Resveratrol Key Facts
Rating: Best.
(Best / Excellent / Good / Average / Not Recommended)
Origin: Natural.
(Natural / Synthetic)
Vegan: Yes.
(Yes / No)
Functions: anti-ageing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, UV protector, skin brightening agent, radiance booster.
Suitability: all skin types including sensitive skin.
What is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a phytoalexin polyphenol naturally found in the skin of red grapes, berries, tomatoes and nuts. Studies showed that resveratrol has neuroprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-ageing and antiproliferative properties.
There are two forms of resveratrol, cis-resveratrol and trans-resveratrol. Trans-resveratrol is the most biologically active form of resveratrol and hence most potent.
Resveratrol in Skincare
Resveratrol is mostly incorporated in skincare products for the antioxidant and anti-ageing effects. Trans-resveratrol has been shown to be able to penetrate the skin barrier and therefore it is very effective.
The Benefits of Resveratrol in Skincare
1. Resveratrol Protects Skin From Free Radical and UV Damage
Excessive UV exposure is known to cause serious damage to the skin including DNA damage which can lead to the development of skin cancer. UV rays trigger the formation of harmful molecules known as free radicals which can cause oxidative damage. Studies showed that resveratrol is a super antioxidant, capable of neutralising free radicals and preventing oxidative damage better than vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, gallic acid, ellagic acid and idebenone.
2. Resveratrol Prevents Skin Inflammation
Inflammation is a major contributor to skin ageing. A study by University of Seville in Spain showed that resveratrol prevents and reduces inflammation. Clinical investigations indicated that resveratrol reduces the expression of inflammatory factors.
3. Resveratrol boosts skin radiance and fades hyperpigmentation
UV rays and hormonal changes can trigger the excess production of melanin in the skin and cause hyperpigmentation. Studies showed that resveratrol prevents the excess production of melanin in the skin. Resveratrol fades hyperpigmentation and other visible signs of ageing in the skin such as wrinkles and fine lines. Resveratrol also promotes a more even, radiant skin tone.
4. Resveratrol increases the production of collagen in the skin
Studies showed that resveratrol increases the production of collagen in the skin including collagen type 1, collagen type 2 and collagen type 3. Collagen type 1 is known to have excellent wound healing properties. Both collagen type 1 and collagen type 3 are very crucial to skin health, strength, firmness and elasticity. Collagen type 2 doesn't provide benefits to skin as much as collagen type 1 and 3; however, like with other type of collagens, collagen type 2 gives skin its structure, shape and volume.
Can all skin types benefit from Resveratrol?
Yes, all skin types can benefit from resveratrol in skincare products. Fragile skin around the eyes which is particularly prone to premature ageing and damage including photoageing can greatly benefit from resveratrol in skincare products.
Can you use Resveratrol skincare products during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes certainly you can. Using resveratrol skincare products is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, however, taking resveratrol supplement is not generally recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Is there any ingredient recommended to be used together with resveratrol?
Yes, there are some skincare ingredients which work synergistically with resveratrol in skincare formulas such as peptides and 24 karat gold.
When is the best time to use resveratrol skincare products?
Resveratrol is not phototoxic. In fact, resveratrol helps prevent photoageing. You can use resveratrol skincare products at anytime during the day and night.
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AGEless Serum learn more >>>
Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Specialist with 3 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list.
Scientific Sources: (1) A comparative study of anti-aging properties and mechanism: resveratrol and caloric restriction, Oncotarget, 2017 Sep 12, 8(39): 65717–65729. (2) Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Resveratrol: Mechanistic Insights, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018 Jun, 19(6): 1812. (3) The Grape Antioxidant Resveratrol for Skin Disorders: Promise, Prospects, and Challenges, Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2011 Apr 15, 508(2): 164–170. (4) Protective Effects of Resveratrol against UVA-Induced Damage in ARPE19 Cells, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2015 Mar, 16(3): 5789–5802. (5) Resveratrol as a Multifunctional Topical Hypopigmenting Agent, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 February 2019. (6) Resveratrol protects human skin from damage due to repetitive ultraviolet irradiation, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 27(3), January 2012. (7) Multiplicity of effects and health benefits of resveratrol, ScienceDirect, 7April 2016. (8) Resveratrol: a unique antioxidant offering a multi-mechanistic approach for treating aging skin, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013 Dec, 12(12): 1389-94. (9) Resveratrol as an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging agent: mechanisms and clinical implications, Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2005 May, 49(5): 405-30. (10) Evaluation of efficacy and tolerance of a nighttime topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin, and vitamin e for treatment of mild to moderately photodamaged skin, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014 Dec, 13(12): 1467-72. (11) Anti-aging properties of resveratrol: review and report of a potent new antioxidant skin care formulation, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008 Mar, 7(1): 2-7. (12) The Repeated Administration of Resveratrol Has Measurable Effects on Circulating T-Cell Subsets in Humans, Oxidative Medicine Cellular Longevity, 2017: 6781872. (13) Human Skin Lightening Efficacy of Resveratrol and Its Analogs: From in Vitro Studies to Cosmetic Applications, Antioxidants (Basel), 2019 Aug 22, 8(9). (14) Health Effects of Resveratrol: Results from Human Intervention Trials, Nutrients, 2018 Dec, 10(12): 1892. (15) Resveratrol as a factor preventing skin aging and affecting its regeneration, Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 2022 Jun; 39(3): 439–445. (16) Resveratrol as an active ingredient for cosmetic and dermatological applications: a review, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2019;21(2):84-90. (17) Anti-Inflammatory Action and Mechanisms of Resveratrol, Molecules, 2021 Jan; 26(1): 229.