There is always something new happening in the skincare world – it’s one trend after the next! First, we need to exfoliate daily with battery-powered brush heads (please, don’t!), and then we need to use face masks every day (fine, but really unnecessary). It’s nearly impossible to know what is worth the hype.
One way to tell the real deal from a gimmick? Look for active ingredients. We’ve got our money on the increasingly popular resveratrol. What makes resveratrol so different from every other skincare trend? There is scientific evidence of its effectiveness as an anti-aging superstar.
Resveratrol is making its way into various skincare products like serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens. It is also a popular supplement in the form of vitamins, powders, and drops.
So what exactly is this super ingredient? What are its benefits, and how do you use it?
What is resveratrol?
According to Dermatology Times, “Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic antioxidant found in over 70 plant species. Resveratrol has been demonstrated to extend lifespan and improve health-span in a variety of animal species.” A 2008 study found resveratrol beneficial in treating several diseases associated with aging, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancer.
Dermatology Times calls resveratrol the “longevity molecule” due to its ability to protect against environmental stressors and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
How to use resveratrol:
You can take resveratrol as a powder supplement, or find it naturally in foods like blueberries, cranberries, pistachios, peanuts, red wine, and dark chocolate. It is also effective topically as an anti-aging skincare treatment.
According to Paula’s Choice, “when applied topically, resveratrol helps protect skin’s surface, interrupts and helps rebuff negative environmental influences, and brightens a tired-looking complexion. It also has significant skin-calming properties that may help minimize the look of redness.”
Other ingredients and products that pair well with resveratrol include:
- Peptides
- Vitamin C
- Sunscreen
- EGCG (another polyphenolic and potent antioxidant with the technical name Epigallocatechin gallate)
- Ferulic acid
Make sure to follow the product directions and conduct a patch test before fully incorporating resveratrol into your routine. Are you ready to turn back the clock?
Our favorite resveratrol formulas:
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%, $7.90 (shop here)
The Ordinary is known for its ingredient-focused products, and the Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid Serum is no exception. This serum only contains propanediol (a solvent and hydrator), resveratrol, and ferulic acid (an antioxidant).
Both resveratrol and ferulic acid are naturally-occurring in various plants. The Ordinary’s source is Japanese Knotweed. This product pairs well with their Vitamin C Suspension 23% + Ha Spheres 2%. It is a water-free, lightweight formula. Follow application with your favorite moisturizer.
This serum contains 3% concentrations of both resveratrol and ferulic acid—a very high-potency formulation. If you find this serum is slightly irritating to your skin, you can dilute it with hydrating oils like rose hip or jojoba to reduce its potency.
Krave Beauty The Beet Shield, $20 (shop here)
This blend of antioxidants will protect against the sun and pollution while working to brighten your complexion and improve your skin texture. The Beet Shield is a sunscreen that goes above and beyond.
The Beet Shield goes on translucent, so you don’t have to worry about a white cast. The best part is that this product is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Paula’s Choice Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30, $33 (shop here)
This perfect sunscreen from Paula’s Choice will fight (and help prevent!) signs of aging. It is a mineral formula that contains 13% zinc oxide but still manages to go on silky-smooth (and it’s just a little tinted). This sunscreen provides SPF 30 protection from UVA/UVB rays. It’s a great option to even out skin tone and increase skin elasticity.
Versed On The Rise Firming Serum, $14.99 (shop here)
Versed’s Firming Serum is packed with skin-tightening ingredients like resveratrol, vitamin C, and peptides. Vitamin C brightens and protects the skin, while resveratrol fights free-radicals and strengthens the skin against environmental aggressors. Peptides penetrate deep into the skin to build up collagen and increase elasticity.
This serum is great to use both day and night. It’s non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. Pat it into clean, semi-damp skin for the best results.
Skinceuticals Resveratrol B E Nighttime Antioxidant Serum, $153 (shop here)
Skinceuticals has perfected this antioxidant serum with a beautiful blend of ingredients to firm, neutralize free radicals, increase radiance, and support the skin’s natural defenses.
This serum contains 1% Resveratrol, which neutralizes free radicals, 0.5% Baicalin, which is a potent broad-spectrum antioxidant, and 1% Alpha Tocopherol, a form of vitamin E that replenishes lipids.