Resveratrol in Skin Care

Resveratrol in skin care products

Resveratrol is an exciting skin care ingredient, notable for its many beneficial properties like antiaging, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

It is commonly found in wrinkle creams, antiaging treatments, sun protection products, sensitive skin treatments, or acne regimens.

Primarily extracted from plant trimmings, resveratrol is a clean, sustainable, natural, and effective additive into many types of skin care products.

To find out if resveratrol is right for your skin concerns or if it fits into your custom skin care regimen, take our quiz and read below!

What is resveratrol?

Resveratrol in skin care is a plant-derived polyphenol usually found in the skin and seeds of grapes and other berries/legumes like peanuts, blueberries, or cranberries.

It has been identified in nearly 70 species of plants around the world and has notable beneficial qualities in both topical and oral use.

Products containing grapeseed oil, rich in resveratrol, have been used in skin care and food for centuries. (15)

Resveratrol is exciting because it has been proposed to express many anti-cancer functions and antiaging activity that warrant further research. (1)

Extracted as a byproduct of agricultural waste, resveratrol has a very low environmental impact to produce.

You can find our full collection of resveratrol products here!

Benefits of resveratrol

Benefits

Resveratrol is known for a number of beneficial properties including:

Antiaging

Antioxidant

Antibacterial

Anticarcinogenic

Anti-inflammatory

Heart health promoting

Helps mitochondria (91)

Tyrosinase inhibiting

It is frequently studied for its effect on various cancers and tumors. (10,19,20)

Resveratrol has demonstrated UV protective qualities as well as anti-inflammatory qualities in research. (15-18)

Most commonly found in grapes, resveratrol is often considered an aid to heart health when present in products like red wine. (5,13,25-28)

Because of these various useful abilities, resveratrol can be found in countless products designed for wrinkles, inflammation, acne, and more.

Side effects

There are no notable side-effects associated with resveratrol.

It is considered to be of low toxicity (28), meaning it is a clean ingredient.

The only reason not to use resveratrol is if it doesn’t fit into your custom skin care regimen!

Is it safe?

Resveratrol is a natural derivative from grapes and is safe for use in skin care according to the CIR. (92) (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board)

The EWG safety rating for resveratrol is “1,” which means no common concerns are associated with this ingredient.

It is not a likely allergen, and it is safe for use on any skin type. Find your skin type with our quiz today!

Take the Quiz

is resveratrol safe?

Uses

Resveratrol has a variety of uses in skin care, including non-topical applications like supplements.

Resveratrol can be found in moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, antioxidant creams, body lotions, and more.

The main issue with resveratrol is it has low bioavailability, meaning it is processed slowly and inefficiently by the body when unmodified. (28)

Because it is usually processed slowly, it is best combined with ingredients that assist in the delivery and processing of resveratrol in the skin. (51,56)

Studies have found that combining resveratrol with other antioxidant ingredients like vitamin E improves its stability in light and heat. (9)

It has a relatively low shelf life in products when not combined with stabilizing ingredients, typically between 3-6 months. (53)

Even though copious research exists on resveratrol in skin care, more work needs to be done to identify the best complimentary ingredients to deliver it efficiently into the skin.

Issues that limit the effectiveness of resveratrol

Resveratrol in theory is the best skin care ingredient because it has much evidence based research. But, in practice it is not as effective for aging as retinoids and exosomes when used topically.

These are the problems with resveratrol products that limit it’s use in creams and serums:

A high dose is required for benefits

It is an expensive ingredient

It does not absorb well in skin

It has poor shelf life

For these reasons, most people choose to take resveratrol supplements.

Resveratrol is also found in red wine but the dose is not large enough to have major effects even if you drink a lot of red wine.

Resveratrol supplements

Taking supplements made with resveratrol has been shown to contribute to skin health. (42)

There are many benefit to taking oral resveratrol including effects on sirtuin and other aging markers.

Studies have found that oral supplements with this ingredient resulted in skin moisturization and elasticity, as well as lessening of wrinkles. This study concluded that oral supplements containing resveratrol had potential in anti-aging skin care regimens. (42)

However, they are many more much more interesting ongoing studies. We will update here as they become available.

