Introduction
A consistent skincare routine is important for healthy skin maintenance and overall skin health. Poorly treated skin tends to be paler, duller and shows early ageing signs. Thus, implementing a regular skincare routine helps to defend the skin against various environmental factors: pollutants, UV light, and weather conditions. Therefore, healthy skin care habits help to cleanse, hydrate, and nourish the skin, preventing issues like acne, dryness, and premature wrinkles.
To maintain healthy and radiant skin it is necessary not only to treat your skin with cleansing and hydrating cosmetics daily but also with a rich diet. One can even save some money by routinely using skincare products and incorporating certain foods into one’s daily eating ration. One such food is grapes which hold remarkable potential for enhancing skin health. Packed with an array of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and natural compounds, grapes offer a multifaceted approach to boosting skin radiance and vitality. Herein, this article will discuss how grapes can be beneficial for skin health and how to use them to maximise their effects.
Nutritional composition of grapes
Brimming with a variety of essential vitamins, grapes are rich in vitamins C, K, and A, minerals such as potassium and copper, and resveratrol as well as flavonoids which serve as powerful antioxidants.1 Vitamin C is particularly involved in collagen production which directly correlates to improved skin elasticity and health.2 Similarly, vitamin K plays an important role in skin regeneration as it primarily protects collagen from damage.
Additionally, vitamin K is essential for wound healing and the reduction of free radicals in the skin responsible for premature ageing.3 Moreover, together with vitamin A, it acts on the immune system by fighting inflammation, thus reducing skin breakouts. Vitamin A itself is highly responsible for promoting healthy skin appearance and radiance by improving skin hydration.4
Predominant minerals in grapes, potassium, and copper, are inseparable for skin hydration and elasticity. Whereas potassium mainly protects from dehydration, it also can enhance new skin cell production resulting in a more youthful skin appearance.5 Copper, on the other hand, is responsible for new collagen formation and hence skin elasticity.6
In addition to minerals, a variety of antioxidants in grapes fight against oxidative stress within the skin cells produced via crucial metabolic processes. For instance, flavonoids, a big group of different antioxidants found in grapes, act in neutralizing free radicals which are causing oxidative stress.7 Finally, resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant, located in the skin of grapes, and serves as a protectant against UV-induced cell damage. It also helps to brighten, even out the tone, and increase the radiance of the skin.8
Benefits of Grapes for Skin Health and Radiance
Antioxidant properties
Due to the nutritional composition of grapes rich in various antioxidants mentioned above, grapes help combat inflammatory processes within the skin. To clarify, free radicals, which are produced by crucial cell processes, are unstable molecules that can damage cells. These free radicals are unstable due to free electrons available at their outer layer. However, in the presence of antioxidants, they can donate electrons to free radicals and thus render them harmless.9 Hence, by reducing the oxidative stress caused by free radicals, antioxidants help to mitigate inflammation in the body, thereby contributing to overall health and well-being.
The abundance of free radicals in the skin cells, especially in the form of reactive oxygen species, results in the formation of wrinkles and fine lines mainly through four mechanisms.10 First, free radicals break collagen and elastin proteins which leads to reduced skin elasticity and firmness.11
Second, the DNA of the cells can be damaged by free radicals which would result in cells becoming unable to repair and replicate.12 Thus, it will directly lead to skin ageing and wrinkle formation.
Third, free radicals can directly induce inflammation making skin cells more prone to any damage, including the breakdown of collagen and elastin proteins.13
Lastly, an increase in free radicals proportionally reduces the amount of antioxidants. This would lead to an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants known as oxidative stress which would result in cell damage. Consequently, antioxidant intake is pivotal in order to prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of ageing caused by oxidative stress.
Hydration
It is not less important to emphasize antioxidants resveratrol and proanthocyanidins which play a major role in skin protection and nourishment. These compounds aid in strengthening the skin's barrier function, reducing water loss, and promoting moisture retention, resulting in a more hydrated and supple complexion.14 In addition, grapes comprise approximately 80% water, and this high water content contributes directly to skin hydration.15 When consumed as part of a balanced diet, grapes not only provide essential hydration from within but also deliver vitamins and minerals that support overall skin health.
