Grapeseed oil is a nutritious oil that can be found in specialty and health food stores, usually located next to olive oil. This vegetable oil, which is pressed from various wine-producing grapes, has a moderately high smoking point, and therefore can be used to cook foods at medium temperatures. Grapeseed oil can also be used on the skin as a moisturizer or as a conditioner for the hair and scalp. It provides several benefits for the skin.
High in Antioxidants
One of the benefits of grapeseed extract is that it is high in antioxidants. According to registered dietitian Mindy Weisel in her book, "Colorfully Slim," due to its high antioxidant count, grapeseed oil can help to fight free radicals from the environment that cause damage to the skin. She recommends not only using grapeseed oil on the face, but also on your legs, arms, hands and feet.
Lessen Allergic Reactions
Grapeseed oil may also lessen allergic reactions on skin. In the book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Natural Soaps," soap-maker Sally W. Trew notes that the flavanoids contained in grapeseed oil can inhibit allergic reactions, and may help with fighting skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. It also penetrates the skin quickly and has almost no odor, and is therefore usually non-irritating.
Good Eye-Makeup Remover
In the book, "Complexion Perfection!" by esthetician Kate Somerville, she recommends using grapeseed oil as an eye-makeup remover. This is due to the oil's ability to break down mascara and moisturize the eye area at the same time. Somerville also believes the oil helps to condition the lashes and will make them grow longer and stronger over time. Use sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
Protects Collagen
Another way that grapeseed oil is helpful for the skin is that it protects your skin's natural collagen, according to skin care expert Michelle Eby in her book, "Return to Beautiful Skin." Collagen in the structural protein found in tissues, and is essential for healthy skin. During the aging process, the body produces less collagen, and skin begins to sag. Besides helping protect collagen, grapeseed oil also improves elastin and hyaluronic acid production, adds Eby.
References
- "Colorfully Slim"; Mindy Weisel, MS, RD; 2005
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Natural Soaps"; Sally W. Trew; 2010
- "Complexion Perfection!"; Kate Somerville; 2010
- "Return to Beautiful Skin"; Michelle Eby; 2009
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