Slather On the Chardonnay!

Drinking wine, in moderation, has proven to help with heart health, but what about applying the same grape seed benefits to our skin for anti-aging benefits?

History of Grapes

Grapes (Vitis vinifera) have been heralded for their medicinal and nutritional value for thousands of years. Egyptians ate grapes at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes — usually in the form of wine.European folk healers made an ointment from the sap of grapevines to treat skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and pain, such as the kind brought on by hemorrhoids. Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats, and dried grapes (raisins) were used for constipation and thirst. Round, ripe, sweet grapes were used to treat a range of health problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections, and skin, kidney, and liver diseases.

But grapes — or the chemicals within them, especially oligomeric proanthocyanin complexes (OPCs) — have been touted as powerful antioxidants.

Some people believe they could help treat several conditions, from heart disease to cancer to aging skin, although scientific evidence is mostly lacking for those conditions. However, there is good evidence that grape seed extract can help treat chronic venous insufficiency and edema. A study of healthy volunteers found that taking grape seed extract did substantially increase levels of antioxidants in their blood. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals — harmful compounds in the body that damage DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.

Fruit acids have become one of the most touted ingredients in facial and body creams because of their anti-wrinkle effect. Grapes’ tartaric acid is thought to combat wrinkles by increasing skin collagen.

Hence, the name of our long-standing skincare cream, Chardonnay Cream, started as a simple cream to combat dry skin. However, the research has shown us that using chardonnay grape seed extract in our cream is 85% more effective than Vitamin C at boosting collagen production. In addition, it has been found to attack free radicals and decrease their effects on our skin, which, over time, can lead to wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and less supple skinSo, sit back and relax with a rejuvenating facial, enjoy a glass of wine, and know that you’re doing the body good!