Pterostilbene vs resveratrol for hyperpigmentation: which is more effective?

We are pleased to share our experience in cellulite and skin tightening, from our clinic in London with everyone in the world. Check all our articles here. And if you do live in London,3 book an assessment, consultation or treatment with us here.

• Pterostilbene vs resveratrol for skin lightening and to counter hyperpigmentation

• Pterostilbene and resveratrol as safe and effective anti-pigmentation agents

• Resveratrol, pterostilbene, tyrosinase and melanin reduction after UV exposure

• Pterostilbene Inhibits the Melanogenesis Activity in UVB-Irradiated B164A5 Cells

• Check our professional consultancy for a masterclass in radiofrequency, ultrasound cavitation, cellulite and skin tightening

Pterostilbene vs resveratrol for skin lightening and to counter hyperpigmentation

• Pterostilbene is the most biologically active form of resveratrol and one of the most important anti-ageing active molecules

• Pterostilbene is known for its skin lightening activity and this cell study has found it to inhibit melanogenesis after UVB exposure (the part of the sun’s UV radiation that causes tanning / pigmentation), 10x times more potent that resveratrol

• This study, in combination with multiple others, shows that pterostilbene is better than resveratrol and ideal as an anti-ageing, skin lightening and anti-hyperpigmentation natural molecule, as long as it is used in high purity form (95% purity or higher) and in high concentration (not 0.001% dilution)

• Pterostilbene is naturally found in black grapes, berry fruits and several plants

Full analysis follows below.

Pterostilbene and resveratrol as safe and effective anti-pigmentation agents

Pterostilbene is a resveratrol analog found in plants that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it potentially useful for preventing skin cancer and other skin conditions.

However, until recently, there had not been any research examining the effects of pterostilbene on pigment production in the skin - in contrast to its more widely researched chemical “cousin”, resveratrol.

Pigment production in the skin, also known as melanogenesis, is a process that occurs when the skin is exposed to UV radiation. The skin produces pigment as a way to protect against the damaging effects of the radiation. However, too much pigment (hyperpigmentation) can cause cosmetic problems, such as uneven skin tone, and may even increase the risk of skin cancer.

Researchers have studied many different compounds for their ability to reduce pigment production, but some of these compounds can have side effects such as allergic reactions, irritation, and even cancer.

Resveratrol is a chemical found in plants that has been shown to be effective at reducing pigment production and the activity of a enzyme called tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that plays a key role in melanogenesis. However, resveratrol is not absorbed well by the body and does not last long in the body, and this can limit its effectiveness.

Pterostilbene is similar to resveratrol and is found in plants such as blueberries and grapes. It is absorbed better by the body and lasts longer than resveratrol.

Resveratrol, pterostilbene, tyrosinase and melanin reduction after UV exposure

This study aimed to examine the effects of pterostilbene on pigment production in cells that had been exposed to UVB radiation.

The researchers used a method called the MTT assay to measure the effects of pterostilbene and resveratrol on cell viability. They found that the IC50 value of pterostilbene, which is a measure of how effective it is at killing cells, was 34.0 ± 3.43 µM on UVB-irradiated cells. This value is significantly lower than the IC50 value of resveratrol, which was >100 µM. This means that pterostilbene was much more effective at killing cells than resveratrol.

The researchers also used a method called the tyrosinase assay to measure the activity of tyrosinase and a method called Western blot analysis to measure the levels of tyrosinase in the cells. They found that pterostilbene caused a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of tyrosinase activity in the cells. At a concentration of 5 µM, pterostilbene caused a 37.14 ± 2.71% inhibition of tyrosinase activity. At a concentration of 10 µM, it caused a 58.36 ± 6.8% inhibition. This means that pterostilbene was able to significantly reduce the activity of tyrosinase in the cells.

Finally, the researchers found that pterostilbene was able to significantly reduce the amount of pigment in the cells. At a concentration of 10 µM, pterostilbene caused a 27.34 ± 0.98 µg/mL reduction in pigment content. This means that pterostilbene was able to significantly reduce the amount of pigment in the cells.

In conclusion, the results of the study showed that pterostilbene has strong anti-melanogenic properties and is much more effective at reducing pigment production and inhibiting tyrosinase activity than resveratrol. Furthermore, it could potentially be useful for preventing skin cancer and other skin conditions.

Pterostilbene Inhibits the Melanogenesis Activity in UVB-Irradiated B164A5 Cells

• Research paper link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34840540/

• Abstract: Pterostilbene is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. However, its chemopreventive effects via anti-tyrosinase activity and inhibitory effects on melanin content have not been reported previously. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the anti-melanogenic activity of pterostilbene on UVB-irradiated B164A5 mouse melanoma cells. The effects of pterostilbene and resveratrol on cell viability were determined by MTT assay, whereas melanin content and tyrosinase assay were employed to assess melanogenesis activity. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the tyrosinase expression. Based on the MTT assay, the IC50 value of pterostilbene on UVB-irradiated B164A5 cells was 34.0 ± 3.43 μM, in comparison to resveratrol (>100 μM). Next, 5 and 10 μM pterostilbene showed a significant dose-dependent inhibition (P < .01) of tyrosinase activity in UVB-irradiated B164A5 cells at 37.14 ± 2.71% and 58.36 ± 6.8%, respectively. The findings from the tyrosinase assay also confirmed the downregulation of tyrosinase expression in UVB-irradiated B164A5 cells as measured by Western blot analysis. Finally, 10 μM pterostilbene showed a significantly decreased melanin content (P < .01) in UVB-irradiated B164A5 cells, at 27.34 ± .98 μg/mL. In conclusion, pterostilbene showed anti-melanogenic activity that was 10 times more potent than resveratrol in the UVB-irradiated B164A5 cell.

Check our professional consultancy for a masterclass in radiofrequency, ultrasound cavitation, cellulite and skin tightening

Do you want to deeply understand radiofrequency, ultrasound cavitation, cellulite and skin tightening? Attend a half-day, 1-day or 2-day or 3-day professional consultancy / one-to-one training and confidently offer your clients the safest, strongest and most effective treatment possible. Service available via Zoom or at our central London practice.