If you’re a beauty enthusiast, chances are you’ve come across the buzz around antioxidants in your skincare routine. And while you may have tried your fair share of antioxidant-rich products, have you heard of resveratrol? This little gem is found naturally in certain foods like red grapes, and yes, it’s hiding even in your favorite glass of red wine. But resveratrol isn’t just a run-of-the-mill ingredient for wine lovers—it’s a skincare powerhouse that offers numerous benefits for your skin.
In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about resveratrol, from its origins to how it boosts your skincare routine. So sit back, pour yourself a glass of that beloved vino (after all, we’re talking about resveratrol here), and get ready to discover this miracle molecule.
What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is an antioxidant naturally found in a variety of tasty treats, including grapes, berries, peanuts, and even dark chocolate. It’s a member of the polyphenolic compound family, basically the rockstar group of compounds with the richest sources of antioxidants found in nature.[1][2] More exciting still, as a fat-soluble compound with low molecular weight, resveratrol can cross the skin barrier and penetrate into deeper layers of the skin when applied topically.
Resveratrol benefits for skin
In the context of skincare, resveratrol is best known for its ability to neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, but there is way more resveratrol can do for the skin. Here we take a closer look at these benefits.
Supports healthy aging
Resveratrol has the potential to improve skin aging by scavenging free radicals. These harmful molecules, found in sources like UV and pollution, break down the body’s DNA, which affects the skin’s integrity and makes it lose firmness. Moreover, resveratrol goes the extra mile and actually supports the production of collagen and elastin, proteins needed for the skin to stay youthful.[3]
Anti-inflammatory
Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a powerful solution for a range of skin issues, including acne and eczema. By targeting the underlying inflammation that contributes to these conditions, resveratrol soothes and calms the skin, reducing redness and swelling.
Treats discoloration
Do sun spots or post-acne blemishes not let you enjoy even-toned skin? Resveratrol might be just what you need to achieve a bright complexion. It not only protects from sun-induced discoloration thanks to its ability to neutralize free radicals but is an inhibitor of pigment-producing cells.
Are you familiar with melanin? It’s the body’s natural defense system against sun damage. But here’s the thing: too much sun exposure can throw this system off balance and cause an excess of pigment in cells that lead to hyperpigmentation. Resveratrol goes straight to the source of dark spots by putting a stop to melanin. It does that by reducing the activity of tyrosinase, which is the enzyme behind skin-darkening pigment production.[4]
One study comparing the effects of various skin-lightening agents, including hydroquinone, vitamin C, and arbutin, found that resveratrol is the most potent tyrosinase inhibitor.[5] When participants applied a 1% resveratrol twice a day for eight weeks, the results were nothing short of amazing—significant brightening effects without irritation.
Benefits skin repair
Resveratrol can activate sirtuins, a group of proteins involved in various cellular processes, including aging and longevity. Sirtuins activation by resveratrol has been found to promote cellular repair and rejuvenation, enhance antioxidant defenses, and improve energy production in our cells.[6] However, more studies are needed to fully understand the extent of its effects and how they translate to specific skincare benefits.
Oral vs. topical resveratrol
When it comes to reaping the skin benefits of resveratrol, you have two options: taking it orally or applying it topically.
Studies have shown that oral resveratrol can activate sirtuins—these cool proteins that play a role in things like aging and longevity. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are great for overall well-being. On the other hand, topical application has more targeted effects on the skin, reducing oxidative stress, protecting against UV damage, reducing hyperpigmentation, and stimulating collagen production. Plus, it can also provide more immediate benefits like brightening and smoothing.
How to incorporate resveratrol into your skincare routine
You can use resveratrol-infused products before bed or in the morning. However, we recommend using it in your nighttime routine to allow it to work with the skin’s repairing process that takes place while you sleep. Just make sure to have your skin prepped and primed to get the most out of the restorative benefits. Start by washing your face to create a clean canvas for optimal absorption. Keep in mind to follow up with sunscreen in the morning to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
As a versatile ingredient, resveratrol can be used with most actives in skincare, including retinol, vitamin C, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid.
