Red wine has many skin care benefits, but those who do not wish to indulge can still experience these benefits direct from the grape, or more specifically from the grape seed. In fact, grape seed extract may even be more beneficial than eating the whole grape.
Grape seeds are a waste product of the wine and grape juice industry. To create a potent fertilizer for the next wine crop, grape seeds are crushed into an extract, along with parts of the grapevine that were not removed during the picking process. Grape seed extract contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, polyphenols, and oligometric proacthocyanidins (OPCs), and is known for its health benefits, including skin rejuvenation.
Polyphenols have antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from free radical and oxidative damage. The polyphenols found in grape seed extract are 20-50 times more powerful than those of vitamin C and vitamin E. This antioxidant property provides for strong anti-inflamatory skin effects, decreasing the appearance of rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Polyphenols can also speed up wound healing, and ihibit the body’s secretion of histamine, which results in a dampening of allergic skin responses.
OPCs protect the skin from premature aging by inhibiting the breakdown of collagen. Collagen production in the skin decreases with age, and without it the skin can become dry, wrinkled, and discolored. The more collagen you build, the more elasticity and protection from the sun your skin will have, and the more youthful it will appear. Collagen also helps skin stay firm, supple, and moisturized.
Another benefit of grape seed extract is its ability to decrease melasma (also called chloasma), a hyperpigmentation condition in which the skin becomes brown and blotchy. Treatments for melasma can include deep medical dermabrasion, peels, or costly medications. Research has shown that grape seed extract is another treatment option, with the bonus of being a gentle, natural alternative.
Other potential benefits of grape seed extract include improved vision and joint flexibility, better blood sugar control, decreased risk of cardiovascular problems, as well as working as a treatment for hemorroids. Grape seed extract may also decrease the risk of cancer, specifically colon cancer.
Rest assured, you do not need to chew on grape seeds in order to garner their health benefits. In fact, I do not suggest even attempting to eat grape seeds, as they can be very dry and unpleasant to the taste. Grape seed extract is available as a supplement – the usual dose is around 100 milligrams – in the form of a capsule, liquid, or tablet.
Source: Associated Skin Care Professionals
