We’re pretty good at protecting our skin from the outside. SPF is slathered on religiously, sunglasses are packed alongside our beach bag and we’ve all become rather adept at layering serums, mists and after-sun products when temperatures rise. But there’s another side to summer skin that’s easy to overlook: what’s happening underneath the surface. Because while sunshine might leave us with that much-loved summer glow, UV exposure, heat, dehydration and everyday environmental stressors can also put the skin under pressure. Which is why, as August draws to a close, it could be worth looking beyond your bathroom cabinet and considering how you’re supporting your skin from within.
One ingredient attracting increasing interest is astaxanthin, a naturally occurring red carotenoid produced by microalgae. It’s the pigment responsible for the striking colour of salmon, prawns and flamingos, and is particularly interesting from a beauty perspective because of its antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants help the body deal with oxidative stress, a process caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. UV radiation is one of the factors that can contribute to oxidative stress in the skin, which is one reason antioxidant-rich foods and ingredients have become such a focus in skin health. And there is some intriguing research behind astaxanthin. A systematic review of clinical studies found evidence suggesting that supplementation may improve aspects of skin health including moisture, texture and the appearance of wrinkles, while some studies have also indicated a potential protective effect against UV-induced skin deterioration. However, the researchers noted that many of the trials were relatively small, so more robust research is still needed.
One particularly interesting randomised, placebo-controlled study looked at 23 healthy adults taking 4mg of astaxanthin daily for nine weeks. The researchers found improvements in some measures of UV-related skin deterioration, including skin moisture following UV exposure. Importantly, this doesn’t mean astaxanthin acts as an internal SPF, sunscreen remains absolutely essential, but it does add to the growing interest in how nutrition might complement our external approach to skin protection.
Meet your new inside-out skin ritual
If the idea of supporting your skin from within appeals, GP Nutrition’s Skin Glow Stack brings together two nutrients with complementary roles: AstaPure® astaxanthin and high-strength omega-3.
The astaxanthin capsule provides 7mg of AstaPure® astaxanthin, sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. The formula also includes vitamin C, another antioxidant nutrient. The accompanying Omega 3 provides a minimum of 800mg total omega-3 per softgel, including 500mg EPA and 250mg DHA.
The thinking behind the pairing is rather clever. Astaxanthin is fat-soluble, meaning taking it alongside dietary fat can help with absorption, while omega-3 fatty acids provide important structural components for the body, including the skin. Omega-3s are particularly interesting when it comes to the skin barrier. The outer layer of our skin helps prevent excessive water loss and protects against environmental stressors, and dietary fats are an important part of maintaining healthy skin structure. Research into nutrition and skin health suggests omega-3 fatty acids may have a role in supporting skin barrier function and photoprotection, although they shouldn’t be viewed as a substitute for conventional sun protection.
Why August is actually the perfect time to start
There’s something about August that makes us suddenly notice our skin again. Maybe it’s the slightly drier feel after weeks of sunshine. Maybe it’s the cumulative effect of holidays, long days outdoors, swimming and less-than-perfect hydration. Or perhaps it’s simply that familiar end-of-summer feeling: I want to keep this glow going.
That’s where an inside-out approach makes sense. Rather than waiting until September to start “repairing” your skin, the idea is to think about supporting it consistently now. Alongside the basics – eating a varied diet, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep and, of course, wearing broad-spectrum SPF – nutrients such as omega-3 and antioxidant-rich foods can form part of a more holistic approach to skin health.
And it’s worth remembering that supplements aren’t overnight fixes. GP Nutrition recommends taking the Skin Glow Stack consistently, with both capsules taken alongside your main meal, ideally one containing some healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts or oily fish.
The beauty-from-within approach
Perhaps the most appealing thing about this kind of supplement is that the conversation isn’t really about chasing perfect skin. It’s about supporting something much more fundamental: healthy skin that can do its job well.
Our skin is our largest organ and our first line of defence against the outside world. It has to contend with UV exposure, pollution, temperature changes and the natural ageing process every single day. So rather than thinking of beauty supplements as a shortcut to flawless skin, it makes more sense to see them as one small part of a wider nutritional picture.
And the benefits of the Skin Glow Stack aren’t limited to skin. DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids in the formula, is an important structural component of the retina and brain, while the combination is also designed to support the body’s antioxidant defences.
So, should you add it to your routine?
If you’re already committed to the fundamentals; a good SPF, a varied diet, plenty of water and a decent night’s sleep, adding a targeted supplement could be an interesting next step.
So perhaps this year, don’t wait for September to start thinking about your skin. Keep the SPF on, fill your plate with colourful, nutrient-rich foods, don’t underestimate the importance of healthy fats, and consider whether a little beauty-from-within support could become part of your end-of-summer ritual.
