Resveratrol: Ingredient Education
What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant that can be found in grape skin, peanuts, berries, and even dark chocolate. In skincare, however, it works on a cellular level to fight aging. "It was discovered that resveratrol is a molecule that activates sirtuin, helping more repair," Pernodet explains. "This longevity gene has been discovered more activated in people living over 100 years old." In ANR Intense Concentrate, resveratrol is chemically linked with salicylic acid, which helps remove dead cells on the surface so, as Pernodet explains, "resveratrol can be liberated in your skin fully active to activate sirtuin 1 and all your anti-inflammatory benefits."
Dr. Lesley Rabach, a plastic surgeon and skincare expert at New York's LM Medical NYC, adds that resveratrol as an antioxidant "protects a cell's DNA from damage that is caused by free radicals" and "neutralizes these free radicals thereby reducing and slowing the signs of aging and cell damage responsible for skin cancers."
Why is resveratrol beneficial for skin?
Resveratrol has been shown to protect against damage caused by ultraviolet radiation and stress, Dr. Rabach says. "In addition, resveratrol can form soluble, complex molecules with certain metal ions, inactivating them so they cannot produce free radical formation. This action, in combination with its powerful antioxidant capability, makes resveratrol highly effective in combating the damaging effect of free radicals that leads to skin aging." she explains.
Dr. Rabach adds that resveratrol also reportedly stimulates healthy cell proliferation. It's basically a gold mine of anti-aging effects, including protecting the skin from harmful enzymes and improving function of fibroblasts responsible for creating healthy collagen.
What skin issues are best treated with resveratrol?
-
It is a powerhouse anti-ager.
New York dermatologist Rita Linkner, MD first investigated its topical effects when she was completing her fellowship in dermatopharmacology at Mount Sinai. “We were looking into resveratrol’s anti-aging potential on various DNA markers using biopsy samples taken from patients who were using a resveratrol-based skin-care line for months,” she says. “The findings were solid: It does in fact anti-age the skin to the level of adjusting DNA markers.” So what does this mean exactly? It “works at the cellular level to help repair cells that have been attacked by free radicals,”
-
It also has brightening benefits.
“Newer data suggests that resveratrol can function as a brightening agent as well, as it has effects on tyrosinase, the enzyme that is responsible for melanin discoloration [dark spots] in the skin,” says Dr. Linkner. “Resveratrol appears to need to the help of an exfoliating agent to penetrate to the depths of the skin where it can act as a brightening agent, so for this benefit, it should be paired with ingredients such as retinol and niacinamide.
-
It’s good for all skin types.
“People aren’t allergic to antioxidants as a whole, so the more the better!” says Joshua Ross, LA Esthetician. However, be sure to study the ingredient list before using if your skin is easily irritated or allergic. Resveratrol is often paired with other actives that may be a culprit, so better safe than sorry.
What products contain resveratrol?
Our entire Essential Lipid Line contains this wonder antioxidant, that includes our Essential Lipid Power Infusion, our Essential Lipid Whipped Cream and our Essential Lipid Treatment Mask. It is also in our Cellular Firming Serum, Firming Facial Black Magnetic Mask and in our Eye Emulsions, both Hydroshield and Med MD 33.
Moderated from Original Article
Written By KRISTINA RODULFO