Resveratrol maybe hard to say but it’s one of the skincare world’s up and coming hero ingredients. This powerful compound, usually found in red wine, is often hailed as a superstar in the beauty space. You won’t find a shortage of experts extolling the many benefits of Resveratrol for your skin. From anti-ageing to skin brightening, there’s a lot of excitement that it can transform your skin. However, how much of this is based on science and how much is hype? In this article, we explore exactly what is Resveratrol, what benefits does it have for skin and how to use it in your skincare routine.
What is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant belonging to a group of compounds called polyphenols. These have a number of health benefits and you can find them in the skin of grapes as well as other plants like blueberries, mulberries, raspberries, peanuts and the roots of Japanese knotweed. In fact, polyphenols are what gives red wine some of its health benefits like protecting against heart disease.
The potential health benefits of Resveratrol have gathered a lot of interest in the scientific world. The evidence shows that it mainly acts as an antioxidant to help protect the body against damage by free radicals. This is also how it delivers its anti-aging effects both for the skin and the body as a whole. Resveratrol is also believed to protect against both heart disease as well as brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. That’s not all though! Some recent studies also suggest that it may even help prevent cancer. When it comes to skincare, Resveratrol again delivers benefits through its powerful antioxidant abilities. It also helps to combat oxidative stress and inflammation. These actions are what drive its anti-aging and skin protective effects.
Resveratrol Skin Benefits
As far as the skin is concerned, there’s growing evidence that Resveratrol has a number of benefits. It can be used as oral supplements but there are also a wide range of skincare products that contain Resveratrol. Here are the main ways it benefits the skin:
- Anti-Aging: Resveratrol helps neutralise free radicals which protects the skin and prevents early ageing. It also improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through boosting the production of collagen. This also enhances skin elasticity and firmness.
- Anti-Inflammatory: This property makes Resveratrol good for calming the skin as well as reducing redness and irritation. This is particularly useful for people with sensitive skin or inflammatory conditions like rosacea.
- Skin Brightening: Resveratrol can inhibit the production of melanin and as such help fade age spots and even out skin tone.
- Enhancing Skin Protection: By fortifying the skin’s barrier function, it helps protect the skin from external harm and excess water loss.
- Combating Acne: There is growing evidence that Resveratrol may also help reduce acne breakouts and promotes clearer skin. It does so through its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
- Boosting Your Skincare: There is great synergy between Resveratrol and skincare ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin E. The combination of these products can amplify their overall antioxidant actions and enhances skin regeneration and repair.
How it Compares With Other Antioxidants
Resveratrol holds its own even when compared with big hitters in skincare. Here’s how it compares with the most popular antioxidants:
- Vitamin C: Probably the most famous antioxidant in skincare, Vitamin C protects against UV skin damage and stimulates collagen. As such, it helps improves skin texture, brightens and reduces signs of aging. Resveratrol also offers skin protective benefits and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, it is more stable and is less likely to cause irritation.
- Vitamin E: In general, Vitamin E is best known for its moisturising properties and its ability to strengthen the skin’s barrier. Whilst Resveratrol helps protect the skin barrier, it provides much broader anti-aging benefits and protection against environmental damage.
- Ferulic acid: The main benefits of Ferulic acid are its ability to fight free radicals, improve skin integrity and boost the stability and efficacy of other antioxidants. Resveratrol directly targets wrinkle and improves skin firmness.
- Glutathione: This is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in maintaining cell health. In skincare, Glutathione is particularly famous for its skin-brightening effects whereas Resveratrol better excels in fighting skin ageing and protecting the skin from environmental stress.
- Green Tea Extract: The catechins in Green Tea Extract help sooth the skin as well as reduce redness and irritation. That’s why it’s beneficial for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Resveratrol, also has skin calming properties but its main benefit is to protect against age-related skin changes.
- Coenzyme Q10: This helps in energy production in skin cells and is known for its skin-smoothing properties. It’s often used in anti-aging products to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Whilst it overlaps with Resveratrol in terms of treating signs of skin ageing, it doesn’t offer as much protection against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
Top Tips for How to Use Resveratrol in Your Skincare Routine
If you’ve reached this point then you’re probably more than a little curious. The great news is that it’s actually easy to introduce Resveratrol into your skincare routine! Here are our top tips:
- Choose the Right Products: It’s best if you use it in a serum or moisturiser depending on your skin type and preferences. Look for products that list it high up on the ingredient list as that indicates higher concentration. Also opt for formulations containing skincare ingredients that complement its actions (see final bullet below).
- Use Correctly: Massage onto clean and dry skin to ensure better absorption.
- Layering: If you’re using a Resveratrol serum, layer it after cleansing and toning, but before heavier serums or creams. If it’s in a moisturiser, apply it as the final step in your skincare at night and before SPF in the mornings.
- Timing: You can use Resveratrol both in the morning and at night. However, if you are using other actives like Retinol, Tretinoin or exfoliating acids, use it at a different time of day to avoid irritation.
- Sun Protection: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 in the mornings.
- Consistency is Key: Use Resveratrol regularly and be patient. It takes time to see results.
- Patch Testing: Although it is generally well-tolerated, always do a patch test before starting any new product.
- Good Pairings: Leverage your skincare routine by combining Resveratrol friendly ingredients. For example, combine with other antioxidants or niacinamide to boost skin brightening and anti-ageing. Pair with hyaluronic acid or Vitamin E to enhance hydration.
Resveratrol offers a range of benefits to help you get youthful and radiant skin that are backed by scientific research. It also stands out as an-antioxidant for its anti-ageing effects, stability and offers a more gentle alternative for sensitive skin. It also pairs well with a variety of skincare ingredients to amplify the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine. This compatibility also allows you to target multiple skin concerns simultaneously. However, as with all things skincare this is not a magic ingredient. You will need consistency and time to see benefits. Results also vary from person to person. If you ahve any medical problems or very sensitive skin then it always a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting any new skincare treatments to ensure that its right for you.
At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Through our online skin clinic, our doctors offer safe and effective treatments like Tretinoin and Hydroquinone. We treat a range of skin conditions including acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
