Grapeseed oil is all the rage nowadays. And you might be wondering what it’s all about. Grape seeds are a by-product of the wine-making process.
Grapeseed oil is extracted from these seeds either through mechanical techniques (known as cold pressing) or by using a solvent. And since cold pressing doesn’t involve either chemical or heat treatments, cold-pressed oil is safer and retains more beneficial compounds.
- Grapeseed oil contains high levels of fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids) and vitamin E.
- It contains many beneficial phenolic compounds.
- According to research, it might have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and anticancer properties.1 2
But grapeseed oil isn’t just good for your health but also for your skin. So let’s take a look at how it works with skin care.
1. Moisturizes Your Skin
The fatty acids in grapeseed oil make it a great moisturizer. It forms a protective barrier on the skin and prevents the loss of moisture.
It is also a light oil that doesn’t clog up skin pores. This means that you can use it even if you have oily skin.3
2. Deals With Acne
Linoleic acid, a major component of grapeseed oil, might have anti-inflammatory effects that can deal with acne.4 In fact, one study found that applying linoleic acid resulted in significant reduction in the size of microcomedones (clogged skin pores that turn into pimples).5
3. Keeps Your Skin Young
Over a period of time, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can reduce the elasticity of your skin and cause it to age prematurely. Grapeseed oil, which is rich in vitamin E, might be able to offer some protection.
According to research, vitamin E has antioxidant and UV absorptive properties. And animal studies show that topical application of this vitamin can protect the skin from UV-induced damage and even decrease the incidence of UV-induced skin cancer.6
Adding a little grapeseed oil to your diet could also help keep your skin looking young. A study involving middle-aged American women found that those with higher intakes of linoleic acid and vitamin C had better skin with less wrinkling and dryness than the others. The study also found lower intakes of fats and carbohydrates to be beneficial.7
4. Lightens The Skin
If you’ve been out in the sun for too long, grapeseed oil can help you deal with an extra dark tan. An animal study found that the application of linoleic acid to skin that was hyperpigmented due to exposure to UV rays made it lighter.
Researchers have suggested that linoleic acid works by suppressing the production of melanin (a skin-darkening pigment) and enhancing the removal of melanin from the outer layer of the skin.8 Another study found that topical application of linoleic acid was even effective in treating melasma, a condition where you see patches of dark, hyperpigmented skin. 9
5. Acts As A Carrier Oil
Essential oils derived from various plants have been used therapeutically for ages to deliver a range of physical as well as emotional benefits. But most essential oils are too potent to be used topically without dilution. This is where carrier oils come in.
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils so that they can be applied safely and effectively. And since grapeseed oil is easily absorbed, light, and has a smooth texture, it’s popularly used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy.10
So whether you’re using tea tree oil to treat a fungal skin infection or lavender oil to treat dry skin, diluting them with a little grapeseed oil can be useful.11 12
References
