The Sun's Out. So Is the Secret to UV and Sun Support from Within.

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new conversation in sun care is emerging — one that goes beyond the surface and into the science of supporting skin from within with microalgae. Nutrex Hawaii, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cyanotech Corporation and producer of BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin, is leading that evolution with more than 40 years of natural microalgae cultivation, research, and innovation on Hawaii's Kona Coast.
For years, health guidance has focused on external protection - sunscreen, hats, UV clothing, and sunglasses. That's smart. But science has evolved — and so has understanding of support from within.
Share
'For years, public health guidance has focused on external protection — sunscreen, shade, hats, protective clothing, and sunglasses. That's smart and we agree. Everyone on our Hawaiian farm follows these practices,' said Collette Kakuk, Chief Strategic Officer at Nutrex Hawaii. 'But science has evolved — and so has our understanding of skin support from within.'
The Science Behind the Shield.
BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin is one of nature's most powerful antioxidants and works in two ways to help protect skin under the sun:
Neutralizes UV-induced free radicals, supporting healthy inflammation response, collagen integrity, and skin elasticity
Accumulates in the skin's layers, embedding in cell membranes to deliver continuous, inside-out defense before damage begins
With only 6–12mg daily (one small softgel), BioAstin® Hawaiian Astaxanthin® builds resilience and provides antioxidant support from within ☨ after about 3 to 4 weeks.
Not a Sunscreen Replacement — A Sun Care Reinforcement
Skin cancer is on the rise globally, with the United States consistently ranking among the highest reported cases. According to National Cancer Institute estimates, there were 100,640 new cases of skin melanomas and 8,290 related deaths in the United States in 2024. The American Academy of Dermatology Association estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Finally, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
The following have long been advocated for with regard to sun safety:
Using broad-spectrum, reef-safe sunscreen
Wearing a wide brimmed hat & protective clothing
Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses
Seeking shade during peak hours
BioAstin® doesn't aim to replace these measures — but to reinforce them. 'Internal support fills a critical gap in modern sun care,' said Kakuk. 'It's not a replacement for sunscreen, but a crucial internal layer of adjunctive UV and sun support for responsible sun care — especially given how sunscreen is used in the real world: it sweats off, washes off, gets missed in spots, or isn't reapplied as often as it should be.'
More Than Skin Deep: Full-Body Support for Life Under the Sun
As an antioxidant 6,000x stronger than Vitamin C — BioAstin® helps provide internal support against UV and sun exposure ☨ — it's also one of the rare natural antioxidants capable of crossing both the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers, entering deep into the mitochondria, our cellular engines where energy is produced and oxidative damage is most critical.
This extraordinary bioactivity supports a wide range of clinically documented benefits for full-body wellness, including eye, skin, joint, heart, and brain health ☨, as well as post-exercise recovery ☨ and cellular support ☨.
'Here in Hawaii, we've long known BioAstin® provides powerful internal antioxidant support. From beach goers, lifeguards, surfers, and tourists to outdoor workers and healthy agers, we're proud to expand the sun care conversation with superior microalgae that supports the body in much the same way it functions in nature,' said Kakuk.
Nature's Blueprint for Sun Defense: Biomimicry in Action
In the natural world, the freshwater microalga Haematococcus pluvialis faces harsh environmental stress, including intense UV radiation from the sun. To survive, it produces high levels of astaxanthin, a powerful red carotenoid antioxidant, to form a protective barrier against UV damage and oxidation.
This same mechanism is what makes astaxanthin so extraordinary for humans. The way astaxanthin protects microalgae from UV-induced stress in nature is the same way it works within the human body — helping to support skin from within. It's a striking example of biomimicry, where nature's survival strategies are mirrored in how it functions in the body.
'In nature, this unique microalgae survives intense UV stress by producing astaxanthin — a powerful antioxidant and striking example of biomimicry,' said Dr. Gerry Cysewski, PhD, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Nutrex Hawaii. 'I've spent my career studying and cultivating these remarkable organisms because of their unique biochemical properties and continually unfolding potential. Supporting our bodies under the sun with the same molecule nature uses to protect its own life forms isn't just smart science — it's common sense.'
BioAstin harnesses this biological brilliance with natural astaxanthin farm grown outdoors — never synthetic or bio-identical versions produced in labs under LED lights. BioAstin is cultivated in sustainable, open-air ponds on Hawaii's Kona Coast, where intense natural sunlight triggers the microalga's defense response to produce astaxanthin.
A Legacy Rooted in Science, Sustainability, and Hawaii
Nutrex Hawaii is one of Hawaii's longest-standing farm-based supplement brands, having sustainably cultivated microalgae on the Kona Coast for over 40 years. Every harvest is traceable, rigorously tested, and grown with care using sustainable aquaculture practices in one of the world's sunniest climates.
See Where It's Grown – Video Link
About Nutrex Hawaii: For over 40 years, Nutrex Hawaii has sustainably cultivated microalgae to support health and wellness. Grown on a purpose-built 96-acre farm on the pristine Kona Coast of Hawaii, its flagship products— BioAstin® Hawaiian Astaxanthin® and Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica® —are trusted worldwide. Nutrex Hawaii products are distributed across the United States and internationally through natural and specialty retailers, healthcare professionals, and e-commerce platforms including Amazon.com and nutrex-hawaii.com.
☨ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Business Wire

