Scientists Found a New Natural Skincare Ingredient That Can Reverse Aging

Proper skincare from an early age can help to keep us looking younger. However, if we’re lucky enough to grow older, we’ll likely develop wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines. It’s all a part of life, albeit one that not everyone is comfortable with. Women in particular spend lots of time and money on skincare, and many are quick to try the latest trends. Sometimes these products actually seem to reverse aging. But with others, it can feel like being suckered into a gimmick.

There’s talk of a new topical skincare ingredient that may be the next big thing to try. According to Women’s Health, scientists have studied pterostilbene and like what they see. A study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology explains that researchers worked with 31 people between the ages of 32 and 53, who were concerned about aging skin and decreased elasticity. Participants used an emulsion with 0.1 percent pterostilbene along with water and glycerin.

By Wix

Participants Saw Major Reverse Aging in Just 28 Days

For 28 days, participants used the products in the morning and evening on just half of their face. On the other side, they slathered their skin with a placebo emulsion. In less than a month, they saw results visible to the naked eye, including fewer visible wrinkles and more firmness and elasticity. Researchers found that the participants’ top layer of skin treated with pterostilbene thickened, with increased collagen and elastic fibers.

"Early studies have shown that topical application helps improve collagen production and minimize the appearance of the pores," Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, told Women’s Health. "Think of collagen like the frame of your mattress—it provides structural support that prevents sagging."

You can’t just purchase pterostilbene over the counter at your favorite store, but it might be there soon.

“It’s still very new, so a lot of research needs to be done,” Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, told Women’s Health. “But I think we’re going to see it popping up more in a lot of great skincare products over time.”