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Grape seed extract comes in various forms, each designed to suit different needs and preferences. It is derived from cold-pressed grape seeds. The types of grape seed products include:
Capsules and tablets
Capsules and tablets are the most common forms of grape seed extract because of their ease of use. They are typically standardized to contain a particular percentage of OPCs to guarantee effectiveness. These are simple to adjust dosages and incorporate into daily routines. However, they may take longer to absorb compared to liquid forms.
Liquid extract
Grape seed extract liquid is more potent compared to capsules and tablets. It is often recommended for fast absorption because it is in liquid form. The liquid can be easily measured and adjusted for custom dosage. However, the taste can be unpleasant and may require diluting before consumption.
Powdered extract
Powdered extracts are used for topical applications or mixed with food and drinks. These options are more concentrated and can be used flexibly, either topically or for internal use. The powdered extract has no additives or fillers, making it pretty pure. However, the powder may not mix well in liquids or foods, and there is a possibility of inconsistent dosing.
Softgel
Softgel supplements are similar to capsules but are more bioavailable, enabling faster absorption into the body. Softgels are easy to consume and tend to be more potent. They are often used in high-quality supplements. However, they are more expensive to produce and purchase compared to capsules or tablets.
Topical creams and serums
Grape seed extract creams and serums are used for skincare by harnessing the antioxidant properties of the extract. The topical application is localized, targeting specific areas directly. These creams and serums hydrate the skin while preventing damage from environmental factors. However, results may take longer to show, and they are less effective than oral supplements for internal health benefits.
Grape seed extract is commonly used in upscale cosmetic products. This is because it has multiple benefits, such as antioxidant purposes and skin regeneration. Below are common ingredients found in grape seed extract skincare products:
Vitamins
Vitamins in grape seed oil include vitamin E and vitamin C. Vitamin E helps to reduce visible signs of aging while supporting skin cell regeneration and repair. Vitamin E also helps keep the skin moisturized and well-hydrated, promoting a healthy and smoother texture. Vitamin C works to brighten the skin by reducing dark spots and uneven tone. It also helps to boost collagen production, which firms and plumps the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This helps slow down the aging process and keeps the skin looking youthful and vibrant. Basically, they help protect against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage. They also help reduce inflammation, which can benefit sensitive or irritated skin.
Linoleic acid
Linoleic acid is one of the essential fatty acids in grape seed extract. It helps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, which in turn reduces moisture loss. This keeps the skin hydrated from within and helps maintain a plump appearance. Linoleic acid also helps reduce acne and skin breakouts since it doesn't clog pores and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Alpha linolenic acid
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is another fatty acid in grape seed oil. It works to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it great for sensitive or redness-prone complexions. It also provides deep nourishment for dry or damaged skin, helping to repair and heal the skin's surface.
Proanthocyanidins
Proanthocyanidins are powerful antioxidants that improve blood circulation to the skin. This aids in delivering essential nutrients and oxygen that help improve skin tone and vitality. They also help strengthen the skin's structure and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Grape seed extract (GSE) is a dietary supplement derived by chilly pressing from the seeds of grapes. It is packed with polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. Below are the benefits GSE provides:
Rich in antioxidants
Grape seed extract is rich in antioxidants, such as OPCs, vitamin E, and resveratrol. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are harmful compounds that can damage cells and contribute to aging. This helps protect the skin from environmental damage, including UV rays and pollution. The body does not age as fast because skin cells are protected from oxidative stress.
Supports cardiovascular system
Grape seed extract enhances circulation by promoting vasodilation, which widens blood vessels and allows for smoother blood flow. This helps decrease blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The extract also helps support heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease. Grape seed extract helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increases HDL (good cholesterol), which supports overall heart health. This reduces the risk of plaque buildup in arteries by preventing blood cells from clumping together.
Improves mental functions
The antioxidants in grape seed extract help protect brain cells from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Grape seed extract improves cognitive functions, such as memory and learning, by increasing blood flow to the brain. This supplies essential nutrients and oxygen. It also helps enhance mental performance and reduce age-related decline by promoting brain health as people age and improving overall focus and clarity.
Improves eye health
GSE helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by protecting retinal cells from oxidative damage. It also supports vision by preventing cataracts and other vision-related issues. Grape seed extract improves eye circulation, which aids in delivering nutrients to the eyes and reducing dryness.
Promotes weight loss
GSE helps prevent fat accumulation by inhibiting the formation of new fat cells within the body. This helps promote weight loss and reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which prevents insulin spikes and crashes that can lead to increased hunger.
Grape seed extract is used widely in the skincare industry because it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Below is a preparation and application guide for incorporating grape seed extracts in skincare:
Identify skincare needs
Identify specific skincare needs that should be addressed when using grape seed extract in skincare. These may include signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, or environmental damage, including sun exposure or pollution. Determine the skin type to know whether to use a lightweight serum, a deep moisturizing cream, or a topical product containing grape seed extract.
Choose grape seed extract product
There are many grape seed extract-infused products, such as serums, creams, or oils, to choose from. Opt for a pure, high-quality, and concentrated organic grape seed extract product that does not contain harsh chemicals or synthetic additives. The extract can also be combined with other complementary ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or essential oils. These will boost the overall effectiveness of the product.
