What is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring substance that many plants generate to defend themselves against bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. The skin of red grapes and blueberries, pistachios, and your favorite red wine are common sources. In other words, it is typically found in antioxidant-rich dietary sources, which are frequently at the top of the list of anti-aging and other skin-protective ingredients. It has recently been the subject of extensive research.
In this article, we will review the most compelling claims for incorporating topical resveratrol into your skincare regimen.
How does Topical Resveratrol work?
We’ve all heard the term “antioxidant” and are aware that it’s important for our skin, but why? As an antioxidant, resveratrol does a great deal of work when it comes to maintaining your skin as healthy as possible.
Resveratrol works by expanding contracted blood vessels, thereby enhancing blood flow and decreasing inflammation, edema, and irritation. Its antioxidant properties enable it to effectively combat free radicals and the skin damage they cause, such as UV spots, pigmentation, and other symptoms of aging skin.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Topical Resveratrol. 
So, what is Resveratrol’s effect on the skin? Resveratrol, a genuine super-ingredient, has numerous benefits for the skin. Antioxidants, such as resveratrol that are applied topically to the skin have been shown to reduce the signs of aging, repair damage, and shield the skin from environmental aggressors like pollution and free radicals.
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Potent antioxidant.
Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals outnumber antioxidants, which happens when skin is exposed to UV rays, pollution, and other toxic elements. Unstable free radical molecules can damage skin DNA and accelerate aging. Resveratrol’s antioxidants neutralize free radicals and defend against oxidative stress, protecting epidermis cells from harm.
Researchers in the field of dermatology has discovered that compared to idebenone, a potent antioxidant medication present in some anti-wrinkle creams, resveratrol’s topical application has a 17-fold higher antioxidant efficacy.
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Skin Protection.
The antioxidant resveratrol has been proven to block the damaging effects of pollution, Uv rays, and sunlight on the skin. It also strengthens your skin’s natural barriers, resulting in softer, healthier skin.
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Slow Down Premature Aging.
Resveratrol enhances cellular function and supports fibroblasts and the production of healthy collagen by forming complex molecules with certain metal ions, leaving them unable to create free radicals. This dual action against free radicals makes it a potent anti-aging supplement. One research from 2010 demonstrated that resveratrol actively works to neutralize the free radical molecules responsible for the skin’s aging impacts.
Putting this theory into practice, a study published in 2014 showed that after 12 weeks, topical application of resveratrol greatly improved fine lines, wrinkles, and elasticity. Skin density increased by 18.9% after 12 weeks, and skin radiance increased by 10.1%, according to the research.
In another research, during a tenure of 8 weeks involving 55 women between the ages of 40 and 60, it was discovered that the use of a night moisturizer containing resveratrol could enhance the skin condition by limiting photoaging-related changes and also 18% increase of thickness of skin.
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Reduce Facial Redness/inflammation.
Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory and calming qualities help reduce skin irritation, making it a good choice for individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, or frequent acne. Researchers in 2013 found that resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory qualities helped reduce skin redness and inflammation completely within 6 weeks of application.
Another review of research conducted in 2020 found that resveratrol was effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, including dermatitis and psoriasis.
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Antifungal properties.
Resveratrol has antimicrobial properties that prevent bacterial and fungal skin infections. Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol can eliminate P. acnes, the acne-causing bacterium up to 96%.
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Improves Skin Barrier.
Resveratrol can help your skin create a protective barrier against the and soothe dry skin. A study was done to find out the impacts of topical resveratrol on skin aging with 2% resveratrol cream applied for 8 weeks. The experiment resulted in improvements in skin elasticity, skin barrier function, skin suppleness, skin thickness, and skin density.
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Increases Skin Hydration by 201%.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31518087/
The topical application increases epidermal hydration (top layer of skin), skin elasticity, and skin thickness, in addition to reducing skin wrinkles and enhancing collagen content and quality and blood vessels in the area. It was shown in a study that after applying topical resveratrol for 2 weeks. The result was shown a 20% hydration increase in the epidermal layer, whereas 4 weeks of application resulted in a 201% increase.