Trans-resveratrol vs cis-resveratrol

What is trans-resveratrol?

There are two primary forms (called isoforms) of resveratrol, trans-resveratrol and cis-resveratrol. (36,37)

They are mirror images of each other but have different effects.

Trans-resveratrol is actually the more commonly used form of resveratrol, it is more stable and expresses more of the beneficial attributes associated with the compound.

The cis form turns into the trans form when exposed to light.

When people are discussing resveratrol in skin care, they are generally referring to trans-resveratrol unless otherwise specified since it is more common.

Resveratrol for specific conditions

Specific conditions

Resveratrol is beneficial for the treatment of concerns like sun damage, wrinkles, keloids, acne, dark spots, sensitive skin, and redness.

It is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compound and can be found in many types of skin care products from sunscreens to wrinkle creams.

If you have specific skin care concerns, be sure to take our skin type quiz to find the best products for your skin type!

Take the Quiz

Sun damage

Resveratrol is helpful for both preventing and treating the effects of sun damage.

This ingredient has been shown to have beneficial interactions with both UVA and UVB radiation, but in different ways.

Studies have found that resveratrol can help induce regulated cell-death (apoptosis) when exposed to UVA radiation. It’s a little complicated, but that basically means that resveratrol helps you get rid of old cells that don’t function properly. (3)

Resveratrol also protects against UVB radiation through multiple mechanisms. (33,34)

For those reasons, resveratrol is a common and good choice for use in sunscreens and sun damage treatment products.

It works best when combined with retinol, sunscreen and other proven antiaging skin care ingredients.

Keloids

Keloids are basically scar tissue that grows thick after healing; they can vary in size and severity.

Resveratrol may be helpful effective in reducing keloids and preventing further growth.

Consider using resveratrol alongside shea butter, which also has keloid treatment benefits.

Investigations have found that resveratrol has antifibrogenic properties, meaning it prevents keloid cells from multiplying and growing while not damaging normal skin fibroblasts. (43)

For this reason, resveratrol is commonly found in products designed to treat keloids.

Resveratrol for wrinkles

Wrinkles

Resveratrol is considered an effective anti-aging ingredient, used in many products to prevent or treat wrinkles and free radicals on the skin.

There are multiple causes of skin aging, and resveratrol has qualities that alleviate multiple skin aging concerns.

Studies have found that resveratrol interacts with particular chemical receptors such as sirtuin in the skin that play a role in skin aging. (11,87)

It is a potent antioxidant, capable of binding free radicals that could otherwise damage DNA in skin cells. (85)

Like most other anti-aging ingredients, resveratrol is best used alongside other clean ingredients with complimentary benefits, like jojoba oil, safflower oil, or borage seed oil.

There are many great anti-aging routines to choose from; are you ready to start an anti-aging regimen?

Hyperpigmentation

Resveratrol is a weak tyrosinase inhibitor, meaning it gets in the way of melanin production in the skin, treating and preventing various kinds of hyperpigmentation.

Like many other skin lightening ingredients, resveratrol is not particularly effective on its own at lightening dark spots. (45,46)

Combine it together with other skin lightening ingredients such as:

Arbutin

Cysteamine

Ferulic acid

These and other ingredients are great for dark spot treatments and skin care routines designed for concerns like melasma or PIH.

Acne

Resveratrol is often a good choice for acne treatments because it anti-inflammatory and can help your skin tolerate other acne medications like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.

One study found that after 60 days, no adverse reactions to the ingredient were reported and symptoms of acne were greatly alleviated. (37)

Resveratrol was reported in this same study to reduce the size of clogged pores and assist in wound healing.

Resveratrol is not comedogenic.

Many products that target bacteria, redness, or inflammation related to acne might benefit from including resveratrol in their formulation.

Redness

Resveratrol is good for soothing redness on the skin and can be safely used if you have rosacea.

One small study found that resveratrol made noticeable improvements in skin redness within 6 weeks of treatment. (49)

If you are suffering from recurring redness on the skin, resveratrol might be good for your custom skin care regimen.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected