Skin plays the special roles as the contact medium between our bodies and the environment. There are many stress factors that directly exert on the skin, causing ageing skin and possible development of skin diseases. The stress factors include sunlight, oxidation by air, infectious virus and bacteria, mechanical damages etc. Grape seed extract protects skin in four different ways.
1. Binding with Collagen and Elastin:
Collagen is the major components of skin and makes up about 75% of this organ. The collagen content is crucial for warding off wrinkles and fine lines, while elastin also plays the role in supporting the structure of the skin and maintaining elasticity. Fibroblasts are the cells that synthesize collagen and elastin. Collagen is basically a protein and widely exists in the connective tissues in the human body, including those in teeth, bone, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Collagen, elastin and soft keratin work cooperatively to help skin stay firm, supple and moisturized. Collagen is one of the key elements that help in renewal of skin cells. Ageing causes decreased production and increased degradation of collagen. Consequently, the skin develops aging symptoms such as wrinkles, discoloration, dryness, lines, etc.
Grape seed extract has been reported in scientific studies to bind with collagen and elastin. The binding interactions stabilize the collagen structure, inhibit the destruction of collagen, and benefit the healthy skin. Grape seed extract protects collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid within the skin in good shape by blocking enzymes that may degrade them and/or disrupt their chemical structure. In this way, grape seed extract supports the skin's appearance by interacting with collagen and elastin to prevent wrinkling, which are important for younger looking skin. Grape seed extract helps in maintaining skin cell health and the skin's elasticity.
2. Acting as Free Radical Scavenger:
In addition to its strong binding ability with collagen and elastin, grape seed extract also acts as antioxidants and free radical scavenger to prevent the skin damages derived from sunlight, pollution, X-rays, cigarette smoke and even stress.
Free radicals are some of the worst enemies of healthy skin, cause the skin cells to break down, and make the skin more susceptible to aging and damage. Free radicals accelerate ageing and cause fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and age spots. Taking grape seed extract supplement regularly can protect your skin from the free radical damages and slow down or reverse the development of ageing signs.
Scientific studies indicate that grape seed extract polyphenols are able to protect against chromosomal damage induced by X-rays. Grape seed extract is found to offer more protection against radioactive damages, as compared to rutin, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ascorbic acid, 6- n-propyl-2-thiouracil-6c (PTU), and diosmin. This effect of grape seed extract may be contributed from its antioxidant property and its ability to scavenge free radicals.
3. Improving blood circulation:
Healthy skin requires constant supplies of nutrients and energy for normal maintenance and renewal. Optimal blood circulation and the overall health of the tiny capillaries are the required supplying lines for the needed nutrients and energy to reach and to dispense in the skin organ.
Circulation problems may be accompanied with a variety medical conditions such as high blood cholesterol, artery clogging and diabetes. Circulation problems, in the long term, will result in aged skin of fine lines, wrinkles, etc.. Clinical studies showed that majority of people of blood circulation problems had improvement in their condition by taking grape seed extract regularly. The improved blood circulation benefits the skin health.
4. Promoting Optimized Immune System for Skin:
Grape seed extract contains bioflavonoids and OPC that inhibit allergic reactions from generating skin problems. Grape seed extract has been demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties as a natural antihistamine. People who suffer from skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis, will benefit from regular intake of grape seed extract to relieve their symptoms by helping bring down skin inflammation.
References:
1.Yuan XY, Liu W, et al. Topical grape seed proanthocyandin extract reduces sunburn cells and mutant p53 positive epidermal cell formation, and prevents depletion of Langerhans cells in an acute sunburn model. Photomed Laser Surg. 2012 Jan;30(1):20-5.
† The contents in this website have not been evaluated by the US Food & Drug Administration. Vitaflavan® grape seed extract and FrenchGlory® OPC antioxidants are nutritional supplements, not intended to diagnose, treat, care for or prevent any diseases.
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Anti-aging Benefits of Grape Seed Extract for Skin Health & Beauty
