Can you believe I'm writing the benefits of wine for skin?! We all know the detrimental effects of alcohol on our body. But, do we ever talk about wine and honor its value to us? Hmm.
Think about a time when you could have a glass of wine and take a big sign of relief knowing it could be benefiting you (even helping your skin!). Sounds too good to be true...
Though, in moderation and with the right products you could be utilizing the benefits of wine for your skin!
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After working in Napa Valley and watching the magic unfold (watching grapes turn to wine), I wondered if there is something more to it. More than just an alcoholic beverage, but something useful... Something sacred...
You will learn the secret benefits of wine for skin, the best products, where to get the best wines, and more!
This post is all about benefits of wine for skin!
Benefits of Wine for Skin
What wine is best?
When we are talking about the benefits of wine for skin I am referring to red wine specifically. You might be aware that red wine has lots of antioxidants!
The red wines with higher tannins will have more antioxidants (and therefore more potential benefits) than red wines with lower tannins since tannins are an antioxidant!
Super important as well, make sure the wine you get is high quality wine. Lower tiered wines will have excess sugars, additives, chemicals, etc that will cancel out the benefits of wine. So make sure you get high quality!!
Wines highest in antioxidants & tannins (in order):
- Tannat
- Nebbiolo
- Cabernet sauvignon (my favorite)
Wines lower in antioxidants & tannins (in order from higher tannins to lower):
- Zinfandel (my favorite)
- Merlot
- Pinot noir
These wines are going to be your rock stars! All of the wines above have strong to mild tannins so you will get the benefits of wine for skin, but depends on your preferences.
Secret Benefits of Red Wine for Skin
The way we use red wine is critical in the benefits we will see in our skin and beyond...
First, is to consume responsibly! Mindful wine consumption may lead to these benefits when consumed moderately. Secondly, this red wine skincare product utilizes red wine for topical use, or make a DIY red wine face mask for added benefits! Add it into your skincare routine and get the benefits of red wine for skin without having to drink!!
Given the wine is red wine, here are 7 benefits of wine for skin:
1. Antioxidant protection
As red wine has tannins, tannins have antioxidants. One of those antioxidants is called resveratrol.
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant. A large way our skin gets hit with oxidation is through the sun and pollutants. Resveratrol may help against sun damage and environmental pollutants.
I use bentonite clay to clear my skin and body from heavy metals and environmental pollutants, but utilizing red wine topically and in moderate consumption can help aid that process even more!
2. Anti-aging effects
Now, you might know that antioxidants are indeed agents of anti-aging! Like mentioned above, red wine has tannins which have natural antioxidants. One called resveratrol, which helps in preventing/minimizing fine lines, wrinkles, and can promote skin elasticity and collagen production.
To get the full benefits of red wine for skin when you don't want to drink, or simply just want to reap the benefits, you can use this skincare product!
Or simply enjoy a glass of wine knowing full well you are reaping the benefits.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
This one seems to good to be true, right?! Wine being anti-inflammatory. So, let's break it down because it needs to be! While alcohol is an inflammatory agent, the resveratrol in the tannins of red wine may have anti-inflammatory properties... Which can help with redness, rosacea, even inflamed acne.
In a study, it was shown patients who received resveratrol supplements experienced a lower amount of inflammatory compounds in the body.
While I can't say that red wine equals anti-inflammatory, but given that red wine has tannins (which have resveratrol) we can see a correlation. Though, when drinking wine it must be in moderation or the inflammatory part of alcohol will dominate.
Again, to combat the inflammatory aspect of alcohol, you can get red wine skincare products that utilize all the benefits of red wine without alcohol!!
4. Improved skin hydration
An incredibly important point when thinking about red wine improving our skin hydration. Alcohol on its own is a diuretic, which means it sucks water out of your body (hence why you wake up from a night of drinking so thirsty you feel like you will shrivel up).
So, if you are going to be drinking wine for the benefits of wine for skin, then do it in moderation. I don't think I can say that enough times. It is so important!
On the other hand, skincare products that use compounds from wine can help improve your skin hydration. Studies show that highly concentrated resveratrol creams can increase skins hydration, skin thickness, and skin elasticity!
I mean, uhh, yes please!
Some resveratrol creams to check out:
- Resveratrol Lifting Cream
- Merlot Moisture Day Cream (made in the USA)
5. Exfoliating and brightening
Wine, and grapes, have natural acids. You might know this when you drink a bit more acidic wine! The natural acids, like Tartaric acid, can gently exfoliate the skin leaving it brighter. This benefits of wine for skin is potent when used topically with products OR by doing a red wine face mask!
The red wine cleansing pad is exfoliating and brightening by using some of the properties of red wine! Though, the "PHA" is an acid that is not part of wine, but added into the product to help with gentle exfoliation.
Another way to take advantage of wine's exfoliating and brightening properties is using a face scrub that gently exfoliates!
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6. Improved circulation
Adding onto number 5, wine can improve our circulation in two different ways. First, by using it as a scrub we can stimulate blood flow to our skin. Secondly, moderate wine consumption can help increase blood flow by helping our blood vessels relax and dilate!
This benefit of wine for skin is useful topically and orally to deliver more oxygen to our skin resulting in healthier, younger looking skin!
7. Antibacterial properties
In ancient times, red was used as an antiseptic for wound healing and other ailments due to its high concentration of organic acids. The antioxidants in red wine can prevent bacteria from binding to surfaces, can damage the DNA of bacteria, and more!
Believe it or not, studies show that red wine can compact oral bacteria that are responsible for cavities when we consume (though, be careful not to over consume. The acids in wine can also deteriorate your teeth).
To benefit from red wine's antibacterial properties you can consume in moderation, and also use it topically to fight acne and other skin ailments!
Overall, the benefits of wine for skin happen when we consume in moderation and apply it topically, either through a DIY mask or high quality skincare products!
This was not medical advice, simply tips and tricks to add to your skincare routine in a way to connect with wine in a different, more grounded, approach.