Grapeseed Oil For Better Health

Grapeseed Oil For Better Health

Grapeseed oil is this millennium's best-kept secret. It's one of the few oils that benefit all skin types- oily, dry, combination, acne-prone, or sensitive. This oil tackles a wide array of skin issues.

Today we'll demystify grapeseed oil and its benefits. We'll also show you the best ways to use it.

What is grapeseed oil?

This oil comes from grape seeds. The seeds are crushed then mixed with a solvent to extract the oils. Some producers use the expeller press or cold-press method to create a healthier, solvent-free oil.

Winemakers usually throw out the seeds, since they don't need seeds to make wine. As such, the seeds are easily accessible and affordable for producers and consumers. As a result, grapeseed oil is more sustainable than some of the other oils like palm oil. 

Grapeseed oil is extracted from the fatty part of the plant, whereas essential oils come from the non-fatty parts. Hence grapeseed is an excellent carrier oil. Here at Sole Toscana, we use this oil as one of the ingredients in our Espresso Bright Eyes cream. 

What's in grapeseed oil?

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Grapeseed oil has lots of polyunsaturated fatty acids and high levels of linoleic acid. Acne-prone skin typically has low levels of linoleic acid, so including grapeseed oil in your beauty regimen may help.
  2. Low levels of saturated fat, which our bodies find hard to process. Excess saturated fat leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol which is harmful.
  3. Grapeseed oil has powerful antioxidant properties. Its vitamin C and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes fight environmental stressors that speed up aging.
  4. Flavonoids which lower the risk of heart disease by decreasing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the body. 
  5. Vitamin E. This antioxidant protects you from environmental stressors and keeps your skin's damage to a minimum.

Grapeseed oil for skin

Grapeseed oil is a solution for a multitude of skin issues.

  • Mitigates acne breakouts and clogged pores
  • Lessens the appearance of stretch marks over time
  • Evens out skin tone
  • Protects the skin from environmental stressors, thus slowing down aging
  • Alleviates the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
  • Temporarily reduces the appearance of redness
  • Tightens appearance of pores
  • Can be used as a toner 
  • Intensely moisturizing
  •  Reduces the appearance of scars (because it contains vitamin E)
  • An excellent makeup remover
  • Reduces dark circles and puffiness under the eyes
  • Makes skin softer and elastic, keeping you looking younger for longer
  • Perfect for massage therapy

How to use 

Using this oil is easy. You don't need cotton balls, pads, or q-tips. Just apply it to the skin directly with clean hands. Pure grapeseed oil can be used directly on the face. Doing this at bedtime lets it sit and settle into the skin overnight.

You can also add it to your DIY cream, moisturizer or lotion. 

Use grapeseed oil as the base for your DIY hydrating face or body mask when your skin feels dry.

DO A SPOT TEST

We recommend starting with a spot test to check for any adverse reactions. Apply the oil to a specific spot daily. Do this for 4-5 days to make sure you don't develop a rash or reaction. After this time, apply the oil once on the first day, then increase frequency when you're sure your skin agrees with the product.

Other uses 

Apart from skincare, here are other versatile ways you use the oil:

HAIR CARE

A hair mask made from this oil hydrates the scalp, thus promoting hair growth. It also reduces dandruff by keeping your scalp moisturized.

AROMATHERAPY

You can use it either on its own, or as a base to mix with essential oils such as sandalwood, lavender, and chamomile. Use this oil blend for a full body massage.

COOKING

The relatively high smoke point makes it great for sauteing. The oil's neutral flavor allows you to add in whatever flavors you desire without it overtaking the dish.

SEXUAL HEALTH

Grapeseed oil makes for a perfect natural lubricant.

Ingesting Grapeseed capsules is another option. They contain 80% proanthocyanidins, which increase libido.

Risks

We recommend that you consult with a medical professional before introducing grapeseed oil to your body. If you're using other medications or supplements, the oil might react with them in unexpected ways. Common side effects include nausea, stomach upsets, headache, itching, and sore throat.

Very high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids cause harm to the body . When the levels of Omega-6s are higher than Omega-3s, your risk of heart disease and obesity increases.

If used well, grapeseed oil can nourish any skin type. Make sure to buy only organic, cold-pressed, solvent-free oil varieties. The less processed it is; the better.  You can find trustworthy grapeseed oil products at many stores or online at Sole Toscana.

With love,

The Sole Toscana Skincare Team