The Benefits of Resveratrol in Skin Care: the French Secret to Youth?

When it comes to skin care, it’s safe to say that most of us gravitate toward ingredients found in nature, especially those derived from foods that we would be comfortable ingesting.  While we’re not suggesting you rummage through your fridge to find something to slather on your face, we’d like to introduce you to a powerful compound that you likely already consume without even knowing it.

It’s called resveratrol, and adding it to your skin care routine might just be the game changer you’re looking for.

Read on to discover the amazing benefits of resveratrol for your skin.

 

To drink, or not to drink: that is the question.

Ever heard of the “French paradox?”  That’s the term for a peculiar phenomenon observed among the French: they have relatively low rates of heart disease despite consuming a diet high in saturated fat.  What was determined to be their secret?  Wine!

It turns out that red wine contains resveratrol, a heart-healthy antioxidant that has some pretty amazing qualities.  We’re talking fountain of youth – type qualities.  And these qualities are not only beneficial for your heart.  Studies have shown that there are many benefits of resveratrol for skin as well. 

At this point you’re thinking either, “Wine for better skin?  Yahoo!,” or, “do I really have to take up drinking?”

The answer is no. (But by all means, imbibe if you wish).

While resveratrol is found naturally in foods like red grapes, blueberries, cranberries and peanuts (as well as a number of other botanicals), you would have to consume a very large quantity to see positive effects on your skin, if any.

Like some other antioxidants, the best delivery method for the skin is through topical application.  

If you’re familiar with antioxidant use in skin care, your ears should be pricking up right about now.  If you’re not clear on this whole antioxidant thing, here’s a quick rundown:

Antioxidants are substances that defend the body against free radicals by neutralizing them. Free radicals are produced by our cells when we are exposed to UV radiation from the sun, chemicals in the environment, smoking, and pollution, among other things.

Because free radicals are unstable molecules, they can cause damage to the skin.  This occurs when our healthy cells are overrun by free radicals, a situation known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in the skin results in the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, and other typical signs of aging.  It can also lead to dangerous conditions like skin cancer.

Fortunately, antioxidants help protect our skin from oxidative stress by keeping our cells from being damaged by free radicals.  Our body produces its own antioxidants, but we also need some from outside sources.

Resveratrol is just one type of antioxidant produced by plants.  When these plants come under stress from sun radiation, a change in climate, physical damage or fungal infections, they will produce resveratrol to repair themselves.

It makes sense, then, that such a powerful substance could have similar benefits for our skin.

 

The Mind-Blowing Benefits of Resveratrol for Your Skin

As mentioned above, consuming resveratrol has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.  It appears that it can decrease blood clotting and damage to blood vessels¹.  Resveratrol has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used successfully to treat a variety of skin conditions, including skin inflammation².

Even more promising, scientists have found that resveratrol can inhibit the growth of skin tumors³.  So, like vitamin C and some other antioxidants, resveratrol has the potential to protect you from skin cancer.

Sounds great, right?  So what does this mean for your day-to-day skin care routine?

Unless you live underground, your skin experiences a daily onslaught of UV radiation, varying weather conditions, and pollution, no matter how healthy your lifestyle.

Using a product containing resveratrol can help protect your skin from damage from the environment, mitigating its aging effects.  Less damage = fewer wrinkles = supple skin = win!

Because it also reduces inflammation, topical resveratrol can lessen the look of redness and produce an overall brightening effect.  It has even been shown to decrease acne⁴.

Concerned about dark spots?  Researchers studying the effects of resveratrol on cancerous cells also found that it suppresses the production of melanin, the culprit behind hyperpigmentation⁵.

Finally, in addition to protecting the skin and treating inflammation, resveratrol can increase the skin’s overall firmness and elasticity.

 

Practical Tips for Adding Resveratrol to Your Skin Care Routine

 If you’re starting to think that resveratrol sounds like the stuff of miracles, you’re partially correct.

There is still research to be done when it comes to how resveratrol might be used to treat variety of skin complaints, but the evidence available definitely makes it an ingredient to check out.

In fact, there’s not much negative to say about resveratrol, and it appears to be very gentle on the skin, unlike some other popular anti-aging ingredients.

We suggest you start out with a cream like our Collagen + Peptide Complex.  In addition to resveratrol, it contains wrinkle-reducing peptides and super-moisturizing hyaluronic acid.

Other clients have noticed overall brightening in as little as one week of use.

 

 

Resveratrol is safe to use daily.  In fact, for maximum results, we recommend using it both morning and night.  As with any cream, you’ll want to apply it after your cleanser and toner, and before sunscreen in the A.M. 

Consistency is key! Pamper your skin with a daily skin care routine and you’ll reap the reward of vibrant, youthful skin that is absolutely worth the effort.

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking to boost your skin’s appearance and like the idea of plant-based ingredients, resveratrol is an excellent choice. Powerful yet gentle, this antioxidant is a great addition to your journey to better skin health.

In the meantime, pop some peanuts or enjoy a glass of Merlot – hey, you might as well enjoy being healthy, right?

Article references:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-20048281
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164842/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2083123/
4. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/can-you-get-resveratrols-anti-aging-benefits-by-putting-it-on-your-skin/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3060966/