Carotenoids, particularly astaxanthin, and lycopene, are main component of the After Sun Lotion with carotenoids (new). They add significant antioxidant, regenerative and protective effects. Lycopene is also part of cranberry-tomato face regeneration oil, a representative of the so-called super-cool “anti-age” cosmetics.
What actually are carotenoids?
They are organic pigments providing some fruit’s and vegetables their bright red, orange or yellow colour. But they are also found in broccoli and other dark green vegetables, where yellow - orange pigment is lower than the green pigment chlorophyll. Carotenoids are among the most powerful natural antioxidants. These include beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin and kryptoxantin.
They occur mainly in fruits and vegetables, but also in marine algae and certain types of fungi and bacteria. For example, alpha-carotene is contained in carrots and pumpkin, high amount of lycopene can be found in red fruits, particularly tomatoes, watermelon, cranberries and red grapefruit. Lutein and zeaxanthin are abundant in dark green vegetables, pumpkin and red peppers and kryptoxantin is found in mango, oranges, or peaches.
Why is it important to "eat colourfully”
The most important factor of carotenoids is their significant antioxidant effect, and thus the ability to protect cells from damage by free radicals. Medical studies also shows that carotenoids reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate and lung cancer, providing protection against heart disease, improve eyesight and protect against harmful UV rays, harmonizing the menstrual cycle, improve overall immunity and slow the aging process.
All of this is the reason why we should "eat colourfully”. Not only do fresh fruits of different colors look beautiful on the plate, but also are very beneficial to our health and youthful looks.
How to maximise the profit of carotenoids?
Together with them, consume small amounts of fat, preferably good quality cold pressed vegetable oils, which promote the absorption and utilization. The body absorb more carotenoids if the "carotenoids diet" is divided into two or more smaller meals throughout the day. Large doses of carotenoids may sometimes result in orange skin colour, especially on the palms and feet (not need to worry as it will gradually disappear).
Triple protection against UV-radiation
Carotenoids are also "top natural dermatologist" for our skin, especially due to their ability to effectively protect it from UV-radiation in three ways:
1st. Carotenoids are deposited in the skin, creating a layer of pigment that protects the lower layers of skin from unwanted UV radiation damage. They create an efficient filter, which does not allow harmful rays to penetrate to the sensitive lower layers of skin. Skin pigmentation due to formation of the layer gets bronze color without having to over-exposure to sunlight. They offer an ideal way to a healthy and a nice tan.
2nd. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants, protecting the body against free radicals. Antioxidants are increasingly being created under the influence of irradiation of UV-rays. In addition to these effects on the body, antioxidants effectively promote flexibility and suppleness of the skin, which is very important when tanning, in which there is otherwise rapid lost of its elasticity, and hence its drying and subsequent formation of wrinkles. When tanning with carotenoids, the skin remain supple, soft and velvet.
3rd. Carotenoids as antioxidants strengthen the immune system, which will then remove more damaged and cancerous cells which cause is often the UV radiation, and thus also significantly reduce the risk of cancer and slow the aging process.
Unique carotenoids Astaxanthin
Special attention deserves Astaxanthin, a carotenoids "unique class”, which studies show that it is 500 times more effective antioxidant than vitamin E, is 10 times more effective than beta-carotene and also can support the effectiveness of vitamins C and E. It is the red pigment found in micro-algae Haematococcus pluvialis, and also in yeast, salmon, trout, shrimp, shellfish and some birds. Unlike other carotenoids, astaxanthin in the human body doesn’t change to vitamin A, thus preventing the dreaded toxic overdose of vitamin A. Due to the unique structure can effectively protect the cell membrane, thus providing better overall protection of the cells. At the same time strengthens the muscles, promotes athletic performance and endurance, improves eyesight and helps with digestive disorders. Astaxanthin has invaluable importance for skin health and vitality - even more than other carotenoids protects it from UV radiation, promotes the hydration and improves its elasticity and firmness and helps restore skin protective hydro-lipid film.
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