Here's what you need to know about resveratrol.

Resveratrol (3, 4', 5-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin naturally found in various plant species, such as the skins of red grapes, peanuts, the skins of a variety of berries, and the roots of Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). It is produced in plants as a form of defence mechanism against exogenous stress stimuli such as UV light, fungal infections, exposure to chemical fertilisers

In China, its medicinal virtues have been recognised for years. Indeed, its rhizome was traditionally consumed to treat ailments such as bronchitis, intestinal discomfort, hypertension, and even snake bites. Naturalised in Europe and America in the early 19th century, it has become an invasive species listed among the 100 most concerning by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) .

In skincare, resveratrol is present under various I.N.C.I. names, the most common being the "Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract". Its concentration varies between 0.005 and 5%. This active ingredient is one of the compounds that generates the most scientific publications in the cosmetic field, due to its excellent antioxidant power that helps combat skin ageing.

Resveratrol is a multi-functional active ingredient:

• It combats skin ageing caused by frequent attacks from free radicals, thanks to its dual antioxidant action.

  Resveratrol operates on two levels to combat oxidative stress: it protects cells from free radicals and encourages them to produce more endogenous antioxidants. As a reminder, free radicals are reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. However, when cells are faced with a stress, they produce them excessively. Stress sources are numerous, the main ones being exposure to UVA, pollution, smoking, and a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and thus cause damage to cells, DNA, and proteins in the body. This accelerates ageing and wrinkles appear on the skin's surface. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that captures free radicals, preventing them from causing harm and accelerating the natural ageing of the epidermis. The antioxidant effect of resveratrol is attributed to the 4'-hydroxyl group but also to the meta configuration of the two hydroxyl groups of the first benzene group of the molecule.

• It reduces acne and regulates sebum production.

  Commonacne is a chronic and prevalent dermatological disease. It is characterised by the emergence of non-inflammatory lesions (comedones) and inflammatory effusions (papules, pustules) in seborrheic areas. The three main causes of acne are increased sebum production,
  hyperkeratosis of hair follicles (epidermal hyperproliferation)
  and the colonisation of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. Thanks to its antibacterial and sebum-regulating properties, resveratrol reduces acne.

• Calming, it reduces skin inflammation.

  Studies conducted on epithelial cells have demonstrated the action of resveratrol on the COX-2 enzyme, which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins, lipid mediators of inflammation derived from arachidonic acid.

• Resveratrol diminishes the appearance of pigmentation spots.

  The emergence of brown spots is linked to several factors: the natural ageing of the skin, exposure to external aggressors such as pollution and UV rays, the intake of certain medications, hormonal fluctuations. As a reminder, hyperpigmentation is defined as a disruption in the pigmentation process: the melanin, pigment responsible for the natural colouring of the skin, is overproduced in certain areas which leads to the appearance of brown, red or pink spots that can sometimes be unsightly. Studies have shown that resveratrol is capable of modulating the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme essential to the melanogenesis process.

Due to its numerous virtues previously described and its high skin tolerance, resveratrol is an active ingredient found in many cosmetic treatments, suitable for all skin types. Indeed, it is present in certain serums and creams aimed at mature skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and/or pigmentation spots. It is also found in treatments for combination to oily skin with blemishes. Because of its soothing properties, it is also included in the composition of some restorative body lotions...

Our antioxidant face serum with 3% offerulic acid and 3% resveratrol neutralises UV and pollution-induced free radicals, slows down premature skin ageing, and enhances radiance for a brighter and more even complexion.

• AHMAD N. & et al. The grape antioxidant resveratrol for skin disorders: promise, prospects, and challenges. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics (2011).

• SIANO M. & al. Resveratrol-containing gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a single-blind, vehicle-controlled, pilot study. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2011).

• ARCT J. & al. Resveratrol as an Active Ingredient for Cosmetic and Dermatological Applications: A Review. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy (2018).