28 minutes ago

• Business Wire

Susan G. Komen ® Invests Nearly $11 Million to Accelerate Breakthroughs in Breast Cancer Research

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Susan G. Komen ®, the world's leading breast cancer organization, announced today that it is awarding $10.8 million in new research grants that will help propel innovative science and deliver hope to those facing the disease. These research grants support 25 cutting-edge projects at 17 prestigious institutions — marking a powerful commitment to improving outcomes for people living with breast cancer today and in the future. 'We are proud to support these exceptional researchers who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in breast cancer science,' said Paula Schneider, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen. 'Research saves lives, and now more than ever, we must invest in science that brings hope to patients — especially those facing the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.' Through this research investment, Komen is prioritizing the most pressing challenges facing patients, including metastatic breast cancer, health inequities and the need for more precise, personalized treatment strategies to improve care and outcomes for everyone impacted by breast cancer. Key Highlights of Komen's 2025 Research Investment: 54% of funding targets metastatic breast cancer — the most advanced stage of the disease, responsible for the nearly 43,000 deaths each year in the U.S. 50% focused on precision medicine to tailor treatments to each patient's unique biology. 21% invested in addressing disparities to eliminate inequities in breast cancer care and outcomes. 25 researchers funded, including 10 early-career investigators, representing the next generation of scientific leaders. 'Komen's commitment to breast cancer research comes at a pivotal time and will drive meaningful advances in our understanding of the disease and care of patients,' said Ann Partridge, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Scientific Advisor for Komen. 'By fueling science that is both innovative and inclusive, we're accelerating progress where patients need it most — while building a foundation for individualized care for all.' Komen is the largest nonprofit funder of breast cancer research outside the U.S. government, investing nearly $1.1 billion since its inception. Unlike many research institutions, Komen's work is powered entirely by the generosity of individual donors, corporate partners and community supporters. 'Investing in top scientific talent is one of the most powerful ways we can drive progress,' said Jennifer A. Pietenpol, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Advisor for Komen. 'Komen's commitment, especially to early-career researchers, cultivates a vibrant ecosystem where bold ideas and pioneering research can thrive, accelerating our path toward the cures we urgently seek.' REACHing Deeper into Research Advocacy Komen's commitment to research goes beyond funding — it includes empowering people to bring their lived experiences into the heart of science. Through its recently launched REACH (Research Education and Advocate Community Hub) initiative, Komen invites patients, survivors and co-survivors to become research advocates and help shape research. ShareforCures®, Komen's breast cancer registry, provides breast cancer patients and survivors with a new, secure and easy way to share health data to help accelerate breast cancer research. As Komen deepens its investment in research, the need for collaboration — between scientists, clinicians, advocates and patients — has never been greater. Through strategic funding, innovative patient-centric scientific programs, robust advocacy programs, education and patient support services, Susan G. Komen is leading the way so patients can benefit from scientific breakthroughs and receive the care they need to live longer, healthier lives. Recipients of Komen Grants Recipients of Career Catalyst Research Grants Chun-Kan Chen, PhD, MS, Washington University in St. Louis Miriam Jacobs, MD, Georgetown University Martina Molgora, PhD, MSc., H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Inc. Daniel O'Neil, MD, MPH, Yale University Claire Sathe, MD, JD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center Na Zhao, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine Recipients of Career Transition Awards Charles Dai, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital Avantika Gupta, PhD, MSc, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Alissa Michel, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center Veena Padmanaban, PhD, MS, The Rockefeller University Recipients of Leadership Grants Alan Ashworth, PhD, University of California, San Francisco Tuya Pal, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Rulla Tamimi, ScD, MS, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Kornelia Polyak, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Christina Curtis, PhD, MSc, Stanford University School of Medicine Jeffrey Rosen, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine Tracy Battaglia, MD, Yale University Allison Kurian, MD, MSc, Stanford University School of Medicine Nancy Lin, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Recipients of Opportunity Grants Filipa Lynce, MD, Dana Farber Cancer Institute Michele Cote, PhD, MPH, Indiana University Antonio Wolff, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Recipient of Scientific Strategy and Programs Grant Adrian Lee, PhD, University of Pittsburgh To learn more about Komen's research initiatives, visit To explore how you can get involved with REACH (Research Education and Advocate Community Hub), visit About Susan G. Komen ® Susan G. Komen ® is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures. Visit or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at

