Grapeseed Oil for Skin: Benefits + How to Use

You've likely seen grapeseed oil in many health food stores and markets. However, in addition to being great to eat, it turns out that grapeseed oil has phenomenal benefits for the skin and hair as well. This oil is non-comedogenic and contains a large number of antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins that nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

In this article, we'll find out more about grapeseed oil, its amazing beauty benefits, as well as the ways you can incorporate it into your daily skincare routine.

What Is Grapeseed Oil?

This oil is a product obtained from grape seeds that are discarded during the winemaking process. So, it's, in fact, wineries' waste product of great agricultural and industrial importance, used for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. Grapeseed oil (also called grape oil) is a lightweight oil rich in skin-loving nutrients with moisturizing and softening effects.

A bit of history: The consumption of grapes for their healing properties is no secret, and it dates back to ancient Egypt, 6,000 years ago. The philosophers of ancient Greece also praised the healing powers of grape wine. In Europe, grapes, the sap of grapevines, and even grape leaves were used to create folk remedies and healing ointments for the skin and eyes. In addition, grapes and grape by-products were used to treat pain, inflammation, smallpox, cholera, and kidney and liver diseases.

However, the first mention of grapeseed oil for skin care in particular dates back to the 14th century, during the rule of Ferdinand IV. He was the king of Castile and León, the territory of today's northwestern Spain. An Arab doctor suggested the king to use grapeseed oil for treating his skin issues. The oil's healing powers proved to be so effective that the king decided to keep it a secret and called it the Oil of the Throne or the Royal Oil [source].

Today: Grapeseed oil is produced in many countries worldwide, including Spain, Italy, France, the United States, and Australia. There are various methods of the extraction of the oil. The most traditional methods are cold pressing of the whole seeds in a hydraulic press or milled seeds that are heated and pressed in a screw press. Generally, cold pressing is the best way to obtain the oil, as this method allows all the nutrients from the oil to be preserved.

Nowadays, grapeseed oil, as well as grape juice and grape seed extract, can be found in many cosmetic products, including face creams, body lotions, shampoos, and other hair treatment products.

Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Skin

Studies show that grapeseed oil contains many skin-caring nutrients, including fatty acids (linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid), antioxidants (tannins, resveratrol, quercetin, and carotenoids), and vitamins (such as vitamin E or tocopherol). These nutrients exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making grapeseed oil a great addition to your skincare arsenal. Here are the top 7 benefits of grapeseed oil for skin:

#1: It Helps With Acne.

Acne is a very common skin condition that affects hair follicles and sebaceous and sweat glands, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, grapeseed oil can cut the inflammation in its bud and prevent the pores from clogging. In addition, due to its linoleic acid content, the oil strengthens the cell membranes inside the skin, improving its overall health, preventing future breakouts, and helping with existing acne [source].

#2: It's Anti-Aging.

To a large extent, grapeseed oil owes its anti-aging effects to its rich antioxidant and vitamin E content. Research suggests that grapeseed oil strengthens the skin's barrier function and helps with collagen production, improving the skin's elasticity and leading to fewer fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, the antioxidants from grapeseed oil act as potent free radical sweepers, protecting the skin from UV radiation and oxidative stress.

#3: It's Moisturizing and Firming.

Most plant oils can be effective as skin moisturizers as they create an occlusive layer on the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss. However, most oils will leave a greasy coating on the skin, making them only suitable for extremely dry skin types. This is not the case with grapeseed oil as it's very light and highly absorbent, leaving no oily residue on the skin after application. In addition, it will soothe and regenerate the skin thanks to its linoleic acid content [source].

Therefore, grapeseed oil can be used as a skin moisturizer and is suitable for oily skin, dry and flakey skin, as well as sensitive skin.

#4: It Helps With Wound Healing and Spider Veins.

Studies show that grapeseed oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties thanks to its rich phenolic content, helping soothe inflammation and scarring and making wounds close quicker. In addition, resveratrol from grapeseed oil improves connective tissue deposition and bolsters blood flow, decreasing swelling, regenerating the veins, and preventing further damage [source].

#5: It Evens Skin Texture and Tone.

Due to overexposure to sunlight and pollutants, the collagen and elastin inside the skin degrade over time, resulting in saggy skin. In addition, the process of cell regeneration slows down, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin's surface and the complexion that looks rough, lackluster, and scaly.

The antioxidants and vitamin E in grapeseed oil can strengthen the skin's barrier function, soothe inflammation, and accelerate cell turnover. As a result, the skin is more firm and less red, and even the pore size is decreased [source].

#6: It Eliminates Dark Spots.

When skin is exposed to UV rays, it responds by activating melanocytes to produce more melanin, leading to the formation of dark brown spots on the skin. Vitamin E in grapeseed oil interferes with melanogenesis in the epidermis, hindering the over-production of melanin pigments.

In addition, vitamin E can also promote glutathione synthesis, a small protein inside the cells that prevents damage caused by peroxides and free radicals. As a result, grapeseed oil also provides a skin-lightening effect, helping with hyperpigmentation [source].

#7: It Prevents Hair Loss.

Since grapeseed oil can improve blood flow to the skin and scalp, it can be used for treating androgenetic alopecia – the most common cause for hair loss in both men and women [source].

How to Use Grapeseed Oil

You can use grapeseed oil as a stand-alone skin care product and apply it as a moisturizer. Or you could mix several drops of the oil with your moisturizing cream or body lotion and apply it like that. It's quickly absorbed by the skin, so you won't have any problems using it as a part of your morning routine – it won't leave a greasy film on your skin, but make it supple and soft.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways you can use it. Here are some ideas for DIY skincare with grapeseed oil:

Make a Face Peel

Mix a tablespoon of colloidal oats with two tablespoons of grapeseed oil. When the mixture is nicely combined, do a facial peeling. Rub the face with gentle circular motions for a few minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. You'll notice your skin is soft and well-hydrated right after.

Make a Face Toner

If you have dark spots or oily skin, you'll love this DIY face toner. Mix one teaspoon of grapeseed oil with two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and gently dab your face with it, trying to avoid the area around the eyes because it's sensitive. Leave on for ten minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Make a Face Mask

Mash half a ripe avocado and mix it with one tablespoon of grapeseed oil and two tablespoons of yogurt. Leave on for about 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. This face mask is suitable for any skin type, including oily, and can be used twice a week.

Takeaway...

Packed with plenty of skin-loving nutrients, grapeseed oil is a simple, all-natural, all-purpose, and inexpensive treat for your skin. Grapeseed oil is well-tolerated by most people, and there are no known side effects of applying grapeseed oil topically. However, you might be allergic to grapes. In that case, you'll likely be allergic to grapeseed oil as well. If not, do a small patch test before applying it to your whole face, just in case.

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