We put our skin through a lot in a day. Stepping outside means being immediately confronted with UV radiation and pollutants. A sweaty gym session might invite bacteria and dehydration. A stressful workday can raise cortisol levels that lead to breakouts.
These environmental and lifestyle factors can result in extrinsic ageing, manifesting in signs like wrinkles, pigmentation and thinning of the skin. The good news is that a skincare routine that effectively targets these issues can make a significant difference.
Beauty and skincare junkies will no doubt be familiar with the hydrating abilities of hyaluronic acid and the collagen producing qualities of retinol. However, one plant-powered player is making a name for itself as a skin-boosting ingredient that will help you age like fine wine.
What is resveratrol?
If you look past its tongue twister name, resveratrol is easily found all around us, namely in foods like grapes, berries, nuts, cacao beans. It’s a type of polyphenol, which means it’s a micronutrient naturally found in plants. Resveratrol is especially abundant in the skin and seeds of red grapes, so a glass of red wine will stash relatively high concentrations of it.
You might have heard that drinking wine comes with heart health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. It is those same antioxidants that make resveratrol a popular ingredient in topical skincare. While free radical molecules in the body can accelerate aging in skin and damage cells in the body, resveratrol’s antioxidant powers neutralises these free radicals, protecting the cells against damage and preventing aging on a cellular level. On top of that, resveratrol is a phytoalexin, which means it is antimicrobial, making it useful for fighting off fungal attacks and inflammation.
How does it benefit your skin?
As we get older, our skin gradually loses the ability to regenerate itself, decreasing in elasticity and collagen and resulting in thinning skin. Resveratrol fights this by counteracting free radicals that are bent on contributing to the aging process. At the same time, it also rallies the skin’s natural antioxidants so that it can defend and repair itself, making it a corrective and preventative anti-aging double whammy. Pro-oxidative effects on the skin from daily life such as pollution and UV damage from the sun are also mitigated by resveratrol’s antioxidant properties.
With its soothing anti-inflammatory properties, resveratrol can minimise redness, while its antibacterial powers keeps acne-causing bacteria at bay. It has also been found to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, skin firmness and even lighten pigmentation. To maximise on your skin’s natural heightened repair function and collagen production that happens when you sleep, use resveratrol in your night-time skin routine to give it a further boost.
Want to see if this antioxidant bolstering ingredient is everything it’s chalked up to be? Here are some products to try:
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream
A patented combo of resveratrol, hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen booster in this cashmere soft cream makes the skin smoother, firmer and younger by correcting wrinkles and replumping the skin. W kensapothecary.com.my
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate
This overnight treatment rescues and resets the skin that’s acting up by soothing irritation, fortifying against potential stressors, and restoring a refined texture and luminosity. W esteelauder.com
SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E
With a maximised concentration of 1% pure, stable resveratrol, combined with baicalin and vitamin E, this night treatment diminishes signs of aging and builds up the skin’s natural antioxidant defences against environmental aggressors. W skinceuticals.com
Paula's Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
This mineral-based, tinted moisturiser with SPF protection boasts anti-aging properties while promising to absorb oil and minimise shine throughout the day. W paulaschoice.my
Allies Of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
This night serum combines 14 brighteners and antioxidants to target stubborn pigmentation breakouts and dullness, while reducing cell damage and inflammation. W sephora.my
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