By Anna Maria Giambanco DiPietro, Contributing Writer
We've all heard about the myriad benefits of drinking red wine, but have you ever considered using a splash of syrah, grenache or pinot noir topically?
Red wine grape skins contain an antioxidant called resveratrol, which according to the Mayo Clinic, may prevent blood vessel damage and reduce LDL cholesterol. While ingesting red wine in moderation has been proven to deliver health benefits, studies show that applying vino rosso directly to your skin delivers noticeable results, and quickly.
Resveratrol replenishes sun-damaged skin, maintains elasticity, protects against cell damage and restores collagen. Antioxidant-rich red wine also helps acneic and congested skin, due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
A powerhouse member of the group of compounds known as polyphenols, resveratrol has the beauty industry buzzing. Who knew dousing our skin with Bacchus' favorite beverage could bring on glowing, supple skin?
The resveratrol formulated, natural products below are great options to consider:
$9 USD
This vinotherapy lineisupcycled from the byproduct of the California wine industry (grape seeds recycled from wineries).Antioxidant rich white tea, grapes and organic local wine in this bar soap cleanse and infuse the skin with
100% pure, natural grapeseed goodness.
PC: The Grapeseed Company
$8 USD
Hand-poured and made in small batches, this rosy lip tint is made with a base of plant derived oils and waxes. Wine Country Organics’ lip care products contain no fragrances, no synthetic preservatives, and no FD&C dyes.
PC: Wine Country Organics
$18 USD
Made with organic grapes selected at harvest, this spritz has become a green beauty cult favorite. Agentle, nourishing mist that moisturizes, soothes and reducessensitivity.
PC: Caudalie
$38 USD
An elegant skin-plumping mist containing resveratrol from grape seeds brightens fatigued skin. Spritz on to replenish and combatdehydration.
PC: Osea Malibu
To have a little DIY beauty fun of your own, we also whipped up a few green face mask recipes incorporating red wine and we think you’ll love the results. Be sure to use fresh wine that's been kept in a cool, dark place in order to preserve its healing properties. We used (and sipped) a delicious cabernet franc from Buttonwood Farm & Winery, and an elegant Sangiovese from Koehler Winery.
Give these easy mask recipes a whirl - but first, turn on some soothing music and pour yourself a glass of heart healthy red elixir. Come on, crush a cup of wine!
For Dry Skin:
1 tbsp almond or olive oil
1 tbsp kaolin clay
1 tsp red wine
For Oily Skin:
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp oatmeal*
pinch of cinnamon
1 tsp red wine
For Combination Skin:
1 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp honey
a pinch of oatmeal*
1 tsp red wine
*If using oatmeal, pulse in blender or food processor until finely ground.
Mix ingredients in a small bowl and apply to clean skin using fan brush or your fingers. Leave on 5-10 minutes and rinse gently with a warm, wet cloth.
You may also use red wine as a brightening toner by pouring 1/4 cup over cotton discs, then applying soaked pads to a clean face. A nice way to enjoy this application is to lie down and let the pads rest on your skin for 5-10 minutes. Remove by rinsing your face with cool water, patting dry.
Be careful - wine may stain garments and surfaces; we recommend using dark linens and protecting your sink.
Whether you're mixing up a merlot-infused mask or puckering up with pinot lip balm, wine infused beauty is a surefire way to reap the benefits of vino, sans hangover. Cheers!
Photo Credits: The Grapeseed Company, Wine Country Organics, Osea Malibu, Caudalie
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