Article Overview
- Resveratrol is a skincare ingredient with a range of unique anti-ageing and skin loving benefits that falls into the category of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant . Resveratrol can be derived from a wide variety of sources, the most well-known being the skin and seeds of red grapes.
- When ingested, resveratrol is well known for its health benefits. In fact, the reason one glass of red wine each day is said to be good for the heart can be traced back to the resveratrol and other polyphenols contained in red grapes. This powerful antioxidant can also protect the body against damage that can increase the risk of diseases later in life. Resveratrol for skin is a newer field of study, but topical application is known to help prevent damage from environmental aggressors, stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce the visible signs of ageing. Resveratrol benefits mature skincare routines, however it is also well suited as a preventative measure against visible ageing.
- Understanding when to use resveratrol is essential to properly integrate this powerful ingredient into your skincare routine for optimal benefits.
RESVERATROL SOURCES
Reservatrol has powerful antioxidant and anti-ageing properties. As a polyphenol, resveratrol is dense with micronutrients.
Although red grapes are the most widely known source, natural resveratrol sources are numerous and varied. There are small amounts of resveratrol in many human foods, including cranberries, blueberries, pistachios and dark chocolate. Approximately 70 plant species contain resveratrol, with the notable inclusion of knotweed.
THE BENEFITS OF RESVERATROL
Although most research regarding the benefits of resveratrol have focused on the effects of ingestion, the ‘longevity molecule has been shown to have antioxidant benefits when applied topically to the skin.1
Resveratrol helps protect the skin’s surface from environmental aggressors, minimises redness, brightens the complexion and prevents visible fine lines. These attributes mean that resveratrol has significant preventative benefits on the visible effects of ageing.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
In terms of skincare benefits, antioxidants such as resveratrol are essential to help reduce damage from free radicals. These destructive molecules are produced by environmental aggressors such as UV radiation, atmospheric pollution and smoking. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons, causing them to be unstable and highly chemically reactive. However, powerful anti-ageing antioxidants help neutralise the effect of free radicals. Even among antioxidant ingredients, polyphenols like resveratrol stand out for their especially strong ability to help prevent cell damage, including within the skin.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
In addition to its strong antioxidant properties, resveratrol also exhibits an anti-inflammatory function within the skin. The key anti-inflammatory benefits of applying topical resveratrol include minimising redness and puffiness, as well as helping reduce the appearance of blemishes. Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory effects are most effective when combined with vitamin E.
ANTI-AGEING PROPERTIES WITHIN RESVERATROL
In the aggressive modern climate, it’s necessary to seek protection against extrinsic and intrinsic ageing. Extrinsic ageing is due to environmental aggressors, making it a more challenging process to prolong with topical applications. However, given that free radicals can inhibit collagen and elastin production, the benefit of resveratrol’s anti-ageing benefits in skincare is clear. The result is a visible reduction in fine lines and more youthful looking skin.
WHICH INGREDIENTS TO COMBINE WITH RESVERATROL?
While resveratrol has powerful benefits when applied on its own, many other active ingredients can help enhance their skin benefits. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycolic acid are a few skincare ingredients that can be used in tandem with resveratrol.
RESVERATROL & HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid maintains skin hydration to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier function, strengthening the antioxidant benefits of resveratrol while also improving the skin’s absorption of active ingredients. Another benefit of adding these two ingredients is to provide dual anti-ageing benefits. Resveratrol protects against free radicals that can affect collagen and elastin – the proteins responsible for skin elasticity and suppleness. Hyaluronic acid serums can plump the skin and draw in moisture to fill in fine lines and wrinkles. Combined, they visibly improve the appearance of ageing skin concerns while also minimising premature ageing.
RESVERATROL & VITAMIN E
Both resveratrol and vitamin E are potent antioxidants that neutralise harmful free radicals that contribute to premature ageing. When used in tandem they amplify the antioxidant skin benefits to improve visible results. Both of these ingredients also help visibly reduce redness and support the protective skin moisture barrier.
RESVERATROL & GLYCOLIC ACID
Products with glycolic acid work well with resveratrol due to their mutual anti-ageing benefits. Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin, which can allow resveratrol to penetrate deeper into the skin for improved efficacy. Used in tandem, both these ingredients help improve skin texture and tone and promote a brighter complexion.
It’s important to note, however, that both ingredients can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. For already sensitive skin, you may need to alternate between these ingredients rather than use together, and all skin types should add a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen to their daily skincare routine.
INCORPORATING RESVERATROL INTO A SKINCARE ROUTINE
In terms of how to use resveratrol in your skincare routine, we recommend the SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E serum. This serum is the first of its kind, containing a patented antioxidant cocktail to boost the skin’s own defence system.
SKINCEUTICALS RESVERATROL B E
The Resveratrol B E serum is an ultra-concentrated night treatment formulated with a maximised concentration of 1% pure, stable resveratrol. This advanced formula is synergistically enhanced with 1% pure vitamin E and 0.5% baicalin to optimise the serum’s anti-ageing antioxidant effects. In addition to helping to neutralise free radicals caused by environmental aggressors, Resveratrol B E supports the skin’s own natural antioxidant function.
The results are an increased appearance of skin firmness, density and overall radiance. Achieve this effect by applying the serum every evening. After thoroughly yet gently cleansing the face, apply 1-2 pumps of the serum to a dry face, neck and chest area. This serum may also be used on the back of the hands but is not suitable to be applied around the eye area. As this serum is classified as a preventative product, follow up with a corrective serum if you so desire.
Resveratrol is just one of a whole suite of antioxidant ingredients used in science-based skincare, all of which have unique benefits. Learn about the best antioxidants for your skin by reading our guide to Understanding Which Antioxidant is Right for your Skin Type.
Sources:
1. https://www.skinceuticals.com.au/skincare/anti-ageing
2. https://www.skinceuticals.com.au/skincare/hyaluronic-acid-serums
3. https://www.skinceuticals.com.au/skincare/glycolic-acid.html
4. https://www.skinceuticals.com.au/skincare/ferulic-acid.html
5. https://www.skinceuticals.com.au/skincare/facial-serums
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