by chemical synthesis, but the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis appears to be the most promising source for its industrial biological production. Due to its collective diverse functions in skin biology, there is mounting evidence that astaxanthin possesses various health benefits and important nutraceutical applications in the field of dermatology. Although still debated, a range of potential mechanisms through which astaxanthin might exert its benefits on skin homeostasis have been proposed, including photoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review summarizes the available data on the functional role of astaxanthin in skin physiology, outlines potential mechanisms involved in the response to astaxanthin, and highlights the potential clinical implications associated with its consumption.

Keywords: DNA repair; aging; anti-inflammatory; antioxidant; astaxanthin; clinical trials; immune-enhancing; skin; ultraviolet.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / metabolism
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antioxidants / adverse effects
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / pharmacokinetics
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Biological Availability
  • DNA Damage / drug effects
  • DNA Repair / drug effects
  • Dietary Supplements* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / radiation effects
  • Skin Aging / drug effects
  • Skin Aging / radiation effects
  • Xanthophylls / adverse effects
  • Xanthophylls / metabolism
  • Xanthophylls / pharmacokinetics
  • Xanthophylls / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Xanthophylls
  • astaxanthine