Resveratrol: The skin biohacking hero ingredient that you should have in your skincare routine

AUTHOR - DR. DAVID JACK

Resveratrol is increasingly being recognised as a powerful skin biohacker, offering a natural way to future proof the longevity and health of the skin as it ages. In the world of biohacking skincare, this potent plant polyphenol has gained traction for its ability to enhance cellular function in a variety of ways that help to repair and reverse certain age related changes in the skin and slow down skin ageing. By working at a cellular level, resveratrol acts as a longevity activator, boosting collagen production, reducing inflammation, and reinforcing the skin barrier. But how exactly does resveratrol work, and what makes it such an essential ingredient in anti-ageing skincare? This article explores its benefits, mechanisms of action and how you should incorporate resveratrol into your skincare and supplement routine.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant ingredient that is increasingly being used in advanced skincare formulations that aim to help with ageing. Found in red grapes, berries and even Japanese knotweed, Resveratrol is an important natural ingredient that can help combat oxidative stress, enhance mitochondrial function and slow many of the visible signs of ageing including hyperpigmentation and collagen loss. But how exactly does resveratrol work, and what makes it such an essential ingredient in anti-ageing skincare?

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol which belongs to the stilbene family of hydrocarbon molecules. It is most popularly known for its presence in red wine and its association with the ‘French Paradox’, where populations with high dietary wine consumption exhibit lower rates of cardiovascular disease. Beyond its systemic health benefits, resveratrol has gained significant attention in recent years for its dermatological applications due to its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-protective properties.

Resveratrol and Mitochondrial Ageing: Resveratrol as a skin re-energiser and biohacker

Mitochondria, referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, are organelles within all of our cells which play a crucial role in cellular energy production for all cells. As we age, mitochondrial function declines owing to their increased susceptibility to UV damage and oxidative stress. This in turn leads to reduced production of the cell’s  molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (or ‘ATP’), resulting in increased oxidative stress for the cell and impaired cellular repair mechanisms - all of which are recognised to profoundly contribute to skin ageing.

Recent research has shown that resveratrol can play an important role in reducing this mitochondrial dysfunction in a number of ways. Firstly, Resveratrol increases production and activation of repair molecules known as Sirtuins. SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1), a longevity-associated enzyme that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism is activated and enhanced by Resveratrol. This has been shown in studies to significantly improve cellular resilience and to delay age-related mitochondrial decline. Enhanced mitochondrial function in the skin translates to improved skin cell metabolism, better collagen synthesis and reduced signs of ageing (such as wrinkles, sagging and hyperpigmentation). By maintaining cellular energy levels, resveratrol supports the skin’s natural repair processes.

Secondly, resveratrol acts as an antioxidant both in cells and in the extracellular space. This reduces oxidative stress and helps to prevent DNA damage, both to the genes in the nucleus of cells and also to mitochondrial DNA, a key factor in premature skin ageing.

Finally, resveratrol has been shown to enhance a process known as ‘Mitophagy’. Indeed, Resveratrol promotes the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, maintaining a healthier population of these energy-producing organelles.

Resveratrol and Skin Ageing

 Aside from it’s effects on mitochondrial function, resveratrol has been recognised to minimise ageing in the skin through a number of other mechanisms. These include:

1.     Antioxidant Protection: Resveratrol is a potent scavenger of free radicals in the skin and other tissues, preventing oxidative damage caused by UV exposure, pollution and environmental stressors. This helps reduce DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein degradation both inside and outside of skin cells, so can help prevent damage to important collagen and elastin fibres, as well as improving production of these proteins.

2.     Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic low-grade inflammation is known to acceleratesskin ageing. Resveratrol inhibits an important inflammatory pathway known as NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells). As a result, it can reduce inflammation and damage to the skin as a result of inflammation. It therefore can reduce redness, irritation and inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.

3.     Collagen preservation and synthesis: Resveratrol protects against collagen breakdown by inhibiting enzymes in the skin known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which degrade collagen and elastin in response to UV exposure. It also stimulates the skin’s fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing new collagen. Over time, this will enhance the skin’s firmness and elasticity, as well as banking new collagen in the dermis of the skin.

4.     Skin Barrier Support: A healthy skin barrier prevents moisture loss and protects against external aggressors such as pollution. Resveratrol strengthens the lipid barrier, improving hydration and overall skin resilience.

5.     Telomere Protection: Research suggests that resveratrol may help maintain the length telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. This is thought to contribute to prolonged cellular lifespan and delayed ageing effects

Best Forms of Resveratrol in Skincare

Not all forms of resveratrol are equally effective in skincare and supplement formulations. The main considerations include stability, bioavailability and delivery methods.

Topical resveratrol in skincare

Skincare formulations often use trans-resveratrol, the most biologically active and stable form of resveratrol. However, resveratrol itself is highly sensitive to light and oxidation so requires encapsulation in liposomes or nanoparticles to optimally enhance stability and penetration. To improve stability and efficacy of resveratrol itself, some skincare brands use resveratrol derivatives such as resveratrol glucoside or resveratrol ferulate, which provide similar antioxidant benefits, but with improved solubility and absorption. Other ways that resveratrol may be delivered in skincare can be through extracts from plant sources including:

•   Red grapes & wine extracts: This is a well-known source, however, alcohol-based extracts may not be ideal for sensitive skin

•   Japanese Knotweed extract (Polygonum cuspidatum): This is one of the richest sources of resveratrol and is commonly used in both supplements and skincare.

•   Berry extracts (Blueberries, Cranberries, Raspberries): These not only provide a source of resveratrol but may also provide additional antioxidant polyphenols that enhance the overall antioxidant profile of skincare formulations

Oral supplementation with Resveratrol

While topical application provides direct skin benefits, oral resveratrol supplementation can complement skincare by boosting systemic antioxidant protection. However, bioavailability is a challenge, as resveratrol is rapidly metabolised in the liver. To solve this, resveratrol can be combined with quercetin or piperine can enhance absorption and help bypass ‘first pass’ liver metabolism.

How to incorporate resveratrol into your skincare routine

•   Choose the Right Formulation: opt for serums, creams, or masks that contain stabilised resveratrol (e.g., encapsulated trans-resveratrol, resveratrol glucoside or resveratrol ferulate) to ensure effective penetration and long-lasting activity

•   Pair resveratrol with complementary (synergistic) ingredients:

•   Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Resveratrol and niacinamide work synergistically to enhance the skin’s barrier function and reduce inflammation, complementing resveratrol’s protective effects

•   Vitamin C & E: Resveratrol and vitamins C & E work synergistically to boost each other’s antioxidant capacity

•   Hyaluronic acid: Enhances hydration, improving the bioavailability of resveratrol in the skin

•   Apply resveratrol at night: Resveratrol, like retinol, is sensitive to UV light so is best used in evening skincare routines. Additionally, as it enhances overnight repair and protects against oxidative stress accumulated during the day it can work best when used in the evening when your skin turnover is highest.

Resveratrol is a scientifically backed, multi-functional skincare ingredient that is ideal for ageing skin where there is evidence of sun damage and inflammation. With growing research supporting its anti-ageing, antioxidant, and mitochondrial-enhancing properties, resveratrol is poised to become a staple in advanced skincare formulations. Whether used topically or as a supplement, resveratrol offers a powerful defence against premature ageing, making it a valuable addition to any skincare regimen.  Emerging technologies, such as nanoencapsulation and hybrid polyphenol complexes, are set to further improve its stability and efficacy.

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