People Keep Asking if I’ve Been Tanning…
Over the past week, several people have asked if I’ve been traveling or tanning because they say I have “good color.” Living in the Buffalo, NY area, having a tan in January usually means one of two things: time in a tanning booth or a trip to a warmer climate.
But here’s the truth, I haven’t traveled recently, used a tanning booth, self-tanners or spray tans.
After hearing the comment so many times, I finally paused and had to ask myself what is going on, because I honestly hadn’t noticed any difference at all.
One thing I have been doing consistently is taking astaxanthin daily. And yes, there is a science-based reason this can sometimes make your skin look like it has a subtle glow or warmth, even without sun exposure.
What Astaxanthin Is (Simple Explanation)
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid, a red-orange pigment found in microalgae. It is also the pigment that gives salmon and shrimp their pink-orange color. Because it is a carotenoid, it can be stored in body tissues, including the skin, which matters for both appearance and skin health research.
Why It’s Considered a “Powerhouse” Antioxidant
Antioxidants help the body manage oxidative stress, which is the normal “wear and tear” that builds up from metabolism plus lifestyle and environmental stressors. Astaxanthin is frequently described as a strong antioxidant because of its activity in the lab and human research, and it is studied for areas like skin health, exercise recovery, eye health, and healthy aging.
Astaxanthin is not a magic shield. It is one supportive tool, and it works best alongside the basics we all need, like sleep, hydration, protein, exercise, stress reduction, and nutrient-dense food.
Why I Take It During Cold and Flu Season
During cold and flu season, I focus on overall resilience. Astaxanthin has been studied in humans for its relationship to oxidative stress markers and certain immune function measures. That does not mean it prevents infections or replaces medical care, but it can be part of a well-rounded approach to supporting the body when seasonal stress is higher.
Quick reminder: “immune support” is not the same as “treating” or “preventing” illness. If you are sick, always follow medical guidance.
Can Astaxanthin Really Change Skin Color?
Potentially, yes. Here is the key difference:
- A “tan” is typically melanin-driven, meaning the skin produces more melanin in response to UV exposure.
- A “healthy glow” can be carotenoid-driven, meaning pigments from foods or supplements can deposit in the skin and shift tone toward a gentle golden, yellow-orange warmth.
Research has shown that carotenoids from the diet can measurably influence skin color, often increasing what researchers describe as “yellowness” and sometimes “redness,” which many people perceive as healthy-looking skin. Since astaxanthin is a red-orange carotenoid, consistent use may contribute to a subtle warmth in skin tone for some people.
Smart Use and Safety Notes
- Take it with a meal that contains fat for better absorption, since it is fat soluble.
- More is not always better. Carotenoids can affect pigment. Very high carotenoid intake can cause noticeable yellow-orange skin tone changes in some people, which is typically considered harmless, but it can be a sign your dose is higher than needed.
- If you consider supplementing with astaxanathin, be sure that you are purchasing from a company that is third-party tested, manufactured in the US, and use good manufacturing practices (GMP).
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a medical condition, or taking medications, talk with your clinician or pharmacist before starting any supplement.
Final comments…
I’ve taken astaxanthin every winter for the past several years but never with the consistency I have this year. Not only am I strengthening my immune system, I have a healthy glow! Thank you for bringing it to my attention and allowing me to go down one more rabbit hole!! Mystery solved.
Sources
- Davinelli S, et al. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease. 2018. PMC.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5946307/
- Zhou X, et al. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Skin Ageing. 2021. PMC.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8472736/
- Tominaga K, et al. Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration. 2017. PMC.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5525019/
- Park JS, et al. Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in young healthy females. 2010. PMC.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845588/
- Brendler T, et al. Astaxanthin: How much is too much? A safety review. 2019. PubMed.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31788888/
- Tan KW, et al. Daily consumption of a fruit and vegetable smoothie alters facial skin color. 2015. PLOS ONE.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0133445
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Supplements can affect individuals differently and may interact with medications or medical conditions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement routine, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications. If you have symptoms or concerns, seek medical care. No salmon or flamingos were harmed writing this blog post. 😉
