Effects of resveratrol on the skin

Know the effects of resveratrol on the skin, as well as its applications, doses and sources where it is, according to scientific literature.

the resveratrol It is a molecule that plants synthesize in response to stressors. This compound exists in two isomeric forms, the trans form is the biologically active one. The cis form arises from the isomerization of the trans form, present in the grape skin during fermentation or with exposure to ultraviolet radiation (1).

It belongs to the group of polyphenols, substances with powerful antioxidant action present in plants. Resveratrol rose to fame as being responsible for the famous “french paradox”, In public health. And the French, despite having a diet rich in cheese, sausages or foie (saturated fats), have the lowest cardiovascular risk in Europe, with a decrease in 40%. This reduction was attributed to a higher intake of red wine in the population (2).

Added to its cardiovascular protective effect is its ability to reduce the risk of some cancers and its neuroprotective effects (2).

Sources, application and dosage

the Natural sources Rich in resveratrol are red grapes, red wine, berries, root of Polygonum cuspidatum Japanese and peanuts. It is used both in oral supplements and in skin cosmetics, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

the oral dose The acceptable daily resveratrol is 450 mg per day. Taking it as a supplement is safe, well tolerated and non-toxic. It also has an affinity for estrogen receptors, due to its similarity to diethylstilbestrol, and therefore increases collagen production in the skin.

The application of resveratrol in creams It has been shown to be safe, even though concentrations higher than 0.5% can be irritating. Its absorption into the skin is good and it penetrates better into aqueous than oily vehicles. Lipophilic derivatives have been developed to increase their penetration into the skin, such as resveratril (1).

Effects of resveratrol on the skin

Anti-aging and anti-inflammatory oral supplement

In vitro studies have shown that resveratrol is capable of prolonging the life of some microorganisms and in mice. Furthermore, in mice it has been shown that resveratrol protects the skin from the aging process caused by ultraviolet radiation, which we remember, is the majority (80%), rather than chronological aging (3).

In clinical studies its anti-aging properties have also been verified. In 50 subjects, supplemented daily with resveratrol, an improvement in skin elasticity and a reduction in wrinkles was found after 60 days (4). Its anti-inflammatory effect, so far, has only been demonstrated in mice (2).

Anti-aging creams

Resveratrol, applied topically, is a powerful antioxidant and protector of free radicals responsible for skin aging. Its anti-aging properties have been found in several studies.

In a study of 55 women, ages 40 to 60, nightly application of a resveratrol cream was found to significantly improve wrinkles, firmness, discoloration, and skin hydration within 12 weeks (5).

Other subsequent studies have found efficacy with formulas between 0.25% to 4% in creams for about two months of application (6).

Its ability to act, at the same time against ultraviolet radiation, through estrogen receptors, makes its use possible, not only to treat aging caused by ultraviolet radiation, but also to treat pure chronology, the years themselves.

Topical treatment to whiten blemishes

Resveratrol is capable of inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase and melanogenesis genes, responsible for the appearance of skin spots caused by the sun. It is capable of preventing and whitening solar lentigines and melasma (2,6).

Creams to boost acne

Resveratrol in creams is capable of improving acne due to its antibacterial properties, which reduce colonization by Propionibacterium acnes and its ability to reduce sebum production (2). Its ability to reduce acne is 54% with a 67% reduction in comedones or blackheads. This capacity is very similar to that of benzoyl peroxide, without its irritant potential (7).

Skin regeneration

Its topical use has been shown to accelerate recovery after an exfoliation, since it increases collagen production (2). It is also capable of reducing skin irritations and redness and has been used to treat radiodermatitis (radiotherapy dermatitis). In a study conducted on surgical wounds, resveratrol 2% cream was shown to accelerate wound healing (6).

Oral supplement for venous insufficiency

In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, supplementation with red vine (Vitis vinifera) extract was shown to improve leg volume and edema.

Potential use as an anticancer in dermatology

In vitro studies have shown that resveratrol is able to inhibit the proliferation of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma cells, suggesting potential use in skin cancer (8).

References

1. Chedea VS, Vicas SI, Sticozzi C, et al. Resveratrol: from diet to topical use. Food function 2017; 15: 3879-3892.

2. Ratz-Lyko A, Arct J. Resveratrol as an active ingredient for cosmetic and dermatological applications: a review. J Cosm Las Ther: 1476-4180. Online.

3. Baur JA, Pearson KJ, Price NL, Jamieson HA, Lerin C, Kalra A, Prabhu VV, Allard JS, Lopez-Lluch G, Lewis K, et al. Resveratrol improves the health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet. Nature 2006; 444: 337-42.

4. Buonocore D, Lazzeretti A, Tocabens P, et al. Resveratrol-procyanidin mixture: nutraceutical and anti-aging efficacy evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2012; 5: 159–65.

5. Farris P, Yatskayer M, Chen N, Krol Y, Oresajo C. Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerance of a nightly topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin and vitamin E for the treatment of mild to moderately photomatized skin. J Drugs Dermatol 2014; 13: 1467-72.

6. Soleymani S, Iranpanah A, Najafi F, et al. Implications of grape extract and its nanoformulated bioactive agent resveratrol against skin disorders. Arch Dermatol Res 2019; 311: 577-588.

7. Taylor EJ, Yu Y, Champer J, Kim J. Resveratrol demonstrates antimicrobial effects against Propionibacterium acnes in vitro. Dermatol Ther 2014; 4: 249-57.

8. Elshaer M, Chen Y, Wang XJ, Tang X. Resveratrol: an overview of its anticancer mechanism. science of life 2018; 207: 340-349.