“All antioxidants work against damage caused by ultraviolet rays in the same way [to] counter free oxygen radicals in the skin that are caused by sunlight,” explains board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, M.D. “Antioxidants neutralize those molecules so that damage is avoided.”* Research has confirmed astaxanthin’s outstanding ability to help skin manage photodamage2, as one scholarly review of the antioxidant explained that numerous comparative studies of astaxanthin and other antioxidants showed was the superior antioxidant in promoting dermal fibroblasts (or, what helps make skin cells, elastin, and collagen).* To give you an idea of just how powerful, the free-radical-fighting effect of astaxanthin is up to 1,000 times higher3 than that of many of its fellow antioxidants. “If taken orally, [astaxanthin] has been shown to manage skin damage caused by the sun,” Shaurya confirms.* The good news: Various studies have found that increased vitamin C intake—via fruits, vegetables, or supplements with high levels of the antioxidant—can promote skin elasticity, tone, and texture8 and stave off fine lines and wrinkles (all of which are common signs of photoaging).* Some of the best vitamin-C-rich foods9 to incorporate into your rotation include vegetables such as red and green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, and fruits including oranges10, grapefruits, strawberries, and kiwi. Some of the richest food sources of vitamin E are spinach, nuts (including sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, and peanuts), whole grains, and olive oil. Other studies have also confirmed vitamin E’s beneficial effects in warding off sun-induced skin conditions12 and skin aging.*