Additionally, the topical application of grape-based skincare products or extracts can help lock in moisture, strengthen the skin's natural barrier, and reduce trans-epidermal water loss, all of which contribute to a more hydrated, supple, and radiant complexion.16
Collagen production
Due to the presence of certain compounds, namely antioxidants, particularly resveratrol and proanthocyanidins, grape consumption can both increase collagen production and help to maintain collagen unbroken. As it was introduced above, grape antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative stress, which can otherwise cause collagen degradation. Moreover, grapes also contain vitamin C, which is an essential element for collagen formation.17
Therefore, grapes, when consumed on a regular basis, can encourage the synthesis of collagen fibres, resulting in healthier and more youthful-looking skin. Incorporating grapes into your diet can be a tasty way to support skin health and maintain a firm and radiant complexion.
Sun protection
Grapes offer natural sun protection for the skin through their rich content of antioxidants, particularly the above-mentioned – resveratrol and proanthocyanidins. These compounds have been shown to mitigate the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can cause skin damage and premature ageing.18 Resveratrol, in particular, helps to reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. Proanthocyanidins contribute to strengthening the skin's natural defence mechanisms. Including grapes in your diet or using grape-based skincare products can provide an extra layer of protection against sunburns which directly influence skin ageing and lost radiance, making them a valuable addition to your overall sun protection regimen.
Skin conditions
In addition to all the above, grapes possess properties that can combat acne and inflammatory processes in skin cells. Their high concentration of antioxidants, such as resveratrol and flavonoids, helps regulate inflammation and reduce redness associated with acne. These compounds have been found to inhibit the activity of inflammatory enzymes and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.19 Additionally, grapes are a good source of vitamins C and E, which can help promote healthy skin by reducing oxidative stress and supporting the skin's natural defence mechanisms. Incorporating grapes into your diet or using grape-based skincare products may assist in alleviating acne and inflammation, contributing to clearer and healthier skin.
How to incorporate grapes into your skincare routine
Dietary consumption
Incorporating grapes into one’s diet is not only simple but also extremely delicious. You can start by adding a handful of grapes to your breakfast porridge or as a mid-morning snack. Grapes can also be a sweet addition to your lunch or as an accompaniment to a cheese platter for a tasty afternoon pick-me-up. Grape juice and smoothies are another convenient way to enjoy their benefits, and you can even freeze grapes for a refreshing, naturally sweet treat. Experiment with various grape varieties and try incorporating them into salads or desserts. By making grapes a regular part of your meals and snacks, you'll not only enhance your daily nutrition but also enjoy their flavourful and health-boosting properties.
Topical applications
Using grapes topically on the skin is another natural and nourishing way to benefit from their skincare properties. To get started, you can crush a few grapes to extract the juice and apply it directly to your skin as a toner or natural astringent. Alternatively, you can create a grape face mask by blending grapes with yoghurt or honey, which can provide hydration and exfoliation. Leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water for a refreshing and revitalizing effect. Grape seed oil, extracted from grape seeds, is also a popular choice for moisturizing, protecting the skin, and enhancing wound healing.20 When used consistently, these grape-based skincare methods can leave your skin feeling smoother and looking more radiant.
Precautions and considerations
While grape consumption and topical use offer various benefits for skin and overall health, there are some precautions and considerations to keep in mind. When consuming grapes, be mindful of portion sizes as they contain natural sugars and calories. For those with allergies, grape allergies are rare but can occur, so it's important to monitor for any adverse reactions. Additionally, grapes can interact with certain medications, so consult with a healthcare professional if you're on specific drugs.
When using grapes topically on the skin, always perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. Grape acids can be too harsh for some individuals, leading to irritation, so it's important to dilute grape juice or other grape-based products when using them on the skin.
Furthermore, grapes are not a substitute for proper sun protection, and sunscreen should still be used when exposed to sunlight. Overall, responsible and moderate use of grapes, both in your diet and as a skincare ingredient, is key to harnessing their benefits while considering individual sensitivities and health conditions.