Patch test
Conduct a patch test before using a new product with GSE to ensure there are no allergic reactions or irritations. Apply a small amount of the product on a discrete area of skin, such as the inner elbow. Wait 24 hours and check for redness, itching, or breakouts.
Cleanse skin
Properly prepare the skin to help ensure consistent results and prevent possible skin reactions. Cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This will provide a clean canvas for the application. After cleansing, gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel to ensure the application goes on smoothly.
Tone and exfoliate (optional)
Toning and exfoliating are optional steps, but they greatly help prepare the skin. Apply a gentle, alcohol-free toner to balance the skin's pH and tighten pores. This helps ensure the GSE product is easily absorbed. If exfoliating, use a mild chemical or physical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. This unclogs pores, boosts cell regeneration, and helps the product penetrate better deep into the skin.
Apply the extract
Pour a few drops of grape seed extract serum or oil into the palms and rub them together. Gently massage the serum or oil into the skin using upward circular motions. These help promote blood flow and ensure the product is properly absorbed into the skin. Skip the eye area unless it's a specially formulated product for all-over use.
Moisturize
Allow the GSE product a few minutes to fully absorb into the skin before applying other products. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to lock in the nutrients from the serum or extract and keep the skin well-hydrated. After applying moisturizer, wait a few minutes for it to fully absorb before sunscreen, makeup, or other products, so they don’t interfere with the effectiveness of GSE.
Sunscreen and sun protection
Using sunscreen is essential for all skincare routines because it protects the skin from harmful sun rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield the skin from UV damage. This helps prevent future sun damage, such as aging and dark spots, and ensures the antioxidants in grape seed extract can continue working effectively.
Previous studies have shown that grape seed extracts are safe and tolerable for most people. It is widely regarded as a natural remedy for many health benefits. To ensure consistent results, it is paramount to know the quality and safety of GSE before purchase.
Know the standardization used in GSE
Buyers need to pay attention to the standardization of the extract, especially the percentage of proanthocyanidins. This is because these compounds are responsible for most of the health benefits GSE provides. They are often poorly reported. Health and skin products that contain 95% pure proanthocyanidins are more effective than those with lower concentrations. Also, prefer extracts that use seeds from dark colored grapes, such as red or black varieties. They generally contain more antioxidants than lighter colored grapes.
Watch out for softgels containing grape seed extract
Since grape seeds are often exposed to high temperatures during oil extraction, they may contain trace levels of a compound called aflatoxin. This is a naturally occurring toxic chemical produced by mold that can pose serious health risks, such as liver detoxification and carcinogenic effects. Fortunately, softgels have been reported to be effective in reducing the absorption of aflatoxins.
Check for possible interactions
GSE has blood-thinning properties. Therefore, consult a healthcare professional before taking grape seed extract with other blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel. Additionally, GSE may interact with drugs that are broken down by the liver, such as statins, protease inhibitors, and some anticonvulsants. GSE may also lower blood sugar levels, meaning it should be avoided when using diabetes medications or before surgery.
Possible side effects
Although GSE is safe to use, it may still come with side effects occasionally. These may include mild digestive distress, such as nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach. Others may experience headaches or dizziness from taking GSE, while allergic reactions are also common. These include rashes, hives, or itching. Moreover, long-term use of GSE should be avoided since its safety record is based on short-term use. Lastly, stop taking GSE at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgeries to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
A1: Grape seed extract is generally safe for most people to use. However, it is important for pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid using it because there isn’t enough information on how it may affect babies. Also, people with allergies to grapes or other plants in the same family should avoid GSE to prevent possible allergic reactions. Furthermore, people who recently had surgeries and those scheduled for surgeries should stop taking GSE at least 2 weeks prior. This helps reduce the risk of interacting with drugs that may cause blood fusing.
A2: GSE usually starts working immediately, protecting the body from free radicals as soon as it enters the bloodstream. However, it may take several weeks of consistent use to notice significant improvements in conditions like poor circulation, cardiovascular health, or skin aging. Individual factors, such as personal body chemistry, overall health, and lifestyle habits, may affect how fast GSE works for different users.
A3: Grape seed extract is primarily concentrated on the seeds of the grape fruit. It is high in antioxidants, particularly oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). These are compounds that confer an anti-aging effect. Conversely, grape skin extract is made from the outer skin of grape fruit. It is rich in resveratrol, quercetin, and other antioxidants.
A4: Yes, GSE can treat hyperpigmentation. It contains antioxidants like oligomeric proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, and vitamin E, which protect the skin from oxidative damage and free radicals that may worsen hyperpigmentation. Additionally, GSE helps reduce inflammation and boosts blood flow to the skin. This aids in the skin’s natural healing processes and helps improve skin tone and clarity over time.
A5: Grape seed oil is generally safe to use on the skin and has minimal side effects. However, some products may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. These include redness, itching, or rashes. This typically happens because of additives, fillers, or other ingredients in the oil rather than the grape seed oil itself. Additionally, avoid products that contain high concentrations of oleic acid. It may cause post-menopausal women to clog their pores and have heavy oil effects.