Resveratrol
So what is it?
Resveratrol is an antioxidant that made headlines and raised hopes everywhere (including on Ophra and Dr Oz) a few years ago as scientists confirmed that this compound, found naturally in wine, grapes, blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts, was potentially the panacea of ageing and illness. It is produced by plants to protect them from fungus’, excessive ultraviolet light, infections and climactic changes. It is also beneficial to us. Resveratrol may expand our longevity, lower the risk of heart disease, prevents type 2 diabetes, protect against a variety of cancers and age-related problems from cataracts to bone loss. (Reminder: keep eating the fruit and nuts plus dark chocolate!).
Weightloss:
Also avail in supplement form Reseveratrol was hailed as ‘exercise in a bottle’ when a 2011 study reported that taking resveratrol not only negates a sedentary lifestyle but improves commit to exercise due to an increased energy boost and muscle endurance. More recent studies confirm that it also helps maintain body weight as it can inhibit the production of mature fat cells and also hinders fat storage — at least at the cellular level.
Skin:
But there is more! The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology in 2011 published a study which found that people who used a topical gel containing resveratrol on their skin for 30 days benefited with reduced acne by more than 50 percent, according to a Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). Furthermore, a 2012 study found that oral supplementation also resulted in improvements in participants skin: skin was more moist, had improved elasticity, and showed a decrease in age spots!
One of my favourite natural skincare brands is Caudalie who have harnessed the antioxidant goodness from the grape and made it the keystone of their skincare products which contain Polyphenols -powerful anti-oxidants found in the grape seeds, resveratrol found in vine stalks which has lifting and firming properties, and viniferine, derived from vine sap, is said to be 62 times more effective than vitamin C in brightening complexion! What is not to love?
Caudalie’s latest research also unveiled a surprising synergy between resveratrol, (produced in the stalk of grapevines) and a complex of micro-hyaluronic acid – this powerful combination leads to an increase of 226% in the production of natural hyaluronic acid, which plays a hydrating role and prevents the appearance of wrinkles in skin. Last year they registered a patent together with Harvard University regarding a new anti-ageing technology using Reserveratrol and Hyalauron. 
Caudalie has the exclusive right to use the patent in their cosmetics and it led to the creation of the new Resveratrol Lift anti-ageing line of four products: a serum, a night cream, a firming fluid and an eye-firming eye balm -hailed as a 2016 ‘must have beauty product’ . It not only banishes dark circles but it can been applied to the eye lids to help combat drooping! Caudalie products do not contain harmful ingredients such as parabens, paraffin, phenoxyethanol, mineral oils or sodium laureth sulfate.
For vino lovers, red wine has the highest concentration of resveratrol with as much as 15 milligrams per bottle in types like pinot noir (depending on grapes and vineyard conditions). For those of you that like to indulge in the occasional tipple and good quality chocolate (everything in moderation) you just might be preserving your youth! Meanwhile you can up your intake by taking a quality supplement from a reputable brand such as Viridian and invest in Caudalies’ Resveratrol lift range. I’m using their eye balm at present and love it!
