Did you know that occasionally sipping on a glass of red wine is actually great for your skin?
Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grape skin and hence in red wine, is the reason that drinking it can offer health benefits in addition to helping you unwind after a long day.
However, you may have to consume nearly a thousand bottles of red wine for your body to fully derive the health benefits from the resveratrol content in red wine. Rest easy because there is a much easier way for your body to get the resveratrol content it needs through skincare products. Read on to learn more.
Highlights:
What Is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in large quantities in red grapes, blueberries, cranberries, peanuts, pistachios, and dark chocolate. Found in several edible plants, it also offers a defense barrier from insect attacks.
According to studies, resveratrol has several established health benefits, including supporting your cardiovascular system's healthy functioning and lowering cholesterol levels.
The main benefit of resveratrol is its anti-aging property due to its superior ability to penetrate the skin barrier, which is why it is increasingly added as an ingredient in skincare products.
Resveratrol can be commonly found in skincare products such as moisturizers, serums, masks, and creams.
Benefits Of Resveratrol For Skin
Resveratrol has several benefits for your skin health.The primary reason people try to include resveratrol in their skincare regimen is its anti-aging property. Resveratrol can easily penetrate the skin barrier and actively slow down the aging process of the skin.
Resveratrol also has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties, thus keeping your skin healthy and free from breakouts and inflammation.
Besides this, resveratrol also stimulates collagen production and protects the skin from damage caused by exposure to harmful UV rays and pollutants in the environment.
Resveratrol will repair your skin, improve its overall health and appearance, and is even known to help give you a more even skin tone.
Studies have proven that resveratrol is also beneficial in lightening the skin color and preventing premature aging and skin pigmentation disorders or hyperpigmentation on the skin. [1]
How To Use Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is highly recommended for people who develop wrinkles and fine lines on their skin a bit too early. Since its top benefit is anti-aging, it is suggested that those whose skin is prone to premature aging make resveratrol a part of their skincare routine to see the best results.
A dose of upto 1000 mg daily of resveratrol taken orally is considered to be safe. In one study conducted among Japanese participants, 1000 gm of resveratrol was administered without toxic side effects, and it had health benefits. [2]
Refrain from taking doses of resveratrol higher than 2000 mg as this could end up causing distress. Applying resveratrol to the skin is generally considered safe.
However, studies have shown that resveratrol acts very differently under different circumstances, sometimes inducing effects on opposite ends of the spectrum. For example, it was found to exhibit both pro and antioxidant effects in a study that observed resveratrol effects under different circumstances.
Resveratrol with ferulic acid, another antioxidant, is one of the most popular combinations used in skincare. Research has established that administering an antioxidant cream containing resveratrol and ferulic acid as ingredients showed positive results. [3]
Resveratrol extract is also commonly found alongside hyaluronic acid in many skin lifting products. If taken orally, there are chances that resveratrol could end up interacting with a few types of drugs or medications that you are taking.
For instance, some medications are disintegrated by your liver. Resveratrol will interact with these medications.
Resveratrol slows down the natural blood clotting process. Hence, resveratrol is also known to interact with medications such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, which are prescribed to slow down blood clotting.
Facts Of Resveratol
The premature death of your skin cells is one of the chief causes of premature skin aging.
Topical skincare products with antioxidants, including resveratrol as ingredients, have been proven effective in preventing premature skin aging, repairing damage, and protecting the skin from the harmful effects of pollutants and free radicals.
The Japanese knotweed, also known as the Asian knotweed, long used in Japan and China as an herbal remedy, has one of the highest resveratrol content.
Side Effects Of Resveratrol
Although resveratrol has been scientifically proven to do wonders for your skin, it does come with its own set of side effects. The most common side effect of orally taking large doses of resveratrol is an upset stomach.
According to research, although resveratrol did not appear to have side effects when doses of 1 gram were consumed per day, those with non-alcoholic liver disease reported vomiting, feeling nauseated, and liver dysfunction after consuming 2.5 grams or more resveratrol in a day. [4]
Red wine shouldn't be used as a source of resveratrol during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Applying resveratrol to the skin is generally considered to be safe. However, people with bleeding disorders must strictly stay away from resveratrol since it could slow down the natural blood clotting process, leading to more bleeding. This is why you should avoid using resveratrol if you are about to undergo surgery.
Resveratrol is also known to have a high affinity for estrogen. If you are diagnosed with conditions that do not support the presence of too much estrogen, avoid this antioxidant.
Other Forms/Sources Of Resveratol
Likely, your body is already getting its share of resveratrol from natural sources. Resveratrol is found in berries and pistachios, among other natural sources.
Red wine is yet another rich source of resveratrol. Red wine contains grape skin, which has a high resveratrol content. It is recommended that you consume one glass of red wine a day to boost your resveratrol levels. Remember to drink in moderation. Too much of any alcohol isn’t good for your body.
Some people also take resveratrol supplements, but there may be side effects of long-term consumption of resveratrol supplements. Consumption of resveratrol supplements in high doses could also lead to some unwanted side effects.
In most skincare products, resveratrol is found in safe doses. However, consult your dermatologist before picking a product.
Wrapping Up
Skincare products are one of the safest sources for your skin to get its share of resveratrol. Benefits of resveratrol in skincare products include delayed premature skin aging and more even-toned skin.
Resveratrol found in skincare products also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Speak to your doctor before you pick out products for your skin.
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