Zeaxanthin and Skin Health: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Aging Effects

The Science of Zeaxanthin in Skin Care

Zeeaxanthin is an increasingly popular antioxidant ingredient with great untapped potential.

This carotenoid has been well-studied as an additive to oral supplements and has some notable benefits in skin care as well. Learn how this ingredient works and how it compares to the competition.

Do you want to know the secret to healthier skin? Take the Baumann Skin Type Test to learn your skin type and get personalized product recommendations!

Your skin type results will serve as the basis for selecting the ingredients and formulas that are best suited to your individual skin concerns.

There is no better way to know if a product is right for your skin!

What is Zeaxanthin?

Zeaxanthin is a yellow-orange carotenoid antioxidant that occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are plant pigments that give vegetables their bright orange and yellow colors.

There are over 600 carotenoids found in nature, but only about 20 are found in human blood and tissues.

Zeaxanthin is one of the three most important carotenoids in the human eye, the other two being lutein and mesozeaxanthin.

(9) These compounds are found in the retina and lens of the eye, forming a bright yellow pigment that filters out harmful blue light and protects the eye from UV rays.

Zeaxanthin’s antioxidant properties enable it to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress.

This protects the skin from premature aging caused by sun exposure, stress, and environmental pollution.

How does Zeaxanthin work?

Zeaxanthin, when applied topically or orally, provides significant antioxidant protection to human skin cells. It works in a number of ways:

Neutralizes free radicals: As a powerful antioxidant, zeaxanthin is able to donate electrons to stabilize harmful free radicals, preventing them from causing oxidative damage to skin cell membranes and DNA. (1.7)

Reduces inflammation: Zeaxanthin inhibits certain pro-inflammatory responses to sun damage. (11)

UV protection: By absorbing UV rays, zeaxanthin protects the skin from sunburn, DNA damage, and general UV exposure.

Keeps the skin moisturized: By slowing the breakdown (peroxidation) of fatty acids in the skin barrier, zeaxanthin helps the skin retain moisture. (6)

Boosts collagen production: Zeaxanthin stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen, a protein that helps firm and elastic skin. (3)

Benefits of Zeaxanthin

Benefits of Zeaxanthin in Skin Care

Most studies on zeaxanthin have involved its use in oral supplements, but further research is ongoing on the use of this ingredient in skin care.

Current research suggests that increased intake and topical application of zeaxanthin may provide the following benefits:

Reduces signs of aging: Zeaxanthin may reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation spots, and roughness, regenerating aged, sun-damaged skin.

Prevents skin cancer: By neutralizing free radicals caused by UV rays, zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Relieves acne and rosacea: Zeaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory effects can relieve irritation and redness in inflammatory skin conditions.

Boosts hydration: Zeaxanthin increases the epidermis’ ability to retain moisture, making the skin appear plumper and more refreshed.

Improves elasticity: Zeaxanthin stimulates collagen production, which enhances skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Evens out skin tone: By combating photodamage and partially inhibiting tyrosinase, zeaxanthin may help prevent and treat dark spots. (4)

Is Zeaxanthin Safe?

Zeeaxanthin in skincare products and oral supplements is very safe. It is nontoxic, even in high doses.

The only side effect reported is a harmless change in skin color due to beta-carotene (orange hue).

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gave zeaxanthin a safety rating of “1,” meaning it is considered very safe.

If you’re looking for an all-natural anti-aging ingredient, zeaxanthin may be the right choice for you!

Zeeaxanthin vs. Retinol

How does zeaxanthin compare to anti-aging superstar retinol?

Retinol speeds up cell turnover, makes skin younger and plumper, and stimulates collagen production. However, it can cause irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity in some people.

Zeeaxanthin is gentler than retinol. It has antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and care for sensitive skin.

Retinol can make the skin more sensitive to light, so sunscreens need to be used with caution. Zeaxanthin has natural sunscreen protection.

Sensitive skin that is easily irritated may tolerate zeaxanthin better than prescription retinoids.

Zeaxanthin can boost collagen production and moisturize, making the skin firmer and smoother, just like retinol, but with fewer side effects.

While the two ingredients are similar, they have different functions and are best used at different times of the day. Zeaxanthin is a good sunscreen, but retinoids are not.

Using a zeaxanthin product in the morning and a retinol product in the evening is the right way to incorporate both into your daily routine. (1,2)

Topical Zeaxanthin vs. Oral Zeaxanthin

While zeaxanthin is often taken as a dietary supplement, research has demonstrated benefits for both oral and topical use:

Oral Zeaxanthin: Intake through food or supplements can increase skin antioxidant levels. However, only a small amount reaches the skin.

Topical zeaxanthin: Applied directly to the skin’s surface in the form of a cream or serum. Provides more targeted antioxidant protection for the skin.

For best results, I recommend combining oral and topical zeaxanthin to enhance internal and external photoprotection.

(5) Look for zeaxanthin in skin care products formulated with other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.

Which skin types are good candidates for Zeaxanthin?

Zeeaxanthin has a variety of anti-aging and soothing benefits that are suitable for all skin types. However, those who are particularly likely to benefit are:

Dry, dehydrated skin: Zeaxanthin helps keep the skin barrier healthy, thereby retaining moisture.

Sensitive, reactive skin: Zeaxanthin reduces inflammation and is less irritating than retinol.

Mature skin: Zeaxanthin stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and firms and brightens aging skin. (1,3)

Acne-prone skin: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help prevent acne breakouts.

Sun-damaged skin: Zeaxanthin prevents UV-induced hyperpigmentation and fights skin cancer. (6)

Currently, there aren’t many skin care products that contain zeaxanthin, as it is still in the research phase and being adopted by the industry.

While the skin care world prepares for zeaxanthin, there are many other products and great ingredients you can take advantage of!

Zeaxanthin dietary supplements

Most commercially available zeaxanthin supplements protect the eyes, not the skin. Here are some supplements that protect the skin from sun damage.

Most of these products do not contain zeaxanthin, but instead contain other carotenoids, vitamin C, or white algae.

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Overview

The antioxidant zeaxanthin provides comprehensive skin-enhancing benefits when applied topically and taken orally.

By neutralizing free radicals, reducing inflammation, protecting the skin from UV damage, moisturizing the skin, and promoting collagen synthesis, zeaxanthin helps promote smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Although further research is needed, animal and human studies have shown excellent efficacy and safety. Zeaxanthin is gentler than prescription retinoids, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Unfortunately, we do not currently carry any products containing zeaxanthin, but you can still take the Bowman Skin Type Quiz to see which products are right for your Bowman skin type.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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