With so many skincare products on the market, you may have a difficult time figuring out which ones are actually legitimate. It’s always important to look at the ingredients in the products you buy, because some have more actual health benefits than others. So how do you know which ingredients will benefit your skin the most?
Resveratrol, which is a plant compound that acts as a naturally occurring oxidant, can be found in a variety of foods that include grapes, peanuts, berries, and dark chocolate. It is part of a compound group called polyphenols. Polyphenols act as vital antioxidants that help protect cells against damage that could contribute to cellular aging. A research review conducted in 2010 showed that the radical molecules actually create aging in skin and can damage any cell in the body. But did you know that the antioxidant properties of resveratrol may actually help fight those radical molecules?
In this article, I will be covering these main points related to resveratrol:
- How resveratrol is both effective and possibly ineffective
- Benefits of resveratrol for the skin and other parts of the body
- How to absorb more resveratrol
Effectiveness of Resveratrol and its Benefits for the Skin
The main benefits ofresveratrol are related to the skin. :
- Protect the skin: Resveratrol can help protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation and environmental influences. The main function of the skin is to fight harmful microorganisms. Antioxidant substances such as resveratrol can help boost the natural barriers that keep the skin looking and feeling at its best.
- Slow down the aging process: Resveratrol can help slow down the aging process by stimulating the growth of healthy cells. It can also help prevent the development of wrinkles and other signs of aging by inactivating the free radicals that cause skin damage. This combination can help keep the skin looking young and glowing!
- Reduce redness: Resveratrol can help reduce the appearance of inflammation and redness on the skin.
- Even skin tone: In addition to the chemical’s ability to brighten and tone the skin, resveratrol can also help to improve our skin’s texture overall.
- Hydration: Resveratrol will help to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness. According to a research review from 2020, conditions like eczema and psoriasis can be improved when resveratrol is administered.
What are Free Radicals and How Do they Affect Aging?
When a cell uses oxygen to generate energy, it creates free radicals. These are mainly reactive oxygen molecules and reactive nitrogen molecules, which can lead to damaging effects on the cell.
According to studies, most of the diseases that humans are suffering from are caused by free radical reactions that can damage cells.
Free radical aging causes damage to macromolecules, such as DNA, proteins, lipids, and the like and promotes the aging process.
Antioxidant substances found in supplements or food can act as scavengers of free radicals and prevent their damaging effects. They can help slow down the aging process and keep the body healthy.
Antioxidants to Take Alongside Resveratrol
Resveratrol is one of the best antioxidants you can use for skin that’s out there. Along with resveratrol, there are other antioxidants you can incorporate into your diet/skin care routine that could provide you with some additional health benefits.
Vitamin E
One of the most important nutrients you can use to help strengthen the skin's immunity is vitamin E. This vitamin is known to help remove free radicals and nourish and protect the skin. It can also help heal wounds and burns.
Although vitamin E can be considered an antioxidant, it is actually a combination of vitamins that help protect the skin. It can be found in various carrier oils such as olive, sunflower, and almond oil. Aside from being an antioxidant, vitamin E can also help reduce inflammation on the skin. Studies have shown that this vitamin can help relieve skin conditions such as redness and itching.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
One of the most effective ways to improve the appearance of your skin is by using a product that contains Retinol. This type of antioxidant is a derivative of vitamin A, and it can stimulate the production of collagen and accelerate the cell repair process.
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
Ubiquinone, a form of CoQ10, is a substance found in human cells that works to protect the mitochondria and maintain collagen levels in the skin. It can also prevent DNA damage and oxidation.
Even though CoQ10 is naturally present in our bodies, our natural reserves decline with age and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The use of CoQ10 on a daily basis can help maintain the skin's youthful appearance.
Astaxanthin
The powerful antioxidant known as astaxanthin is part of the carotenoid family, and it can be found in fruits and vegetables such as carrots. These nutrients are responsible for the vibrant orange and red colors of certain food items like oranges and red vegetables, and up to five times more potent than other carotenoids such as beta-carotene according to studies.
