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Health

How Effective Is Resveratrol for Acne?

By B. Koch
Updated Feb 03, 2024
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Resveratrol for acne is thought to be beneficial, yet its effectiveness is not yet clinically proven. Preliminary, small studies seem to indicate that this antioxidant provides acne relief, but there have not yet been any large, long term studies that can confirm this fact. Resveratrol has also been linked to anti-aging and heart health.

Found in the skin of grapes and especially concentrated in red wine, resveratrol is a very strong antioxidant. There are indications that it may help reduce inflammation, promote heart health, reduce cholesterol, and have anti-aging properties. Studies are currently underway to discover the exact benefits of resveratrol and the best way for it to be utilized by humans.

In 2011, studies on the effectiveness of resveratrol for acne are ongoing, and there is no conclusive, evidence that resveratrol can help to control acne. There is some preliminary evidence, however, as well as anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness. Several small scale trials indicate that resveratrol for acne may have a positive effect. It was shown that when resveratrol was applied to the skin in the correct concentration, it successfully destroyed all the acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Individuals using resveratrol for acne generally saw an improvement in their skin.

There is also some evidence that resveratrol has anti-aging properties. It is used in many skin and wrinkle creams to promote youthful looking skin and is also prescribed in pill form in the hopes that it will help the user to live longer. It is thought that resveratrol added to an acne cream may not only help acne but also promote healthy looking skin.

Any products containing resveratrol that are used to treat acne used should be specifically for that purpose. Some resveratrol products on the market are meant to make skin look more youthful rather than to treat acne. These products may contain harsher ingredients that can irritate acne-prone skin. Concentrations of resveratrol may differ between acne products and other products.

Since there have been no large, long term studies on resveratrol and its effect on humans, there is little information available about its potential side effects. Some anecdotal evidence indicates that when ingested in pill form, it may cause minor numbness as well as joint paint. Occasionally, jitteriness or stomach upset may also be side effects.

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Discussion Comments

By literally45 — On Feb 25, 2014

Using resveratrol topically, mixed with an acne medication has worked moderately for me. There weren't any miraculous results, just a minor improvement in breakouts.

By donasmrs — On Feb 24, 2014

@ZipLine-- There are several studies done on resveratrol that I know of and the results were not positive. They could not prove that resveratrol is effective against acne. Any effects that were found were negligible, especially when resveratrol was used internally.

I have no idea if the results you experienced are due to resveratrol. According to studies though the supplements should not have worked. There is even some anecdotal evidence that resveratol supplements may worsen acne. The effectiveness of topical resveratrol seems to be a little more likely, but again, this hasn't been proven either.

So using resveratrol for acne is a hit or miss. It's probably better to try proven treatments.

By ZipLine — On Feb 24, 2014

I don't know what the studies say about resveratrol for acne. But I've been taking it as a supplement for several weeks now and I'm seeing a significant improvement in my skin. I haven't done anything different, so I'm attributing the results to resveratrol. I know that this is just anecdotal evidence but I'm sure that there are many others who have benefited from resveratrol. I think it's a great treatment for acne and it needs to be studied further.

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