You may know grapes are skin powerhouses, but what makes them powerful? Their antioxidant superpowers are thanks in part to resveratrol—a plant compound found in fermented grape skins.
This unique compound offers a variety of health benefits, such as lowered blood sugar and better brain function. Resveratrol has also proved to be an incredible ingredient for the skin. This antioxidant is often included in skincare products claiming to slow the aging process, hydrate, and protect skin from environmental factors.
But is resveratrol really all that it’s hyped up to be? Keep reading to learn all about this ingredient—what it is, the benefits it offers, how to use it, and more.
Resveratrol is a plant compound that offers antioxidant properties. It’s found in fermented grape juice, grapes, certain berries, and peanuts. Typically, resveratrol is highly concentrated in the skins and seeds of grapes and berries.
This compound naturally occurs in certain foods, but it’s also available in powder, pill, or liquid form for those who take it as a supplement. Additionally, it’s found in a variety of skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers.
While research on resveratrol is limited, the findings show that this compound can benefit the body in several different ways. When taken as a supplement in higher concentrations, resveratrol may offer the following health benefits:
Resveratrol can be incredibly beneficial for your health overall, but what about the skin? When applied topically, this antioxidant can be your anti-aging best friend. Some benefits include:
Resveratrol is believed to be beneficial for all skin types. Whether you struggle with redness, texture, dullness, or are looking to target those pesky fine lines around your mouth or eyes, a skincare product with this ingredient may be the answer.
So how should you be using resveratrol? Many dermatologists recommend applying resveratrol as part of your nighttime skincare routine.
As you sleep, your cells work hard to regenerate, and they require a lot of nutrients to do their job properly. By applying an antioxidant such as resveratrol, you can maximize the cells’ regeneration process and boost antioxidant production in the skin cells. This can also help to support the production of collagen in the skin.
When it comes to skincare, the order you apply your products in is just as important as the ingredients they include. With resveratrol, the step in which you apply it depends on the type of product you’re using. For example, if you’re using a serum formulated with resveratrol, you’ll want to apply it after you cleanse and tone. If you’re using a cream, apply it after your serum to lock in moisture.
Below is a general step-by-step guide to layering skincare products. This can vary depending on the products you use, but essentially, you always want to layer your products from lightest to heaviest.
As with any skincare ingredient, it’s important to consider potential side effects or product interactions that should be avoided.
So far, resveratrol has been shown to be safe when applied to the skin. However, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any type of hormone-sensitive condition, it’s best to proceed with caution. When in doubt, consult with your dermatologist or doctor—especially if you’re considering introducing a resveratrol supplement into your routine.
Resveratrol works well with most other antioxidants, like ferulic acid and vitamin E. However, it’s important to make sure you’re not using too much of a good thing. With skincare, sometimes less is more. Combining too many ingredients can lead to irritation and sensitivity, which is most likely the opposite of what you’re going for.
In general, resveratrol can be combined with most other skincare ingredients, but always do your research—especially with more potent ingredients like retinol. Try to keep your routine on the simple side and introduce new ingredients slowly.
Resveratrol is one of many antioxidants that claims to offer anti-aging benefits. So what makes it different?
In general, resveratrol tends to be more stable than other antioxidants, which increases its effectiveness. That’s not to say that other antioxidants aren’t beneficial, however—your skin needs a combination of antioxidants to combat free radicals!
Here’s a quick look at other popular antioxidants found in skincare products, and the benefits they offer:
With so many different skincare products on the market today, choosing the right one can be overwhelming—but don’t panic! There are ways to make this process more simple. When choosing a product with resveratrol, keep the following tips in mind.
Resveratrol is a compound packed with health and skin-loving benefits. Next time you’re looking to wind down after a long day, make yourself a cup of hot tea and apply a resveratrol night cream to soak up the amazing benefits of this anti-aging ingredient!