Natural Beauty Benefits of Grapeseed Oil: A Product Review

FIRST: About the Product and Why It's Worth Reviewing

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but let’s face it, it is also skin deep. In today’s beauty market sales are skyrocketing, but with so many options available it is almost impossible to know what to buy; pharmacy store brands or pricey department store names? What’s better? There are many factors to consider, but often the bottom line is simple—keep it simple! Many products, even the expensive brands, contain some less than desirable synthetic ingredients and often the active ingredient is secondary to fillers. Fortunately, the most basic form of natural skincare proves highly beneficial for your skin without the harsh synthetic chemicals—enter grape seed oil.

Grape seed oil is a by-product of the wine-making industry and is loaded with vitamins, minerals and proteins, as well as oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic fatty acids necessary for healthy skin cells. Powerful antioxidants fight the aging process and have anti-inflammatory properties ideal for blemish busting. The extract of grape seed has shown antioxidant power several times greater than Vitamin E and Vitamin C! This suggests that grape seed oil is a serious contender in anti-aging skincare. Flavonoid complexes turn up the volume by playing a key role in the stabilization of collagen and maintenance of elastin in the skin. Its astringent properties also assist in tighter pores and acne prevention. Contrary to being an oil, it does not leave an oily residue on your skin, but a silky smooth finish. It is extremely absorbent and works well blended with other skincare products.

Although there are many skin care products on the market with some of the properties in grape seed oil, many of these products contain ingredients that just sit on the skin. Grape seed oil is an excellent “carrier”, so that means it easily penetrates the surface of the skin and down to where it matters most. The result is less fine lines and blemish-free skin! To boot, grape seed oil is inexpensive. A four fluid ounce bottle averages only about five dollars—a rich result for a budget price!

WRITER'S REVIEW: My Personal Experience with Grape Seed Oil

I consider myself to have combination skin. Although I have never struggled with severe acne, 2-3 large pimples around my mouth, chin, and temples was not uncommon. I tried many products but they never seemed to “prevent” the breakouts, only treat the exiting pimples. I started using grape seed oil after reading rave reviews about its results and overall skin health benefits. In addition to acne busting, I was especially interested in minimizing fine lines and free-radical damage. I have to say, this stuff is great! I have been using the oil as my SOLE moisturizer for both mornings and evenings for about 8 months now. I have yet to get ONE pimple since using this product. My face also feels very moisturized and not at all greasy. It does however take a couple minutes for the oil to dry up on your skin, so don’t worry if it looks oily at first! If you are concerned, start small with one drop and add more as you need it. Since my skin is well moisturized, my fine lines are smoother and less visible, but no major miracle; although, grape seed oil suggests it “slows” the progression of lines and aging, and not necessarily diminishes it, Only time can tell on this one, but so far so good! If you are weary of committing to grape seed oil alone as your anti-aging treatment, then just apply your usual cream over the oil, or use one in the morning and the other at night for the best of both worlds!

What to Look for in Grape Seed Oil

Buy Grape Seed Oil intended for skin application. Choose organic oil whenever possible and choose oil that is minimally processed. Beneficial properties are stripped in processed oils. Avoid synthetic additives and fragrances. Look for pure grape seed oil with only a natural preservative added, such as Vitamin E (known as Tocopherol acetate).

How to Apply

• Add 2-3 drops to fingertips and smooth on clean face.
• Wait a couple minutes for oil to absorb.
• Apply sunscreen or cosmetics after oil.
• Can be used morning and night.

Tips on Using Grape Seed Oil

• Blend 1 drop of oil with your concealer and apply where necessary to prevent a dry or caked-on look.
• Rub 2-3 drops on chapped lips, or mix one part grape seed oil with one part coconut (or almond oil) for an excellent lip healing treatment.
• If your hair is frizzy, rub 1-2 drops between your hands and smooth through hair. Add more as necessary. Since this oil absorbs easily, it's less likely to leave an oily residue.