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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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