Despite the woes of anti-aging, and the issue behind the term, ingredients used to decelerate our skin’s clock remain on beauty’s top shelf. The most recent on the list of buzzword products—from retinol to tretinoin—is a compound, dubbed the “molecule for everlasting youth,” present in a few of our favourite foods. (Hint: it’s in red wine and chocolate, too).

“Resveratrol is a robust antioxidant present in the skin of grapes, berries, and a few nuts,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth tells ESSENCE. With the hashtag #resveratrol at 42.8 posts on TikTok and plenty of products available on the market, “it’s been gaining attention within the skincare world for its anti-aging properties.”

Below, Ruth breaks down the retinol alternative, the advantages, and what to avoid.

What’s resveratrol?

Mostly present in the skin of grapes, berries, and nuts, resveratrol can also be a component in (deliciously) addictive foods, like red wine and dark chocolate. Nonetheless, you’d need to eat extremely large quantities (150mg a day) to tap into the advantages since only a trace amount may be absorbed by the gut. 

While drinking a whole lot of glasses of wine is not recommended, tapping into the topical advantages as a substitute of an aged Cabernet bottle could also be more worthwhile. “This polyphenol works by neutralizing free radicals, that are unstable molecules that damage skin cells and speed up aging,” Ruth says, which supplements or topical products can do. 

What are the advantages of resveratrol?

“By protecting the skin from oxidative stress, resveratrol helps prevent fantastic lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging,” she says. “It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which might soothe irritated skin and support overall skin health.” Checking all of the boxes for a top-rated anti-aging product, resveratrol may help extend the lifespan of skin cells and help maintain homeostasis.

How does resveratrol differ from other anti-aging ingredients?

With all of the anti-aging products available on the market, feeling fatigued by which to make use of may be difficult. “What sets resveratrol other than other anti-aging ingredients, like retinol, is its gentleness,” she says, making it an excellent option for sensitive skin and retinol intolerance. “While retinol stimulates cell turnover and collagen production, which might sometimes cause irritation, dryness, and redness, resveratrol works by shielding the skin from external aggressors like UV rays and pollution.” 

How popular is resveratrol?

Popularized by the Harvard professor David Sinclair, “resveratrol gained popularity following scientific studies showing its potential advantages for longevity and skin health,” she says. “Originally studied for its role in heart health, it was soon recognized for its skin advantages resulting from its potent antioxidant profile.” 

Becoming a key ingredient in lots of high-end skincare lines, like Caudalie and Le Demaine, the food-derived compound is touted for its “natural origin” and multi-faceted advantages. “Lots of patients ask me for a natural alternative to prescriptions, and one could say this might be a natural alternative to a retinoid.” 

How does resveratrol work in a skincare routine?

“In a skincare routine, resveratrol is best used along side other antioxidants like vitamin C and E, which might enhance its protective effects against environmental damage,” Ruth says. “It pairs well with hydrating ingredients similar to hyaluronic acid to supply moisture while defending the skin.” 

For optimal results, she recommends in search of serums or creams with a stable type of resveratrol and apply them after cleansing and toning, but before heavier moisturizers. 

What must you avoid when using the ingredient?

Similar to every latest skincare product, knowing use it and what to avoid may be the fantastic line between top shelf and within the closet. “When introducing resveratrol, it’s vital to begin slowly to look at how your skin responds, especially if using it together with other lively ingredients,” she says. “I tell patients to avoid using it in the identical night with other strong exfoliants or acids, similar to glycolic acid, to avoid irritation.”

“While it’s generally secure for all skin types, those with particularly sensitive skin should monitor for any signs of irritation,” she warns. Nonetheless, “resveratrol is often well-tolerated and may be used each morning and night, although frequency is dependent upon the concentration of the product.”