A recent clinical trial has positioned pterostilbene, a natural compound found in blueberries and grapes, as a promising, more effective alternative to resveratrol in the fight against signs of aging.
The open access study, published in the Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology (JDSCT), tested a 0.1% pterostilbene emulsion in 31 subjects over the course of 28 days, revealing significant improvements in skin elasticity, firmness and wrinkle reduction vs. the control emulsion.
Pterostilbene Study Highlights
The trial used a double-blind, split-face design, where participants applied the pterostilbene emulsion to one side of their face and a control emulsion to the other. After 28 days, the pterostilbene-treated side showed:
- Firmer, more elastic skin,
- Reduced wrinkles, including on the forehead and Crow’s feet area, and
- Smaller visible pores and a thicker epidermis, supported by increased collagen and elastic fibers.
How Pterostilbene Outshines Resveratrol
Higher bioavailability: According to the study, pterostilbene has demonstrated higher bioavailability and pharmacological potency compared with its parent compound resveratrol.
Enhanced stability: In addition, pterostilbene is reportedly stabler, making it more effective in skin care formulations. Indeed, according to an article in Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, resveratrol has a shorter half-life than its pterostilbene analogue.
Powerful antioxidant: Finally, pterostilbene also demonstrates greater ROS-scavenging capacity than resveratrol.
These advantages, according to a study in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, can be attributed to pterostilbene's two –OCH3 groups that make it more lipophilic, enhancing its membrane permeability, bioavailability, stability and biological potency. The health and longevity brand Jung+ adds that resveratrol contains hydroxyl groups (-OH), making it less stable and more quickly metabolized.
Broader Health Potential
Pterostilbene’s benefits extend beyond skin care. According to the JDSCT study, it has anti-inflammatory properties and is being investigated for diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, among others.
Its ability to stimulate collagen production could also make it a game-changer in anti-aging treatments, surpassing existing ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, Popular Mechanics reports.
What’s Next?
While pterostilbene is not yet a household name, its potential is undeniable. It gained media attention earlier this year in Sports Medicine Weekly and SciTechDaily, and researchers are calling for further studies to explore its effects across different demographics and concentrations.
With its proven efficacy and superior properties, pterostilbene could soon become a staple in the next generation of skin care products.
