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Astaxanthin: The Latest in Beauty Care

Can this antioxidant be the key to getting gorgeous?

-Paige Herman-Axel, Beauty Queen

If you haven't already heard about astaxanthin, odds are you will in the months and years to come. Antioxidants are all the rage for both beauty and longevity these days, and astaxanthin is starting to be used more and more. This colorful pigment (which is classified as a xanthophylls-meaning "yellow leaves") is found naturally in salmon, trout, shrimp, crayfish and other crustaceans, and it's now popping up in skin care products as well as nutritional supplements.

So how can you take advantage?

Externally

Believed to have 1000 times the antioxidant power as vitamin E, astaxanthin benefits the skin by protecting it from free radicals that cause visible signs of aging.

Dr. Kenneth Mark's Anti-Oxidant Hydrating Cream with Astaxanthin contains seven other key antioxidants to preserve youth-imparting collagen, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, fade brown spots and soothe red, irritated skin. $95, kennethmarkmd.com

H. Maloha's Bionutrient Face Serum contains astaxanthin sourced from Hawaiian red algae to revitalize the skin and prevent premature signs of aging. $85, hmaloha.com

Internally

Astaxanthin plays an important proactive role on the inside as well. It works by protecting your cell membranes against free-radical attack. It's believed that astaxanthin is one of the cancer-protective antioxidants, and odds are you're not eating enough orange or red fruits and vegetables or leafy green vegetables to reap these benefits. You can increase your astaxanthin intake with a variety of supplements; it's available on its own or as part of a supplement that includes a blend of antioxidants, such as N.V. Perricone, MD's Skin and Total Body Supplements. $140 for a 30-day supply, perriconemd.com

Bargain pick: Astaxanthin is very affordable when taken on its own. Find a variety of options here.