As the skincare enthusiast that you are, you’ve definitely heard of antioxidants. And you may have come across or tried your fair share of antioxidant-rich skincare products. However, did you know an antioxidant called resveratrol occurs naturally? Also, this antioxidant comes in your favorite glass of red wine! The following is all you need to know about resveratrol, including its use and benefits for the skin.
What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a compound with high antioxidant properties found in a wide variety of plants. While most people know resveratrol comes from the skin and seeds of red grapes, resveratrol can also be found in peanuts, blueberries, mulberries, and raspberries. The most researched benefit of resveratrol is that it offsets free radical damage, which is a major contributor to skin aging. So, in a nutshell, resveratrol slows the aging of the skin, reduces fine lines, and minimizes skin dullness.
Resveratrol for skin
But there’s much more resveratrol can do, delivering an amalgam of skin-friendly properties. Let’s take a closer look at these benefits.
Skin aging
Resveratrol has the potential to slow down the skin’s aging process. We lose our natural elastin and collagen as we get older, making the skin appear wrinkled due to losing elasticity and firmness. Free radicals are the main culprits, as they cause damage to skin tissues, reducing the production of proteins necessary for the integrity of the skin. However, resveratrol protects the skin against premature aging by neutralizing free radicals, preventing the degradation of collagen and elastin. Plus, it increases the level of antioxidants in the body, meaning it boosts the natural defense system against external aggressors.
Skin inflammation
The skin is the most exposed part of our body, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage. This exposure causes the skin to show adverse reactions such as redness, itching, and swelling. Since resveratrol is a soothing antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce skin inflammation and alleviate irritations when applied topically.
Rough, dry skin
Dry skin affects everyone at some point, whether it’s due to a medical condition or the environment. The good news, though, is that resveratrol can improve skin texture as well as boost hydration, and enhance skin suppleness. Besides its collagen-stimulating power (great for soothing dry skin) and free radical scavaging ability, resveratrol can also improve skin hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss.
Environmental aggressors
Free radicals form in the skin as a result of exposure to certain environmental stressors such as UV radiation from the sun, pollution, and smoke. From inflammation to accelerated aging and wrinkled skin, the skin absorbs it all. Since resveratrol contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, the skin is protected from damage caused by exposure to environmental elements.
Uneven skin tone
Resveratrol is also a great skin brightener since it’s a potent antioxidant. Are you familiar with melanin? It’s the skin-darkening pigment the body uses as a defensive mechanism to protect itself from sun damage. But when the skin is exposed to the sun for too long, it causes an excess of melanin in skin cells, leading to dark patches and discolorations. Resveratrol was found to even out skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation by increasing the body’s antioxidant power so it won’t have to produce extra melanin for defense. Additionally, resveratrol also directly inhibits melanin synthesis by reducing tyrosinase activity, the enzyme responsible for pigment production.
How to use resveratrol for skincare
You can make resveratrol a part of your skincare by either taking supplements or applying it to the skin. However, the latter is generally considered better for skincare benefits. This is because you have to take lots of supplements to get visible changes, while topical use of resveratrol can deliver transformative results in less than a month.
You can use resveratrol before night or in the morning. Either way, make sure your skin is exfoliated and toned before applying resveratrol. This ensures optimum absorption and, as a result, maximum benefits. Resveratrol is also found in all sorts of products, from cleansers and toners to serums and moisturizers, so it’s pretty easy to add it to your routine. Furthermore, you can use resveratrol in combination with most actives in skincare, including retinol, vitamin C and glycolic acid.
Is it safe?
Resveratrol is considered suitable for all skin types and gentle enough to be used twice daily. However, ask your dermatologist before making resveratrol a part of your skincare routine if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have super sensitive skin.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, resveratrol is an excellent naturally occurring antioxidant with plenty of benefits for the skin. So, go ahead and keep your skin protected, hydrated, and rejuvenated with resveratrol.
