Resveratrol: The Hottest New Skincare Secret

In the world of dermatology, antioxidants play a key role in improving our overall health and wellness. Whether it be for the look and feel of our skin, or the shine and luster of our hair follicles, antioxidants can help us to detox the body of a number of unwanted toxins and free radical compounds that prevent us from achieving our best. According to Dr. Ruth Treiber MD, and her team at Treiber Dermatology antioxidants are the key ingredient in almost every anti-aging skincare serum, helping to stave off the harmful affects of environmental damage and years of poor skincare habits. And one in recent months, one of the hottest antioxidant compounds has been resveratrol – a powerful antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes. This antioxidant powerhouse boasts of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to protect the skin against the effects of oxidative stress and sun damage. In fact, this is a major reason why many doctors recommend patients have a glass of wine with dinner, to help improve their heart health and overall wellness. And as more dermatologists like Dr. Ruth Treiber MD have done research on this compound, they have found new and unique ways of introducing it into our everyday skincare regimen. To help understand this compound better, and how it can benefit you, here is some important information you should know about the substance.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol substance, that occurs naturally in plants, berries such as cranberries, blueberries and mulberries, and nuts such as peanuts, pistachios, and cacao beans. However, as we mentioned, the most potent source of the micronutrients are found within the skin and seeds of red grapes. In nature, plants produce antioxidants such as this to act as a phytoalexin – meaning that it offers protective antibiotic qualities which help plants fight off fungus growth and other issues such as lack of hydration, and the harmful affects of UV radiation and naturally-occuring inflammation. It works similarly for humans.

Before we get into the skin-specific benefits of resveratrol, its important to understand all the health benefits it can offer us as well. According to Dr. Ruth Treiber MD and the team at Treiber Dermatology, the initial studies of this powerful substance pointed mainly towards its heart health benefits and the cardiovascular improvements that were possible as a result of its use. Like your nightly glass of wine, resveratrol is known to help patients lower their blood pressure and decrease cholesterol levels. In addition, one of the best benefits is that it helps patients to prevent cognitive decline as they age, by protecting the brain and staving off inflammation of our brain tissue. In small native populations, researchers have also been able to link its use with lower incidents rates of cancer and found that consumption of such berries and nuts help to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, changing gene expression and preventing hormone-dependent cancers from progressing further.

Once they were able to understand the general healthcare benefits, dermatologists like Dr. Ruth Treiber MD were able to better understand the skincare benefits that were possible from this antioxidant. Many researchers have also pointed to this antioxidant as being a longevity molecule as it offers some of the most amazing anti-aging benefits around today. In fact, it has been shown to be one of the most effective topical antioxidants when fighting against free radicals. Antioxidants are essential in neutralizing these skin-aging molecules that are produced by the aging process and other factors such as UV damage, pollution and cigarette smoking. Resveratrol not only works against free radicals, it also increases the skin’s overall antioxidant effectiveness – to improve the look of fine lines, skin firmness, elasticity, hyperpigmentation, texture and overall radiance. Its ability to fight bacterial infections and fungal issues has made it one of the best skincare topicals available today – helping patients of all ages stave off everything from acne issues to wrinkles and fine lines. For more information on resveratrol or other skincare topicals, be sure to contact Treiber Dermatology today.