Explainer / What makes resveratrol a skincare ‘superhero’? Red wine and dark chocolate contain the ingredient that can also be used topically in brands from Brad Pitt’s Le Domaine to Caudalie for youthful results

Apr 21 , 2023

Caudalie is a French skincare brand. Photo: Handout

For decades now, we’ve been told that having a glass of red wine regularly – in moderation – could have health benefits. The high levels of antioxidants in it may help with coronary artery disease prevention and heart health in general, but what exactly makes red wine such a superhero?

There’s a particular type of antioxidant in red wine that has the power to prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce cholesterol and prevent clots: resveratrol, a polyphenol that’s not only great for your heart but also your skin. “[Resveratrol] is a polyphenol found in both the skin and seeds of grapes, but it’s also found in over 70 different plant species,” Krupa Koestline, a clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants, explained in an interview with InStyle.

Beauty Pie includes resveratrol in its Superactive Capsules. Photo: Handout

Dark chocolate, cranberries, raspberries and nuts can also provide this antioxidant. “It’s an ingredient that’s easily upcycled from winemaking, thus can be sourced sustainability,” Koestline told the publication.

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But drinking wine is not the only way of getting your resveratrol fix. There are plenty of skincare products formulated with this powerful antioxidant, from brands such as Le Domaine Skincare, founded by Hollywood star Brad Pitt, to Caudalie, the French label known for its grape-infused products.

What are the benefits of resveratrol?

Vine Vera’s Resveratrol Chianti Revival Serum. Photo: Handout

Topical use of resveratrol can provide multiple benefits. For starters, studies show that it can protect the skin from environmental and UV damage as it can enhance your skin’s natural protection barrier. On top of that, its most coveted benefits might be how it neutralises free radicals, boosts cell regeneration and improves collagen production levels, which leads to your skin being able to repair itself. The result? Less visible fine lines and wrinkles, more elasticity and a more even skin tone.

Caudalie products featuring resveratrol. Photo: Handout

As if that wasn’t enough, resveratrol is an excellent alternative for those dealing with reactive skin and blemishes. Double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin MD told Dermstore that “resveratrol has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which calm down the skin, reduce skin ageing, and may keep [the skin] free of infections”, which can prevent acne-causing bacteria from growing in the first place.

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What should I look for?

Brad Pitt is a co-founder of Le Domaine Skincare. Photo: Le Domaine

When picking your resveratrol-powered product, there are some factors to consider. First, as the powerhouse antioxidant is not very soluble in water, choose formulas containing ingredients such as butylene glycol and glycerine, which will help resveratrol penetrate your skin easier.

It’s recommended to use resveratrol during the day. Photo: Handout

Experts also suggest using resveratrol during the daytime to get the most benefits out of it. You should apply it under your moisturiser and top it with sunscreen for its antioxidant powers to help counterbalance the impact of oxidants like UVA rays on your skin.

What are the potential side effects?

A woman applies sunscreen while out by the pool. Photo: Shutterstock

While there doesn’t appear to be any problematic side effects linked to resveratrol use, there are some things you should keep in mind if and when using it. Like vitamin C and retinol, this compound is highly sensitive to light, so sunscreen is a must to avoid irritation and pigmentation if you apply it in the morning. More so, to keep the formula safe and fresh, you should always keep it in a cool place not reached directly by the sun, as that may accelerate its expiration process.

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Skincare

For years, healthcare experts have hailed the benefits of drinking red wine and eating dark chocolate – in small portions – thanks to their high levels of antioxidants that are good for the heart
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in the skin and seeds of grapes that’s said to prevent UV damage, boost cell regeneration and promote collagen production – with little known side effects