When it comes to achieving a natural healthy glow on our skin, the secrets often lie beneath the surface or below the ocean waves in the form of Krill. These tiny crustaceans that thrive in the ocean have shown to support radiant, resilient skin!!
Krill is a powerhouse of essential nutrients that have shown to improve skin TEWL (The amount of water vapor evaporating from the surface of the skin), hydration and elasticity.[i] Like fish oils, Krill is high in omega-3 essential fatty acids (EPA & DHA), however, it also contains natural levels of astaxanthin which is an antioxidant that has been studied for its potential health benefits.
Astaxanthin can contribute to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby protecting our cells from free radical damage.

Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring red pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family. It is a fat soluble carotenoid therefore it’s absorption is enhanced when taken with lipids(fats) such as found in Krill Oil . It has been hailed the king of antioxidants as its capacity to scavenge free radicals is considered to be up to 6000 x stronger than Vitamin C, 50 times more powerful that Vitamin E in protecting cell membranes. That’s not all, it also has a single oxygen quenching activity stronger than Coenzyme Q10, green tea and beta-carotene!! [ii]
With these anti-aging properties its role in healthy skin makes Astaxanthin[iii] a standout molecule against oxidative stress and skin aging.
One of the effects of wrinkles and ageing can be due to UV induced damage, especially UVA exposure which in excess can result in photoaging by penetrating the skin dermis, resulting in a breaking down of supporting layers such as collagen and elastin. Krill oil, with its naturally produced Astaxanthin possesses photoprotection helping protect and reduce the risk of photo-aging. [iv]
Some of the signs of aging skin include dryness, deep wrinkles, laxity and increased TEWL, therefore supporting skin hydration and protecting it from the environment cannot be underestimated.
Krill oil for skin protection
The combination of naturally occurring astaxanthin and Omega-3 fatty acids in Krill oil, derived from Krill (Euphausia superba) makes it an excellent choice to help support our skin, especially to slow down the signs of ageing . Whilst we cannot switch off the ‘natural’ aging process of the skin, we can limit its damage and slow it down considerably with our diet and lifestyle.
Krill’s omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA come naturally packaged and bound up in phospholipids which are a class of lipids (fats), that are essential components of our cell membranes. The bioavailability of krill is suggested to be higher than fish oil due to its lipid bound casing that allows it direct entry into the cell.
Our skin has many roles, such as providing a vital barrier against physical damage, microbial defense, regulation of temperature, immune defense, regulation of water, Vitamin D synthesis and much more. It is important that we look after this powerful body suit!
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are long chain omega-3 fatty acids primarily found in fish. They play a crucial role in our health such as our cardiovascular system, brain health and energy production.

Omega 3-fatty acids also support our skin in many ways –
- Regulation of the skin’s oil production.
- Inhibiting inflammation, especially from UV light.
- Improves skin hydration and elasticity by supporting the membrane fluidity.
- Improving barrier function and more.
Our body incorporates essential dietary lipids (fats) into our cellular membranes which are made up of phospholipids (fats), that are essential components of the cell. Phospholipids not only have a role in the structure of cell membranes, but also support various functions such as cell signalling, transportation of fats, cell-to-cell communication, digestion and to help form a protective barrier to maintain the integrity and fluidity of the cellular membranes.
EPA and DHA from fish oil supports this delicate lipid layer, therefore helping to maintain the correct level of fluid that can keep the skin hydrated, soft and supple which can be helpful to combat the signs of ageing as well as for cases of dry skin, eczema and atopic dermatitis.[v]
Krill oil’s rich source of nutrients makes it a treasure from the ocean to help hold back the tide of ageing and support healthy skin. It offers us a natural and effective way to enhance the skin’s radiance, vitality and helps us eek out it’s natural beauty.
When supplementing our diet with Antarctic krill oil it is important to choose a product that is free from environmental contaminants and that is sourced by companies that fish within the guidelines set out by the marine stewardship council (MSC), which is an independent nonprofit organization. The MSC focuses on the health of ocean stocks, and how they are managed in addition to assessing the effects of fishing and ocean harvesting on the wider ecosystem, including marine mammals, birds, and fish.
[i] Handeland K, Wakeman M, Burri L. Krill oil supplementation improves transepidermal water loss, hydration and elasticity of the skin in healthy adults: Results from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding pilot studies. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Dec;23(12):4285-4294. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16513. Epub 2024 Aug 21. PMID: 39169540; PMCID: PMC11626371.
[ii] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349527426_Super_Nutritive_Marine_Astaxanthin_an_Effectual_Dietary_Carotenoid_for_Neurodegenerative_Diseases
[iv] Li X, Matsumoto T, Takuwa M, Saeed Ebrahim Shaiku Ali M, Hirabashi T, Kondo H, Fujino H. Protective Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation against Ultraviolet-Induced Photoaging in Hairless Mice. Biomedicines. 2020 Jan 21;8(2):18. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8020018. PMID: 31973028; PMCID: PMC7168265.
[v] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fish-oil-for-skin#risks