Could it be true? Could your wine-tasting obsession have benefits for your complexion?! To explore this, the word we need to focus on is resveratrol. As well as, we should know about the use of resveratrol for the skin.

Resveratrol is a compound in plants, including grapes, hailed for its antioxidant activity and anti-aging benefits. We know that eating antioxidants, which are abundant in fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, might help you reduce the appearance of skin aging. However, applying resveratrol topically in skincare products may have benefits as well.

Read this article to know what you need to know about resveratrol for skin cells, including whether or not this plant compound abundant in wine is worth getting excited about.

What Exactly Is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol, which is a micronutrient, that’s been found in more than 70 species of plants. In plants, it serves the function of protecting the plants against pathogens that could harm them, such as bacteria and fungi.

Where can I find it?

Plants (and drinks) you may find resveratrol include peanuts, pistachios, and berries such as blueberries and cranberries. However, you can also find resveratrol in both red and white wine, as well as cocoa and dark chocolate. (Wine and chocolate, anyone?)

What does it do?

Since resveratrol functions like an antioxidant, it helps neutralize free radicals in the body. And yes, the skin can help slow down the appearance of aging, reducing noticeable changes in the skin and improving skin thickness.  

Where does it exist outside nature?

Outside of foods, resveratrol can also be found in supplement form. However, experts suggest getting as much of your resveratrol as you can in its natural state—from foods—as you’ll also get other beneficial compounds in the foods, including other antioxidants. 

Of course, resveratrol skincare products also exist, so you can also look for this ingredient in skincare products for potent antioxidants.

Is Resveratrol Safe for All Skin Types?

While resveratrol itself can be safe for all skin types, it’s important to look at the other ingredients in the formula you’re considering when thinking about resveratrol for the skin. For example, a formula with resveratrol may be concentrated, making it less than ideal for sensitive skin. In contrast, other formulas may contain niacinamide and aloe, ingredients that can help soothe stressed skin while providing antioxidant resveratrol benefits.

Anti-Aging Benefits of Resveratrol for Skin

Now that we got to know a little more about resveratrol, let’s take a closer look at resveratrol benefits, especially when it comes to resveratrol skincare and resveratrol in natural foods. Here are a few of resveratrol’s most important benefits for the skin:

• Reduce Aging

Resveratrol may have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce the appearance of premature aging. It may even help with hyperpigmentation to improve the appearance of the skin.  

• Sun Protection

Consuming resveratrol may help protect the skin against ultraviolet (UV) damage or damage from the sun. (Still, don’t skip your sunscreen, though!)

• Decrease Redness

Resveratrol may help reduce the appearance of facial redness associated with skin conditions such as rosacea. 

• Improve Skin Health

Resveratrol may help improve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. 

• Boost Collagen

Resveratrol may increase collagen production in the skin for a younger-looking appearance. 

Experts have also noted resveratrol’s effect on cancer cells. Research suggests this polyphenol may have the potential to help reduce the chances of skin cancer as a result of sun damage.  

Skincare Products With Resveratrol

Did the resveratrol benefits pique your interest? There are many types of resveratrol skincare products to consider if you’re curious about this ingredient for your skin. Here are a few of our faves!

The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%

Resveratrol has been shown to work well with ferulic acid, improving skin firmness, hydration and reducing transepidermal water loss to protect the skin barrier. This targeted treatment from The Ordinary can be applied by itself or after serums but before oils or moisturizers. Since it’s a concentrated formula, it’s not designed for sensitive skin. 

SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E

You can use this resveratrol is at night. It helps restore skin radiance with 1% pure and stable resveratrol with vitamin E to neutralize free radicals and reduce signs of aging. The resveratrol in this formula comes from knotweed, a plant native to Japan that’s we can consider being one of the best sources of resveratrol. Apply just after cleansing in the evening for best results.

Tracie Martyn Firming Serum™

Functioning as both a face serum and eye serum, this lightweight formula helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It also promotes a healthy glow and volume in the skin. This serum also contains green tea and red wine extract, squalene, hyaluronic acid, aloe, honey, and vitamins C and E to nourish and restore skin.

HydroPeptide® LumaPro-C Face Serum

If you have hyperpigmentation, this pigment corrector with vitamin C, resveratrol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid is worthy of consideration. Designed for all skin types, use after cleansing on face and neck before moisturizing. 

iS Clinical Hydra-Intensive Cooling Masque

With resveratrol, green tea, hyaluronic acid, and aloe, this mask provides a cooling and hydrating effect that you don’t have to have a sunburn to use. Apply after cleansing on face and neck, leaving on up to 10 minutes before rinsing off. You may use this product up to 3X a week to hydrate and restore skin. 

Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum

This hyperpigmentation corrector contains salicylic acid, plant-based retinol alternative bakuchiol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, rosehip oil, and white tea extract, along with vitamin C. And it is designed to brighten skin, help reduce fine lines & wrinkles appearance and improve skin texture. Avoiding the eye area, apply in the evening after cleansing and toning over the face and neck, following up with a moisturizer or oil.

Do You Know Your Skin Type?

Have YOU used resveratrol for skin before? What was your experience? In case you still don’t know your skin type, find out with this free quiz that will help you find the best products for your specific skin type!