Grape seed oil

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, or grape seed oil, is a lightweight oil that is extracted from the seeds of grapes and penetrates the skin quickly, leaving skin soft, supple, and moisturized.

Largely known for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, grape seed oil also contains high amounts of omega fatty acids and vitamin E, which makes it popular when it comes to formulating skincare. But grape seed oil’s real strength lies in its molecular structure. Polyphenol compounds in grape seed oil, such as proanthocyanidins, are especially powerful antioxidants. Studies found that the antioxidant power of grape seed proanthocyanidins is 20 times greater than that of vitamin E and 50 times greater than that of vitamin C.

“The strong antioxidant capacities of grapes eed can help reduce the signs of aging, such as sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Grape seed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores, so even the most sensitive of skin types can use this oil with abandon. 

Active ingredients:

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Grape seed oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid ). Our bodies do not make these healthy fats, so it is essential that we get them in our diets. Adding grape seed oil into our diets, such as cooking with it, has a variety of health benefits.

Omega-6 fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the body and improve the pain and swelling in sunburns. It can also make our skin better protected against the sun’s harmful rays. Lowered inflammation is also why omega-6 fatty acids may speed wound healing. Another benefit of better skin protection is brighter, more youthful-looking skin. Omega-6 fatty acids can help protect against signs of skin aging, like wrinkles and dryness.

Vitamins

Grape seed oil is rich in antioxidants like vitamins C, D, and E, as well as polyphenols. Antioxidants protect against free radical damage and help to prevent certain types of cancer.

Polyphenol compounds such as proanthocyanidins and catechins : They have antioxidation, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, DNA repair, and antitumor activity.

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are compounds found in grape seed and pine bark extracts. They have been used to improve blood flow, reduce symptoms of diabetes, and to ease swelling in the joints. OPCs have also been used to improve vein function to ease swelling. They can be taken by using either grape seed or pine bark. Grape seed and pine bark can both be taken as pill, powder, or extract. They can also be used as a gel or oil.

Benefits of Grape seed Oil

For Skin:

.For acne:  Grape seed oil is excellent for treating oily or acne-prone skin. It’s high in linoleic acid, also known as omega-6 fatty acid, which in addition to fortifying the skin’s barrier and helping to reduce water loss from the skin, may help with acne.

• Lessens redness: Some studies have also shown linoleic acid to be anti-inflammatory, great for inflamed and red skin often associated with breakouts.
• Lightens scars: Grape seed oil contains powerful antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids that work together to fade dark spots and lighten scars. Studies have shown that it can help speed up the healing process and decrease the formation of keloid scars. 
• Hydrates and firms: Being that grape seed oil containsvitamin E an ingredient commonly found in expensive eye creams that reduces inflammation as well as moisturizing fatty acids, it may help skin appear tighter and more youthful.
• Boosts collagen: Studies have shown that grape seed oil can protect against sun damage and promote collagen repair. In fact, it may reduce the appearance of fine lines and stretch marks.
• Anti-microbial: Grape seed oil’s anti-microbial properties mean that it deeply cleanses the skin. Grape seed oil is mildly astringent and purifying with some antimicrobial properties, often attributed to the level of polyphenolic compounds called catechins.
• Prevents free-radical damage: Grape seed oil is rich in many other advantageous compounds, including beta-carotene, vitamins D, C, E, and polyphenols. These compounds have excellent antioxidant abilities making grape seed oil a strong source of antioxidant benefits, including free radical scavenging and protection from environmental aggressors such as UV radiation or pollution.
• Lessens hyperpigmentation: As mentioned above, it’s a jack-of-all-trades. So in addition to fighting breakouts, it helps with sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Grape seed oil is often used as an ingredient in products designed for oily or acne-prone skin as well as dry skin and hyperpigmentation.
• Evens skin tone: As it contains the antioxidant proanthocyanidin, grape seed oil “may help to even out skin tone when used consistently.

 For hair

In general, grape seed oil is a great option for most hair types, including color-treated and natural hair. But if you have thin, fine hair and have been looking for a great lightweight oil, grape seed oil is especially for you because it doesn’t weigh the hair down. And it’s an excellent choice for any hair type.

• Helps with hair growth: When it comes to your hair, grape seed oil is an excellent choice because it contains vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs, all of which are necessary for healthy hair growth and vitality.
• Moisturizing: “Grape seed oil is an excellent natural choice to seal in moisture and hydrate the hair. Because of its lightweight texture, it won’t leave the hair feeling greasy. Grape seed oil is great sealant when used after applying a water-based moisturizer. This oil contains a lower amount of monosaturated lipids (fats that can penetrate the hair strand) and higher amounts of linoleic acid (fats that sit on top of the hair strand). Because of its composition, this oil works as a great sealant.
• Smooth and blocks split ends: When pulled through the hair, it can help tame frizz, or you can just apply to the ends to combat split ends. 
• Reduces dandruff: Because of its high content of nutrients and emollient properties, when massaged into the scalp, it can reduce dandruff production by stimulating new, healthy cell growth.  And its antimicrobial properties that reduce and prevent dandruff.
• Strengthens weak or brittle hair: With its high levels of antioxidants, vitamin E, and omegas, it can help strengthen weak or brittle hair and restore shine. Over-processed and dry hair benefits greatly from the grape seed oil as a deep hydrator, leaving hair feeling moisturized and shiny.
• Reduces hair loss: Applied directly to the scalp, grape seed oil may prevent the production of a hormone called DHT that causes weakened hair follicles and hair loss. Adding an essential oil, such as rosemary, to grape seed oil may also help hair grow back in people who have experienced hair loss or thinning.
• Protects against UV damage: Grape seed oil has a high amount of phenolic compounds which are antioxidants, and can protect the hair from UV damage.
• Incredibly lightweight: The other advantage that grape seed oil has over other types of oils for the hair is that it is practically weightless. This means it’s a perfect option for those with even the finest, thinnest hair. It doesn’t weigh hair down. It’s also odorless so you won’t have to worry about lingering scents that other oils can leave.
• Soothes the scalp: Issues such as flaky, itchy scalp are relieved with the application of grape seed oil directly on the scalp, the essential fatty acids and nutrients have anti-inflammatory properties that help to nourish and soothe the scalp. 
• Can help premature graying: While gray hair is from a variety of factors including genetics, oxidative stress also plays a role, so having antioxidants directly on the hair could theoretically help protect against premature graying. These are the seeds that contain the most powerful antioxidants. The oil extracted from these seeds contains a compound known as OPC. Countless studies have shown that OPCs are highly potent antioxidants that can help prevent premature aging.