Consuming red grapes (and wine) isn’t the only way to experience the anti-aging benefits of resveratrol. Read on for our vegan and cruelty-free picks for resveratrol-containing serums and lotions.
We were certainly excited when, some years ago, we heard that drinking wine was good for our skin. Thanks to resveratrol, a power antioxidant found in red wine, the skin of red grapes, olive leaves, pomegranate, and blueberries, that glass of chianti was a little more guilt-free.
Of course, if one weighs the effects of alcohol on the liver against the possible health and beauty benefits of wine, one will probably opt for consuming resveratrol in non-alcoholic forms.* Nonetheless, resveratrol remains a beauty buzzword and may have some lovely benefits whether consumed orally** or topically.
Plants produce this natural compound, also known as a “phytoalexin,” as a response to stress (like rough weather and harmful insects—because plants have bad days, too!). Resveratrol may slow the aging process by reducing the negative effects of pollution and sun damage on collagen. Applied topically, resveratrol may also improve acne by reducing the size of lesions. Over time, resveratrol leaves skin more even in tone and texture, which in turn, gives it a younger appearance. Beyond skin-deep, resveratrol reduces inflammation (also a good thing for the skin), combats cancerous cells, and promotes healthy circulation.
A little sample of Kahina Giving Beauty Night Cream found its way into my hands (thanks to a purchase from Spirit Beauty Lounge). The night cream contains argan oil and resveratrol—two of the most important anti-aging ingredients for your skin, according to the company. We already know (and love) argan. I certainly enjoyed my three applications of this sweet-smelling night cream, which led me to look into other resveratrol-containing products.
100% Pure Luminous Primer, a silicone-free primer with vitamins and resveratrol.
100% Pure Red Wine Resveratrol Antioxidant Serum, created to reduce the skins of again like fine lines and uneven skin tone.
Andalou Naturals Fruit Stem Cell Revitalize Serum, an anti-aging booster designed to smooth all skin types.
*According to Dirk Smillie, author of “A Headache for Dr. Oz,” one would have to drink twenty-four bottles of wine a day to reap noticeable benefits of its resveratrol!
** In whole food forms, that is. Studies are out on whether or not resveratrol supplements do the same magic as the nutrient in its natural state.
Do you think you’ll try any of these resveratrol-infused products? (Or more vino? 😉 )
Related: The Beauty Benefits of Rose
Photos: Gergely Tapa via Flickr, Kahina Giving Beauty, 100% Pure, Andalou Naturals
