Wine Based Skin Care

Raise your glass to the newest skin care trend. Red wine is beginning to emerge in skin care products so now we can all reap the benefits of its ingredients by adding it to our own skin care routine. But does alcohol, which is notoriously harsh on the skin, actually have skin care benefits? A naturally occurring polyphenol (plant-derived) compound called resveratrol has come under more research as being one of the sources of the many health benefits of red wine.  

Red Wine and Resveratrol

In fact, we might just be wanting to explain our dependence on wine by saying it is actually good for us, but there’s science behind it. Resveratrol, a part of a group of compounds called polyphenols which are found in the skin of grapes, acts as an antioxidant.

There is also newfound information regarding its ability to treat acne. Resveratrol can reduce the bacteria that is increased in acne, known as P. acnes, and was also found to boost the anti-bacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide, often the main ingredient in over-the-counter acne medications.

Red Wine and Tannins

Another phytochemical in red wine that has been found to be beneficial for skin are tannins. These flavonoid polyphenols come from the skin, stem, and seeds of grapes. This tends to give red wine a higher tannin level than white wines. Due to this high concentration of flavonoids, red wine has been correlated with antioxidant properties. 

This doesn’t mean you should be saving a bottle of pinot noir every night for dinner. Moderation is key, and to get that glowing skin, this usually means just one glass a day; once you drink more than recommended, you can have the opposite effect on your appearance and health. So maybe uncorking that red wine isn’t always a bad idea but it's not the most effective way for your body to absorb the polyphenols.

Where to Find Resveratrol and Red Wine for Your Skin

One way to utilize the benefits of resveratrol is to find it in skin care products. Caudalie, Bite Beauty and Philosophy make use of grape seeds in their products.

Another option gaining popularity is wine facials as they are beneficial to rejuvenate your skin. The application of resveratrol topically on the skin boosts the antioxidant activity in the outermost layers of the skin. The resveratrol concentration of wine may be an important factor in inhibiting the formation of free radicals, which inflict oxidative and cellular damage on organisms. 

A growing number of skin care companies are beginning to get on this wine therapy trend and use the ingredients you’d usually find in a glass of wine to renew and provide a more youthful appearance to the skin. Whether you want to indulge in the occasional glass of red wine or apply it topically to your skin, your skin will enjoy its many benefits.