Regardless of your skin’s age, type, tone, or specific issues, you will notice a dramatic improvement after incorporating this powerful component into your skincare routine.
Application Suggestions.
It has been found that resveratrol has very decent bioavailability compared to oral supplements when applied to the skin. It can easily penetrate and get through the skin in a gradient fashion, like more potent effects are seen on the top layer of skin. Ointment and gel forms of it penetrate quickly and effectively.
Resveratrol concentrations in skin care products are typically between 0.5 and 1%.
There are numerous formulations of topical resveratrol, including serums, moisturizers, repair creams, and masks. The optimal formulation is the one that best suits you, but consistency is still the key.
It all depends on what part of your practice you should apply resveratrol, which relies on the specific product you’re using. For example, if you’re using a serum containing resveratrol, you should apply it after cleansing and toning. Apply the cream after the serum to seal in hydration.
When applied topically, resveratrol not only neutralizes free radicals but also boosts the skin’s natural antioxidant defenses.
- Daytime: Choose a light serum, such as hyaluronic acid, or a light moisturizer that can be used under sunscreen if you intend to apply it daily. Resveratrol’s photoprotective qualities offer it an assisting hand in decreasing sun damage, but it is not a sunscreen and should never be used in lieu of one.
- Night-time application is well researched, as a 2017 review of research demonstrated that resveratrol is light-sensitive, making nighttime application even more prudent.
So if applying it day-time, always pair it up with a serum, which doesn’t adds weight to the skin. If it’s in a thicker night moisturizer, apply it at the end of your evening routine. First, ensure you cleanse, exfoliate, and tone.
Synergy of Topical resveratrol with other compounds.
Excellent synergistic qualities exist between topical resveratrol and many other ingredients.
An excellent example is its combination with glycolic acid for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It has been studied in research that resveratrol inhibits the enzymes responsible for melanin synthesis, whereas glycolic acid increases skin cell turnover by bringing pigmented skin to the surface and allowing it to “shed.”
Maximized concentrations of pure, stable Resveratrol 1% have been proven in research combined with baicalin 0.5% and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) 1% to boost the skin’s natural defenses against free radical damage and to fight the visible effects of aging by boosting the skin’s luminosity, elasticity, and density.
And resveratrol might aid benzoyl peroxide’s antibacterial action last longer and reduce its toxicity when used together for the treatment of acne.
Resveratrol and vitamin C work together to strengthen the skin’s natural antioxidant defenses, leading to improved suppleness and a more uniform tone. Both are antioxidants, so applying them together strengthens your body’s natural ability to ward off harmful free radicals. Resveratrol and vitamin C also inhibit tyrosinase, which lightens dark spots and promotes collagen formation.
Combining resveratrol and hyaluronic acid creates a potent anti-aging agent. Hyaluronic acid retains moisture, improving hydration levels and plumping the face, while resveratrol increases collagen and stiffness, and elasticity.
But watch out that you don’t go overboard. With regards to skincare, less is often more. Adding too many ingredients at once can increase the risk of skin irritation and reactivity, which is the last thing you want.
Shelf life of Resveratrol.
Resveratrol is quickly deactivated or oxidized by light and rapidly deteriorates at high temperatures, affecting its expiration life. And if the resveratrol is in a natural formula that lacks an adequate preservative system or protective packaging, it likely degrades before you realize it.
Side effects of Topical Resveratrol application.
Resveratrol is considered well-tolerated and non-irritating, so it can be utilized on practically all skin.
No adverse effects have been found in any studies, not even when consumed orally or through topical administration at significantly higher levels. However, if your skin is especially sensitive, you should always perform a spot test before fully committing to a new ingredient.
The topical application of resveratrol is gaining popularity in skincare and beauty products to recent evidence. Topical applications of resveratrol permit direct absorption of the antioxidant into the skin and can enhance skin health from the inside out. The best part is that it is effective for all skin types and has minimal to no adverse effects when applied topically.
