Resveratrol for Skin Lightening

by Vorst Canada November 15, 2021

resveratrol for skin

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Resveratrol is one of the extensively researched dietary antioxidants widely used for skin lightening and other health benefits over recent years. It shows more powerful anti-aging effects than gallic acid, catechin, gallocatechin, ellagic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Resveratrol was first discovered in Japan in 1940. In the 1970s, it was first observed in grape skins. The therapeutic properties of resveratrol have been substantiated through several studies, making it useful as skin lightening and antiaging agents in dietary supplements and cosmetics.

In this article, we’ll learn everything related to resveratrol and its beneficial effects on the skin according to scientific evidence. So, let’s read on.

Table of contents

What is resveratrol?
How resveratrol benefits the skin
Other benefits of resveratrol
How to use resveratrol
Precaution and side effects
Final words
Disclaimer

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a natural phenol produced by various plants such as peanuts, grapes, raspberries, blueberries, and mulberries in response to infections caused by pathogens like bacteria or fungi or in response to any injury.

Studies suggest that resveratrol has a wide range of health benefits including slowing down the aging process, preventing premature damage of brain cells, and reducing the risk of developing cancer. In skincare, it is used specifically to lighten the skin by preserving the youthfulness of the skin.

How resveratrol benefits the skin

Human skin is an active sense organ with diverse biological functions and its appearance is a major factor to personal beauty and attractiveness. Elderly people who have younger skin than their actual ages are reported to be happier than others.

Skin aging can be 2 types – intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging occurs inevitably through different physiological changes over time and it widely varies from person to person depending on ethnicity, genetics, hormonal status, and anatomy. On the other hand, extrinsic aging is caused by numerous health-related and/or environmental factors such as exposure to pollution, UV (ultraviolet) radiation, health conditions, and personal lifestyle. As the skin ages, the biological changes decrease the hydration as well as elasticity of the skin, making it appear to be wrinkled and sagging.

Here’re some of the benefits of resveratrol on the skin.

Resveratrol reduces hyperpigmentation and boosts skin radiance

Recent studies suggest that resveratrol helps reduce the excess production of melanin pigments. It helps to prevent the signs of aging such as pigmentation spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Hyperpigmentation is a symbol of cumulative damage in the skin mostly caused by hormonal changes and UV (ultraviolet) radiation during menopause and pregnancy. Resveratrol also helps alleviate eye bags and dark circles.

Resveratrol prevents UV damage and protects skin from premature aging

Excessive exposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation may cause many serious damages to the skin such as DNA damage that can even lead to the development of skin cancer. UV radiation triggers the formation of harmful free radicals in the body. These free radicals often cause oxidative damages to skin cells along with DNA and other body cells.

In several studies, resveratrol has been found significantly effective in neutralizing free radicals and protecting skin from oxidative damage. The antioxidant actions of resveratrol are more powerful than those of gallic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It helps protect the skin from UV damage and prevents the signs of premature aging.

Resveratrol prevents skin inflammation

Skin inflammation is also a major factor for premature aging. Chronic inflammation noticeably contributes to developing premature skin damage and aging. Inflammations can be caused by certain health conditions including psoriasis, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.

In a study conducted by the University of Seville in Spain, resveratrol has been found helpful in reducing and preventing inflammation. It reduces the appearance of visible signs of aging including pigmentation spots and wrinkles caused by inflammations.

Other benefits of resveratrol

Apart from skin benefits, resveratrol offers many other health benefits as well. Along with tremendous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, resveratrol also has cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties.

Here’re some of the common health benefits of resveratrol –

Protects the brain cells from oxidative damage
Helps ease joint pain
Improves heart health
Improves immune response and helps fight infections caused by microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria
Helps lower elevated blood pressure
helps increase insulin sensitivity
helps inhibit cancer cell growth
helps reduce allergic symptoms such as nasal congestion in hay fever or seasonal allergies
promotes weight loss in obese people

How to use resveratrol

Resveratrol is highly recommended for people whose skin develops fine lines and wrinkles earlier than usual and are prone to premature aging. Supplementing resveratrol orally with a dose of 800 mg to 1000 mg daily is considered to be safe and effective.

Applying resveratrol tropically on the skin is generally safe for most people. Hence, it is one of the most-valued foundation ingredients in a variety of skincare products.

Resveratrol works well in both, alone as well as in combination. In supplement forms, it is often combined with other natural antioxidant agents such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and grape seed extract to ensure guaranteed results without any adverse effects.

Precautions and side effects

Side effects of resveratrol aren’t well characterized. Oral doses up to 1500 mg daily are generally safe for up to 90 days. Higher doses (over 2000 mg daily) may cause stomach upset.

Since resveratrol impacts hormonal levels, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare providers prior to using it.

Resveratrol may interact with certain medications such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, thus, it is strongly recommended to consult with a qualified and licensed healthcare practitioner prior to using resveratrol especially if you have any underlying medical condition.

Final words

Resveratrol is highly beneficial in improving skin lightening and preventing premature aging of the skin along with a variety of health benefits. It can be used orally as a supplement as well as topically. But, since resveratrol impacts overall health, always consult with your healthcare provider before using it.

Check out Vorst’s Premium Resveratrol 400 mg with Vitamin E and C here.

Disclaimer – This information is meant to supplement, thus, cannot be used to replace any prescribed medical advice or for medico-legal purposes.

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