Skin ageing is one of the main concerns people have. We all want to slow down the ageing process, which happens due to different reasons. One of these reasons, and maybe the most important, is the oxidation produces on our skin by free radicals. It is possible to avoid this aggression using antioxidants. In this post, I am going to talk about resveratrol, the natural antioxidant.
What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol, also known as “the longevity molecule”, is a natural antioxidant present in a number of plants such as berries and grapes, and therefore, in red wine. Chemically, it is a stilbenoid, one type of natural phenol. It has been used in Eastern medicine for years and in the last 10 years, different skin brands started to add it to the formula of creams and serums because of the great effects it has on the skin.
Main Benefits of the longevity molecule
- Antioxidant. Resveratrol helps to repair the damage caused to the skin by free radicals and UV radiation.
- Anti ageing Resveratrol helps to maintain elastic and firm skin, reducing dullness and fine lines. It delays also the ageing process.
- Anti-inflammatory. Resveratrol reduces skin inflammation.
- It does not have adverse effects, therefore, people with any skin type can use resveratrol, even people with sensitive skin.
- Resveratrol has an effect on the enzyme tyrosinase, it is an inhibitor of this enzyme and has also an effect on the melanogenesis process. Consequently, it helps to reduce melasma and other types of dark spots.
- Resveratrol has some anti-bacterial properties, which means that this molecule is good to treat acne-prone skin types.
Resveratrol in creams
The main problem of resveratrol, from the formulation point of view, is that it is only partially soluble in water. The absorption process by the skin is, therefore, becoming complicated. It is important to choose a product with the right amount of resveratrol.
It is possible to buy cosmetics with resveratrol in different concentrations, from 0.15% to higher concentrations, as The Ordinary Resveratrol, which contains 3% of this molecule.
Resveratrol allows the use of this molecule on its own or in combination with other ingredients, normally hyaluronic acid, vitamin C or ferulic acid.
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Firming Cashmere Cream
The new Resveratrol Firming Cashmere Cream is a highly natural and sensorial cream as soft as cashmere on the skin thanks to its unique phospholipids technology. The cream corrects wrinkles, firms and nourishes thanks to a new patented alliance of Resveratrol combined with hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen.
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
This formula combines very high concentrations of two of the most powerful and important antioxidants in skincare: Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid. Resveratrol is a natural phenol found in several plants and our pure source is 100% derived from Japanese Knotweed. Ferulic Acid is a high-potency phytochemical antioxidant found naturally in the walls of plant cells.
When can you use this molecule?
It is never too early to use resveratrol. As it is a molecule with almost no adverse reaction which fights against free radicals, you can use it as early as you want, from 25 years old.
The optimum moment to use it is during the night skincare routine. Resveratrol molecules can suffer modifications because of solar radiation which makes the molecule less effective. On the other hand, the skin goes through a regeneration process during the night. Therefore, you can get the maximum benefits of resveratrol applying it before going to bed.
I included resveratrol in my night skincare routine and I feel my skin smoother with a more even tone. Did you know resveratrol? Have you ever used it? Let me know in the comments.
Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
One Comment
Pam Land
18 January, 2023 at 16:25Hello Irene, This is a very informative and useful article.
Pam