Astaxanthin can help prevent skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. It can also help minimize fine lines and wrinkles and support skin hydration. As a supplement, this product can protect the skin's collagen layer.
Diseases + Conditions that can be Improved by taking Resveratrol
Along with a plethora of benefits to the skin, resveratrol can also assist with managing some common diseases and conditions.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a condition that affects people whose blood pressure is constantly measured at over 140/90. You can work to lower your blood pressure by eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. However, lifestyle changes can also be helpful. There are various prescription drugs that can help lower blood pressure, but many come with side effects.Taking supplements like resveratrol could help lower blood pressure.
Hay fever
For people with seasonal allergies, taking a nasal spray three times a day with a beta-glucan and resveratrol supplement can help to further improve their symptoms. It can also help children with allergies.
Alzheimer’s Disease
As we get older, our brains will begin to slow down, and we may have trouble remembering many things. Dementia is becoming more prevalent all around the world, and one of the most common types of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.
The condition classified as Alzheimer's disease is a type of brain disorder that affects older adults. It was named after psychiatrist Aloysium Alzheimer, who in 1906 diagnosed a woman with dementia after she had died from a mental illness. In 1912, this type of dementia was first referred to as Alzheimer's disease after Dr. Alzheimer published his findings in a journal. According to doctors, around 1 in 10 people over 65 will develop this condition at some point in their life.
According to a review of the scientific literature, there are over 300 studies on the effects of the substance known as resveratrol on the development of Alzheimer's disease. One of the studies was conducted by Dr. Dale Bredersen of UCLA. In 2012, it was revealed that the substance could help minimize the effects of Alzheimer's disease on the brain. In 2015, it was also shown that the substance could prevent the disease from occurring in the first place.
A 2021 study suggested that resveratrol could be used as a part of a treatment plan for people with Alzheimer's disease and other mental disorders.
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Obesity
Administering resveratrol by mouth can help obese and overweight people lose weight. However, this supplement doesn't seem to improve other health conditions like blood pressure and cholesterol.
Cancer
Studies have shown that resveratrol, which is found in red wine, can hinder the growth of cancer cells. According to some studies, this substance can also trigger apoptosis, which is a term used to describe the natural process of destroying cancer cells. According to Joseph Maroon, author of “The Longevity Factor,” these are some of the cancers that resveratrol may help fight:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
Ineffectiveness of Resveratrol
While resveratrol can work wonders in areas primarily within the skin, there are certain health issues that do not mix well with the chemical. Some of the issues can include:
- High levels of dietary resveratrol, which can be found in red wine, do not reduce the risk of heart disease. This finding is contrary to what people who consume low amounts of this substance have experienced. Taking resveratrol by mouth also doesn't improve one's blood fats or cholesterol levels.
- High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol are not improved by taking resveratrol supplements.
- People with metabolic syndrome are at risk of developing various conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Taking resveratrol orally does not lower one's blood pressure, cholesterol, or glucose levels.
- Drinking little or no alcohol can increase the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Taking resveratrol orally doesn't help improve liver function, cholesterol levels, or scarring.
Potential Side Effects of Resveratrol
Studies have not revealed any severe side effects from taking large amounts of resveratrol. Resveratrol is generally considered safe when it's taken in the amount found in fruits and vegetables. However, it can potentially cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to wine or grapes.
Taking large amounts of resveratrol without getting an approval from a doctor is not recommended for people with certain health conditions, such as bleeding disorders.
Before you start taking this supplement, it's important that you speak with your doctor about the interactions with other supplements and medicines. These could include:
- Antifungal and antiviral medications
- Blood thinners
- Cancer treatments
- NSAID painkillers
Like most supplements, the Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate the use of Resveratrol. This makes it hard for people to know if they're getting the right product. The agency also doesn't have a specific dosage or recommendations on how much to take, but most supplements contain around 250 to 500 milligrams.
Buy Your Resveratrol Today
You can increase your resveratrol by eating some more of the foods mentioned like berries and peanuts, but it’s most effective to take resveratrol through direct supplements. These supplements can be taken through the mouth, applied to the skin, or sprayed into the nose. Good luck!