Use resveratrol with vitamin C for the pinnacle of protection
Resveratrol and vitamin C are one of the best combos for your skin. When these two antioxidants meet in your routine, they work in tandem to scavenge free radicals, firm the skin and brighten dark patches. It’s best to use your resveratrol serum in your nighttime routine since it’s light-sensitive and vitamin C serum in the morning. By using vitamin C in the AM and resveratrol in the PM, you’ll be giving yourself round-the-clock protection from everything from sun damage to blemishes.
Use resveratrol with glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation
It was shown that resveratrol provides more powerful brightening effects when used with glycolic acid.[7] It’s assumed that resveratrol reduces the production of new melanin while glycolic acid removes the skin cells that previously accumulated melanin. This combination was found to decrease the pigment level and minimize discoloration by 32% in eight weeks.
Side effects
Resveratrol is suitable for all skin types and gentle enough to be used twice daily, even by sensitive complexions. However, ask your dermatologist before making resveratrol a part of your skincare routine if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have super-sensitive skin.
Other concerns
Resveratrol is an unstable molecule that quickly oxidizes when exposed to sunlight and heat. We recommend opting for products that come in opaque packaging to minimize exposure to light and preserve the stability and effectiveness of resveratrol for longer.
Additionally, store resveratrol in a dark place where light can’t reach. When using resveratrol during the day, make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield it from UV so it doesn’t lose potency.
Does resveratrol in red wine improve skin?
While sipping on a glass of red wine can be a delightful experience, relying on it for skincare benefits is not the best idea. Sure, red wine contains a smidge of resveratrol, but let’s put things into perspective.
The concentration of resveratrol in red wine is relatively low. Red wines, specifically Pinot noir from France, typically contain 0.361-1.972 mg of resveratrol per liter.[8] To hit that reference dose of 500mg of resveratrol, you’d need to drink a lot of wine. We’re talking about downing anywhere from 100 to 1000 glasses per day. It’s a scene straight out of a wine lover’s wildest dreams, but definitely not the healthiest approach.
For more targeted effects, consider exploring topical skincare products or dietary supplements specifically formulated with concentrated and bioavailable forms of resveratrol.
References
Women’s Concepts uses reliable sources, including dermatologists’ insights, clinical trials, and scientific journals, to find accurate information and support all the facts shared in our articles. All statements and claims have clear and legit references. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our sources of information, our process of researching and fact-checking the content, and how our team strives to keep all articles updated, completed, and trustworthy.
- Ratz-Łyko A, Arct J. Resveratrol as an active ingredient for cosmetic and dermatological applications: a review. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2019;21(2):84-90. doi: 10.1080/14764172.2018.1469767. Epub 2018 May 8. PMID: 29737899.
- Oregon State University, Micronutrient Information Center, Resveratrol
- Leis K, Pisanko K, Jundziłł A, Mazur E, Mêcińska-Jundziłł K, Witmanowski H. Resveratrol as a factor preventing skin aging and affecting its regeneration. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2022 Jun;39(3):439-445. doi: 10.5114/ada.2022.117547. Epub 2022 Jul 15. PMID: 35950117; PMCID: PMC9326919.
- Boo YC. Human Skin Lightening Efficacy of Resveratrol and Its Analogs: From in Vitro Studies to Cosmetic Applications. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Aug 22;8(9):332. doi: 10.3390/antiox8090332. PMID: 31443469; PMCID: PMC6770230.
- Na JI, Shin JW, Choi HR, Kwon SH, Park KC. Resveratrol as a Multifunctional Topical Hypopigmenting Agent. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Feb 22;20(4):956. doi: 10.3390/ijms20040956. PMID: 30813264; PMCID: PMC6412432.
- Mohar DS, Malik S. The Sirtuin System: The Holy Grail of Resveratrol? J Clin Exp Cardiolog. 2012 Nov;3(11):216. doi: 10.4172/2155-9880.1000216. PMID: 23560248; PMCID: PMC3613783.
- Jo DJ, Seok JK, Kim SY, Park W, Baek JH, Kim YM, Boo YC. Human skin-depigmenting effects of resveratryl triglycolate, a hybrid compound of resveratrol and glycolic acid. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2018 Apr 16. doi: 10.1111/ics.12458. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 29663438.
- Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Resveratrol: How Much Wine Do You Have to Drink to Stay Healthy? Adv Nutr. 2016 Jul 15;7(4):706-18. doi: 10.3945/an.115.011627. PMID: 27422505; PMCID: PMC4942868.
