Novel topical antioxidant serum comprising of vitamin C, turmeric, and astaxanthin may improve overall skin quality

In their study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the researchers found that twice-daily application of the test article (Asta C™ Vitamin C Age Defense Serum, Dr Whitney Bowe Beauty) improved overall skin quality, and the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, radiance, and hyperpigmentation of the skin and was safe, well-tolerated.

The researchers highlighted the use of this product to not only benefit the face but the chest and neck as well

Environmental factors such as pollution, infrared light, visible light, and ultraviolet light exacerbate the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage skin cells' lipids, proteins, and DNA. ROS formed by these extrinsic factors can be neutralized by supplementing the skin before they can damage the skin.

According to the authors, the study will be one of the first of its kind published in the literature. Very few cosmeceuticals have the backing of clinical evidence or published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, particularly vitamin C serums. To date, the very limited studies that have been conducted, including those that remain unpublished but are referenced in marketing materials only, are limited to an older cohort of Caucasian subjects.

Asta C™ Vitamin C Age Defense Serum is a combination of THD ascorbate, 3-O-Ethyl ascorbic acid, fermented turmeric, astaxanthin, and vitamin E (tocopherol) to provide the skin with a comprehensive blend of water-soluble and lipid-soluble antioxidants in a well-tolerated, stable, and clinically effective topical serum meant for twice daily use.

Whitney P. Bowe, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA, and colleagues explore the efficacy and safety of this novel topical formulation of antioxidants designed to fight free radical damage and improve overall skin quality.

The efficacy and safety of the test article was evaluated in 32 subjects for 12 weeks. The researchers enrolled healthy female subjects aged 35–60 with mild to moderate fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation/uneven skin tone. Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, all skin types (dry, normal, combination, oily), and subjects with sensitive skin were included.

By the end of the 12-week study period, all subjects showed improvement in overall skin quality (face, neck, and chest). At week 12, one hundred per cent of subjects demonstrated improvement in the appearance of fine lines.

"The current clinical study demonstrates that Asta C™ is safe, well-tolerated, and effective in improving overall skin quality, and the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, radiance, and hyperpigmentation of the skin," the researchers concluded.