Every viral trend brings about a crucial question: Is it really worth it? The same applies to resveratrol, a magical anti-ageing ingredient which TikTok swears by. But what about studies and specialists? Let's find out whether your beauty arsenal deserves a little shake-up!
If you presume that TikTok's newly chosen anti-ageing hero is plant-based, you're right. Resveratrol occurs naturally in grapes, blueberries, raspberries, but also peanuts and cocoa beans. Plants produce it when subjected to stress, e.g. when attacked by a fungus, in extreme drought, under UV radiation… From all this you can probably tell why resveratrol will work for your skin too.
Why remember this somewhat complicated name? "Resveratrol is the current skincare trend predominantly due to its capacity to rejuvenate skin, and is used as an effective anti-ageing ingredient for skin strengthening and wrinkle reduction," says beautician Martina Šujanová. "It also has significant anti-inflammatory effects, which people with acne and problematic skin will appreciate as the results are amazing."
Apart from that, resveratrol is a strong antioxidant and protects skin against free radicals (those troublemakers who damage skin cells and cause premature ageing). According to some studies, it is believed it also promotes collagen production.
The beauty industry clearly felt you didn't eat enough forest berries or grapes for the resveratrol effect to show fully on your face, so it began to add this substance to face creams, eye creams, serums, masks and other products, so you can supply your skin with what it needs from the outside.
How can you make it part of your routine? Very easily! "Resveratrol is tolerated very well by most skin types," states Martina Šujanová. "With highly sensitive skin, I recommend starting with a lower active ingredient concentration though," she adds. Because resveratrol is sensitive to light which could cause its degradation, the specialist advises you to treat your skin preferably before going to sleep. When it comes to cooperation with other substances, don't be afraid of the anti-ageing and antioxidant combo with vitamin C and vitamin E or hyaluronic acid.
Do you want even more resveratrol? You can also take it as a dietary supplement to get more body benefits out of this ingredient. Even though more research is needed to confirm all its effects, studies already show that resveratrol has the potential to:
Side effects? None that you should be particularly concerned about. Of course, you shouldn't use too much resveratrol – higher doses could cause nausea and other stomach issues. Also, beware of combining it with some medicines. If you want to use resveratrol as safely as possible, you know where to head for advice: to your general practitioner. He or she knows your health condition, and can refer you to another specialist if needed.
What do you think? Will resveratrol become another one of your anti-ageing favourites? Or will this viral hit leave you cold? No problem, we'll test it and let you know!