Time Business News

an hour ago

• Time Business News

Plastic-Free and Toxin-Free Living: A Safer Choice for You and Your Family

You may not know this, but we are all exposed to plastics and chemicals in our daily lives. Whether it's plastic bottles and containers for food, plastic pens, or even household cleaning spray, it's full of potentially dangerous chemicals. Each week, we consume about 0.1-5 grams of microplastics. That's the equivalent of one small bread crumb. According to the National Institutes of Health , 90% of Americans have BPA (a toxic chemical) in their bodies. Families have become concerned about these issues and have begun to eliminate plastics and toxic products in their homes to help support a healthy lifestyle. Parents especially want to make sure their children grow up in an environment that supports them. Even little changes, such as drinking out of a reusable water bottle or using natural cleaning products, help minimize the exposure to dangerous chemicals each day. Living this way means making choices that avoid plastic and harmful chemicals. This includes switching to glass, metal, or bamboo products, using natural fabrics, and reading labels carefully. Many plastics contain chemicals that can leak into food, water, or skin over time. It is not always easy to see or smell these chemicals, but they can still enter your body. In addition, many soaps, body sprays, or shampoos contain strong artificial ingredients that can irritate the skin or cause other problems. A safe option is to choose natural or organic products that are made with ingredients you can identify. The problem of plastic and toxic objects is not just about the environment – it also affects your health. According to the World Health Organization , some plastics used in packaging, baby bottles, and toys can release chemicals when they get hot or begin to break down. These chemicals can cause problems with growth, sleep, and memory. Toxins in household products such as air fresheners, washing remedies, and kitchen cleaners can also damage the lungs or skin, especially for young children and pets. Some common things to be careful with include: Non-stick cooking pans Plastic bottles Shower curtain made with PVC Artificial scents in spray or creams Making a big switch overnight is tough. But starting with a few steps can make a real difference. Here are simple actions anyone can take: Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic for food storage. Choose wooden or metal toys for kids instead of plastic ones. Buy natural cleaning products or make your own with vinegar and baking soda. Switch to bar soaps that come in paper packaging instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles. Avoid buying food in plastic wrap when possible, and choose fresh produce or items in paper packaging. By doing these things, you lower the risk of touching or breathing in harmful chemicals every day. Switching to a plastic-free and toxin-free lifestyle helps to lower the number of chemicals that come into contact with your body every day. It can also help you feel better. Many families say that they breathe more easily, sleep better, and have fewer skin or allergy problems after switching. Other benefits include: Minor waste from disposable plastic Cleaner indoor air Longer-lasting home items More natural options in your diet and routine In the long term, it helps to choose safer products for both the family and the planet. Many people check food labels, but forget to look at what they use on their skin or in their homes. Creams, shampoo, and spray go straight into the body, and the skin can absorb many of the ingredients. Some clothing and bedding materials also have coatings that include strong chemicals. Switching to organic cotton, wool, or bamboo materials is a safer way to dress and rest. Look for brands that do not use bleach or artificial scents. This is especially useful for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Children and pets spend a lot of time on the floor, chewing or licking objects, or playing with toys. Because of this, they have a higher risk of touching plastic or unsafe objects. Young bodies are still growing, and their systems can be affected more than adults. Keeping your home safer does not mean using more. Reusable objects often last longer and reduce the need to continue to buy new ones. This can save money over time while also cutting down on garbage. Some online stores are working hard to help families live more safely. They make it easier to find household and personal items that don't have plastic or harmful substances. One such place is Ecolove, a shop that supports plastic-free and toxin-free living by offering safer alternatives for you and your home. From kitchen essentials to baby products, they focus on items that are healthier for people and better for the Earth. Buying from places that value safety and quality helps make a bigger impact. It also supports businesses that care about people, not just profit. Living safely doesn't have to be hard. By replacing plastic and chemical-filled products with safer ones, you can protect your family's health and help reduce waste in the world. Start small and build up from there. Simple swaps like using a bamboo toothbrush or carrying a metal water bottle can lead to lasting change. More and more people are choosing plastic-free and toxin-free living because they want a better future for their children. And every step in that direction counts. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Newsweek

