The plant secret in the fight against skin aging.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body and shows the most visible signs of aging . UV radiation, environmental toxins, oxidative stress, and the natural aging process all play a key role. But it turns out that this process could be counteracted at the cellular level – with polyphenols.

Nina Ruge , biologist and TV expert, looks back on over 30 years of media experience. She is a bestselling author and podcaster in the field of cell biology of aging, and is committed to "Healthy Longevity." She is part of our EXPERTS Circle . The content represents her personal perspective based on her individual expertise.

Polyphenols such as quercetin and resveratrol are so-called secondary plant substances that have strong antioxidant effects. They protect skin cells from free radicals, those aggressive oxygen compounds produced by UV radiation or environmental toxins that damage our skin at the cellular level. They also reduce inflammatory processes in connective tissue and inhibit collagen-degrading enzymes.

Polyphenols are found in many plant-based foods. Berries, cocoa, grapes, and especially high-quality extra virgin olive oils have high levels. A general rule of thumb is: the darker the fruit, the higher the anthocyanin content—also a type of polyphenol.

Researchers at the University of Kashmir, Faculty of Life Sciences, conducted a comprehensive review of numerous plant-based active ingredients that could benefit our skin on multiple levels. Cell and animal models have shown that polyphenols reduce the formation of melanin— which can counteract age spots —and stimulate the formation of new collagen and elastin. This activates the longevity signaling pathways of the cells; they are essentially "molecular anti-aging switches."

However, the positive effects of polyphenols cannot be transferred directly to humans. For the anti-aging effects observed in the laboratory to also be effective in human skin cells through diet, they would have to be supplied in sufficiently high concentrations and in a bioavailable form. This is hardly possible through diet alone.

Therefore, it is essential to develop specially developed dietary supplements or functional skin care products that optimize absorption and effectiveness in the skin. Further research is needed here to fully exploit the potential of polyphenols for human skin aging.

This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of select experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.