A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Naples, Italy revealed that resveratrol can effectively treat acne in humans.
In the study, resveratrol was incorporated into a carboxymethylcellulose-based gel. Human subjects suffering from severe acne applied the resveratrol gel to the right side of their faces for 60 days. The same gel, but without resveratrol, was applied to the left side of their faces as a control.
After 60 days, the scientists noted a 53.75% reduction in acne on the right side of their faces (i.e. the side treated with resveratrol) and only a 6.1% improvement in the left side (the side not treated with resveratrol). What’s more, the subjects experienced no adverse side effects from the resveratrol treatment.
Currently, topical application of benzoyl peroxide creams and gels is the most popular way to treat acne. Treatment with benzoyl peroxide can have negative side effects, however, including dry, itchy, and stinging skin. Further, benzoyl peroxide can make skin sensitive to sunlight, increasing the chance of sunburn and the resulting skin damage. Resveratrol, on the other hand, has been shown to protect skin from sunburn and even speeds the healing process after a burn occurs.
