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.
INGREDIENTS FOR ADDED BENEFITS
While resveratrol has powerful benefits when applied on its own, there are several other skincare ingredients that combine particularly well with resveratrol for added benefits.
As mentioned earlier, vitamin E enhances resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory effects, whereas hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin to enhance the reduction of visible fine lines. Products with glycolic acid work well with resveratrol due to their mutual anti-ageing benefits.
Research has also shown ferulic acid and resveratrol can work in combination for enhanced improvement to the overall firmness and condition of the skin1. We recommend incorporating our C E Ferulic Serum into your morning routine to achieve this synergy.
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
Shop Featured Products
Resveratrol B E Antioxidant Night Serum
A concentrated night treatment with pure antioxidant-rich resveratrol to reveal visible radiance and firmness
C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
A vitamin C serum for fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol 0.3 Anti-Ageing Night Cream
Our concentrated retinol face cream uses pure retinol 0.3% to improve the appearance of visible signs of ageing and pores while minimising breakouts.
Ultra Facial Defense Sunscreen SPF50
SPF50+ broad spectrum facial sunscreen for very high-level protection against UVA/UVB rays with an ultra-moisturising formula.