Summary
In conclusion, the significance of a consistent skincare routine cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining healthy, radiant skin and preventing premature ageing. However, one can go beyond the realm of topical skincare products and turn to nature's bounty for added nourishment. Grapes, with their rich nutritional composition and multifaceted benefits, offer a natural and accessible way to enhance skin health. From their antioxidant properties that combat inflammation and oxidative stress to their role in promoting collagen production and even providing a degree of natural sun protection, grapes can be a valuable addition to your skincare arsenal.
Whether integrated into your diet or used topically, grapes have the potential to contribute to a more hydrated, supple, and youthful complexion. Nevertheless, it's important to exercise caution, considering allergies, potential interactions with medications, and skin sensitivities when using grapes. Overall, grapes exemplify the harmonious union of holistic skincare practices and dietary choices, offering a delectable and health-boosting approach to achieving and maintaining vibrant skin.
References
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- Linus Pauling Institute. ‘Vitamin C and Skin Health’, 7 November 2016. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C.
- Tang, Saiqing, Zhen Ruan, Axue Ma, Dong Wang, and Jiushe Kou. ‘Effect of Vitamin K on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Preclinical Studies’. Frontiers in Pharmacology 13 (2 December 2022): 1063349. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1063349.
- Roche, Fritzlaine C., and Tamia A. Harris-Tryon. ‘Illuminating the Role of Vitamin A in Skin Innate Immunity and the Skin Microbiome: A Narrative Review’. Nutrients 13, no. 2 (21 January 2021): 302. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020302.
- Haftek, Marek, Rawad Abdayem, and Pascale Guyonnet-Debersac. ‘Skin Minerals: Key Roles of Inorganic Elements in Skin Physiological Functions’. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23, no. 11 (3 June 2022): 6267. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23116267.
- Borkow, Gadi. ‘Using Copper to Improve the Well-Being of the Skin’. Current Chemical Biology 8, no. 2 (August 2014): 89–102. https://doi.org/10.2174/2212796809666150227223857.
- Georgiev, Vasil, Anthony Ananga, and Violeta Tsolova. ‘Recent Advances and Uses of Grape Flavonoids as Nutraceuticals’. Nutrients 6, no. 1 (21 January 2014): 391–415. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6010391.
- Ndiaye, Mary, Carol Philippe, Hasan Mukhtar, and Nihal Ahmad. ‘The Grape Antioxidant Resveratrol for Skin Disorders: Promise, Prospects, and Challenges’. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 508, no. 2 (15 April 2011): 164–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2010.12.030.
- Pham-Huy, Lien Ai, Hua He, and Chuong Pham-Huy. ‘Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health’. International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS 4, no. 2 (June 2008): 89–96. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/.
- Papaccio, Federica, Andrea D′Arino, Silvia Caputo, and Barbara Bellei. ‘Focus on the Contribution of Oxidative Stress in Skin Aging’. Antioxidants 11, no. 6 (6 June 2022): 1121. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11061121.
- Baumann, Leslie, Eric F Bernstein, Anthony S Weiss, Damien Bates, Shannon Humphrey, Michael Silberberg, and Robert Daniels. ‘Clinical Relevance of Elastin in the Structure and Function of Skin’. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Open Forum 3, no. 3 (14 May 2021): ojab019. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojab019.
- Poljšak, Borut, and Raja Dahmane. ‘Free Radicals and Extrinsic Skin Aging’. Dermatology Research and Practice 2012 (2012): 135206. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/135206.
- Silva, Silas Arandas Monteiro e, Bozena Michniak-Kohn, and Gislaine Ricci Leonardi. ‘An Overview about Oxidation in Clinical Practice of Skin Aging’. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 92, no. 3 (2017): 367–74. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175481.
- Schagen, Silke K., Vasiliki A. Zampeli, Evgenia Makrantonaki, and Christos C. Zouboulis. ‘Discovering the Link between Nutrition and Skin Aging’. Dermato-Endocrinology 4, no. 3 (1 July 2012): 298–307. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22876.
- Dharmadhikari, M. (no date) Composition of grapes - Iowa State University Extension and outreach. Available at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/wine/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/compositionofgrapes.pdf (Accessed: 27 October 2023).
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