2 hours ago

• Newsweek

Trump Administration Says Health Insurance Move Will Save $12 Billion

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced it is in the final stages of implementing a new rule that it says will "lower individual health insurance premiums" by 5 percent on average. CMS said the move is expected to save American taxpayers up to $12 billion in 2026, by "combating the surge of improper enrollments in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchanges." Concern has been raised by some that these new measures will push many Americans off their health coverage. "They will indeed save government money, but only by throwing off the ACA rolls millions of individuals who deserve to be on," Jonathan Gruber, a professor of economics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told Newsweek. Newsweek has contacted CMS via email for comment. Why It Matters According to a CMS release, the new rules are being brought in to tackle "waste, fraud and abuse" in health insurance markets—an issue that is at the forefront of the Trump administration's policies. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report from 2024 found that $100 billion was discovered in "improper payments" in 2023 across the Medicare and Medicaid programs. While wasteful spending in health insurance markets has been targeted by the administration to lower the tax burden for Americans, critics are concerned that sweeping cuts and changes will only push many off health coverage, subsequently driving up costs in the long-term. File photo: a Department of Health and Human Services form proposed for use to apply for low-cost insurance from Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. File photo: a Department of Health and Human Services form proposed for use to apply for low-cost insurance from Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. J. David Ake/AP What To Know The new regulation, known as the 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule, will target "improper enrollments" in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchanges via a number of measures. It would repeal the monthly special enrollment period (SEP) for individuals with household incomes at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which CMS called was a kind of loophole for unauthorized enrollments. The policy has been "used by some agents and brokers to improperly enroll ineligible consumers and perform unauthorized plan switching to gain commissions," CMS said. Income verification will now be required for most new and auto-renewed enrollments receiving premium subsidies to "ensure people qualify for the premium subsidies they receive," CMS added. There will also be additional eligibility requirements for the majority of enrollments through SEPs, in order to close "loopholes that allowed people to wait to enroll until they needed care," CMS said. In addition, the rule will reduce advanced payments of the premium tax credit (APTC) by $5 a month for auto-renewed plans without eligibility verification. Most of these policy changes are temporary and will expire after the 2026 plan year—they are simply being used as measures to "immediately tamp down on improper enrollments and the improper flow of federal funds," according to CMS. Experts have warned about the impact these measures could have on Americans, with Timothy S. Jost, a professor of law at Washington and Lee University telling Newsweek, "as many as 1.8 million people could lose ACA coverage." "This is an addition to the 4.2 million who will lose coverage because the Congress is not extending the enhanced premium tax credits that were adopted during the Biden administration," he added. Additional actions being made by CMS in regard to ACA Exchanges include a move to ensure federal ACA subsidies will no longer be available "to help cover the cost of specified sex-trait modification procedures to align an individual's physical appearance or body with an asserted identity that differs from the individual's sex." What People Are Saying Jonathan Gruber, a professor of economics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told Newsweek: "This is classic doublespeak. These actions will throw millions of people off the ACA rolls by setting up arbitrary administrative barriers that make it hard to enroll." He added: "There is undoubtably fraud in ACA exchange enrollment. But this is a blunt solution that will remove many deserving enrollees for every undeserving enrollee and lead to hardship for millions." Timothy S. Jost, a professor of law at Washington and Lee University, told Newsweek: "The rules that have just been published will dramatically reduce enrollment in the health insurance exchanges by creating barriers to enrollment leaving many people uninsured. The rules are likely to increase premiums rather than reduce them because the added bureaucratic barriers to enrollment will discourage healthy individuals from enrolling and those covered will be much sicker and more costly. To the extent that rules do reduce premiums for some, it will be primarily because the policies they will be buying will be of lower value, with higher deductibles and co-payments and because the premium tax credits they receive will be reduced." He added: "The rule may reduce government expenditures, but simply because it reduces the number of Americans covered and the value of their coverage. There has been some fraud by brokers in the federal marketplace but this was already being addressed by excluding fraudulent brokers." Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, said: "We are strengthening health insurance markets for American families and protecting taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse. With this rule, we're lowering marketplace premiums, expanding coverage for families, and ensuring that illegal aliens do not receive taxpayer-funded health insurance." Dr. Mehmet Oz, CMS Administrator, said: "CMS is restoring integrity to ACA Exchanges by cracking down on fraud, protecting American taxpayer dollars, and ensuring coverage is there for those who truly need it. This is about putting patients first, stopping exploitation of the system, and realigning the program with the values of personal responsibility and fiscal discipline." What Happens Next The finalized policies will apply to plan years 2025 and 2026, after which they are set to expire.