It’s Not Just for Cooking: Topical Benefits of Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is known best for its use in cooking. It’s got similar properties to vegetable oil, but instead of being bad for you, there are a few health benefits. There aren’t a ton of nutrients in grapeseed oil though it does contain omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E. The vitamin E content is why this popular oil is also used for skincare or massage.
What is Grapeseed Oil?
Grapeseed oil is exactly what it sounds like, an oil that comes from the seeds of grapes. The seeds are a byproduct created from winemaking. Making grapeseed oil from these leftover seeds is a great way to utilize all parts of the grapes instead of just throwing them away.
Technology has come a long way and grapeseed oil is now much easier to extract from the seeds. This is done by crushing the seeds and combining them with hexane in order to get more oil. Hexane is a toxic solvent but it is completely removed from the oil when the process is complete. Even though it’s removed, some people don’t like the idea that toxic hexane has touched something that they’ll eat or put on their skin.
Thankfully there is an alternative. Researchers have come up with nontoxic alternatives to extracting with hexane. Look for grapeseed oil that’s cold-pressed or expeller-pressed. These methods don’t use hexane or high heat, something that can oxidize the oil which can make it go bad.
What are the benefits of grapeseed oil? One study compared antioxidants contained in grapes and its by-products. This included leaves, skin, wine, and seeds. Results showed that the seeds had the highest level of antioxidants, particularly when it came to the body being able to absorb them (bioavailability). It was also found that grape seeds and grapeseed oil contain high amounts of polyphenols. Polyphenols work like antioxidants and can combat environmental harm such as UV damage and pollution.
Grapeseed Oil for Skin and Hair
Grapeseed oil is sometimes used as an ingredient in beauty products because it contains high levels of vitamin E. Free radicals, along with sun, wind, and pollution can cause damage to your skin. These factors all negatively contribute to the aging process so ingesting or applying grapeseed oil can help to improve your skin and cut down on inflammation due to the vitamin E.
The Linus Pauling Institute has concluded that omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are helpful when it comes to skin. The omega-6 fatty acids in grapeseed oil are important for skin barrier functioning. The main omega-6 in grapeseed oil is linolenic acid, a fatty acid may help reduce inflammation in the skin’s middle and outer layers.
Grapeseed oil is also used to:
Moisturize skin
Heal acne
Tighten pores
Brighten skin
Reduce the appearance of scars
The scalp can also benefit from grapeseed oil. A healthy scalp can lead to healthier hair. For example, if you have dandruff or flaky skin caused by a dry scalp, applying emollient grapeseed oil to your scalp can help loosen dead skin and restore moisture. It is also lightweight and does not make the hair feel greasy or weighed down.
Use of Grapeseed Oil for Massage
Every Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) has their favorite oils and lotions for use on their clients and many of these oils have their pros and cons. LMTs are tasked with selecting oils that are safe, hypoallergenic, and suitable for the needs of all of their clients.
Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its moisturizing properties and pleasant aroma. LMTs will usually choose coconut oil that has been fractionated and had certain components removed so that it doesn’t harden and turn white. Even though fractionated coconut oil remains liquid at room temperature it lacks some of the nourishing properties as the unrefined variety.
Any massage oil that contains parabens should be avoided. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), parabens are “a family of related chemicals that are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products” and may be used to “prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.” There are research studies that show exposure to parabens in personal care products may stimulate the growth of cancer cells. One study cited parabens as known “endocrine disrupting chemicals” and linked them to increased susceptibility to breast cancer. Parbens include methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben among others. An LMT should avoid using products with any of those ingredients listed in an oil or lotion.
Any oil made from nuts should also be avoided due to the potential for allergens. Most nut based oils such as sweet almond oil are said to be non-allergenic, but people have had a reaction, so it’s best to avoid any risk. Heavily fragranced oils can also be a turn off to clients. Sesame oil is one that has great benefits but the smell can be a turn off for some people.
The LMTs at Water House Wellness use grapeseed oil. It’s odorless, non-greasy, and the molecules are small enough that the skin absorbs the oils so it doest just sit on the skin’s surface.
Grapeseed oil leaves the skin feeling glossy and soft. It has many nutritional benefits for the skin thanks to its high content of linoleic acid, one of the essential fatty acids. Grapeseed is the carrier oil of choice for many people who prepare their own oil fusions. Not only is it basically fragrance-free, but it also absorbs very well and can help to transfer the benefits of essential oils through the skin with ease.
Grapeseed oil is a little pricier than many other oils, there is a distinct silky feeling after a grapeseed oil massage. It’s excellent for undiluted use or for mixing with other ingredients such as essential oils. It also penetrates your skin barrier quickly and doesn’t leave it oily. It’s great for moisturizing all skin types (even oily) and it doesn’t clog pores. There are no side effects when using grapeseed oil, but anyone allergic to grapes should avoid it.
Water House Wellness owner and LMT, Kelli has strong feelings about why she uses grapeseed oil in her practice, “It’s edible and nontoxic which is one of the most important factors to me. Many providers want to use gels and lotions that have hundreds of ingredients and I always encourage them to just use oil.”
The grapeseed massage oil used by Water House Wellness is organic and cold pressed, meaning that toxins have never been used in its production. We understand that this is important to many of our members and clients.
If you want to see what grapeseed oil can do for your skin, or if you just want a premium massage, book an appointment with one of our LMTs today. Call 339-707-0476 or simply book online using our convenient link. We look forward to providing you with the best service possible soon!
